Jake Stringer is set to come into Essendon's senior lineup after getting through another practice match hit out over the weekend, while Geelong star Mitch Duncan got more minutes into his legs after injury ruined his pre-season.
Via the VFL, State Leagues or practice matches, AFL players who are not in the senior team are doing everything they can to catch the eye of their coach.
Sporting News investigates which players have put their hands up for selection in AFL round three.
Adelaide
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Adelaide (SANFL)
Adelaide 11.8 (74) lost to Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) (Practice match - Fri Mar 26)
After missing senior selection for the first two rounds of the season, Darcy Fogarty impressed in role split between inside midfield and the forward 50.
He may put pressure on Billy Frampton's role in the senior side, with the key forward only taking two marks and grabbing seven disposals against the Swans.
Small forward Tariek Newchurch looked dangerous in a small forward role and although he didn't kick a goal, showed he could be up for senior selection at some point this season.
Brisbane
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Brisbane (VFL)
Did not play because of COVID restrictions
Carlton
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Carlton (VFL)
No VFL practice match scheduled
Mattrew Cottrell , Matthew Kennedy and Liam Stocker must all be close to selection with Carlton's midfield looking second rate against Collingwood.
Eddie Betts could also be in the frame as the Blues look to get their first win of the AFL season against Fremantle on Sunday.
Pick no.41 from the 2020 draft, Jack Carroll , has been impressing in practice matches and training also.
Collingwood
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Collingwood (VFL)
No VFL practice match scheduled
Chris Mayne 's recovery from concussion is complete and coach Nathan Buckley intimated that it would likely be a choice between the veteran and youngster Nathan Murphy for selection against the Lions on Thursday night.
Jamie Elliott's injury could see Oliver Henry return to the team as a forward option, while Levi Greenwood could be considered as tagging option for Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.
Trey Ruscoe finished with a goal against Carlton as the medical sub and could be picked in the senior team from the start.
Essendon
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Essendon (VFL)
Essendon 7.3 (45) lost to Footscray 16.14 (108) (Practice match - Sat Mar 27)
With four-to-five injuries out of the AFL thrashing against Port Adelaide, Essendon will be looking to give senior opportunities to several players for this week's match against St Kilda.
Jake Stringer is a certainty to be selected after getting through Saturday's practice match, while utility Matt Guelfi was among the best players in the same game.
No.9 draft pick Archie Perkins is also in the selection discussion after another solid hitout, while rookie ruckman Nick Bryan will be looked at as Sam Draper's replacement.
David Zaharakis returned from injury as well but it might be a bit early for him to be picked in the senior side.
Fremantle
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
No WAFL practice match
The Dockers won't be looking to make wholesale changes after a comprehensive win over the Giants and with the reserves having no match over the weekend.
There will likely need to be a replacement for the concussed Nat Fyfe however, with forward Josh Treacy the most likely option at this stage.
Intercept defender Taylin Duman is also still out of the senior team despite an impressive season last year.
Geelong
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Geelong (VFL)
Geelong 21.9 (141) defeated Port Melbourne 10.7 (67) (Practice match - Sat Mar 27)
Patrick Dangerfield was the headline act but the Brownlow Medallist is still suspended for two more AFL matches.
Mitch Duncan got through a half of football but he is no certainty to get selected for Easter Monday against Hawthorn - and could get more minutes in the reserves.
Another top performance from draftee Max Holmes has pushed his case for selection, while Zach Guthrie responded to his omission from the senior side, and Darcy Fort, Josh Jenkins and Brad Close were also among the best.
Gold Coast
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Gold Coast (VFL)
Gold Coast 15.3 (93) defeated Southport Sharks 6.11 (47) (Practice match - Sat Mar 27)
Several Suns with senior experience are pushing for selection but might find it hard to squeeze in after the AFL belting of North Melbourne.
Rebound defender Jarrod Harbrow was best for the Suns in the VFL practice match, while Caleb Graham also performed strongly.
Forward Josh Corbett kicked three goals, while Brayden Fiorini and Jacob Townsend chipped in with two majors.
GWS
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: GWS (VFL)
No information available on practice match
The Giants will be looking to swing the changes after a second consecutive AFL defeat to start the season with Tom Green, Xavier O'Halloran and Connor Idun all in the frame to be selected after being dropped following round one.
Hawthorn
STATE LEAGUE AFFILATE: BOX HILL (VFL)
Box Hill 12.6 (78) lost to Richmond 12.16 (88) (Practice match - Sun Mar 28)
Mitch Lewis continued to bang down the door for senior selection with four of his team's 12 goals for the match.
Draftee Connor Downie was among the best players as he continued the solid start to life as a Hawk.
Denver Grainger-Barras has had his senior debut put on the backburner after hyperextending his knee.
Melbourne
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Casey Demons (VFL)
Casey Demons 12.9 (81) defeated North Melbourne 11.7 (73) (Practice match - Sat Mar 27)
The 2-0 Demons won't be looking to swing too many changes but experienced flanker Jake Melksham could force his way in after getting through more minutes following his return from a hamstring strain.
Majak Daw looked solid up forward as he settles in to his new club, while small forwards Toby Bedford and Kade Chandler looked lively.
Rebounding defender Michael Hibberd also provided solid drive out of defence.
North Melbourne
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: North Melbourne (VFL)
North Melbourne 11.7 (73) lost to Casey Demons 12.9 (81) (Practice match - Sat Mar 27)
The long-awaited return of Ben Cunnington is pencilled in for the Good Friday match, with North looking for a boost after two consecutive beltings to start the AFL season.
Former Magpie Atu Bosenavulagi is impressing in a half back role and could be in the frame for senior selection, while Aaron Hall responded well to being dropped.
The club's top draft pick, Will Phillips, got through his first match for the club but will likely get more minutes in the reserves before being considered to make his debut,
Tall options Tristian Xerri and Tom Campbell performed solidly and could be used in the senior team through the ruck and forward areas.
Port Adelaide
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
Port Adelaide 13.11 (89) defeated Adelaide 11.8 (74) (Practice match - Fri Mar 26)
After being named an emergency for the senior team, Boyd Woodcock looked lively up in his dangerous forward role.
Mid-sized forward Dylan Williams kicked three goals as he put his hand up for a senior debut in his second year on the list.
A pair of famous surnames - Jake Weidemann and Trent Burgoyne - also kicked some classy majors as Port showcased their depth.
Richmond
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Richmond (VFL)
Richmond 12.16 (88) defeated Box Hill 12.6 (78) (Practice match - Sun Mar 28)
After kicking three goals in the practice match last week, Callum Coleman-Jones continued his impressive form with four of Richmond's 12 goals.
However the tall forward/ruck won't be available until round five because of a suspension due to his COVID breach last season.
Mabior Chol put in a solid performance in his ruck/forward role, while Maurice Rioli provided some bright spots in attack.
St Kilda
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Sandringham (VFL)
Sandringham v Werribee - no details of the match available
Brad Crouch will likely come straight into the Saints senior line-up, while Jake Carlisle is still yet to crack it for a senior game in 2021.
Luke Dunstan could also be considered as a midfield option with the senior Saints struggling around the stoppages against the Demons.
Sydney
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Sydney (VFL)
Played a practice match on Saturday March 27
Will Hayward got through the hit out as he works his way back from injury, whle Dylan Stephens is also endeavouring to get back into the senior team.
Sam Gray and Ryan Clarke are two players who are performing solidly in the twos, while Lewis Melican is also an option for the in-form Swans senior line-up.
West Coast
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: West Coast (WAFL)
West Coast 7.11 (53) lost to East Fremantle 15.9 (99) (Practice match - Fri Mar 26)
Jarrod Brander kicked two goals as he continues to make a case for a senior spot, while omitted small forward Jack Petruccelle responded with a single major.
Small forward livewire Isaiah Winder again looked dynamite splitting his time between attack and midfield.
Rookie pick Zane Trew enjoyed another solid game as he continues to build a case for an upgrade to the senior list this season.
Western Bulldogs
STATE LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Footscray (VFL)
Footscray 16.14 (108) defeated Essendon 7.3 (45) (Practice match - Sat Mar 27)
Experienced defenders Easton Wood and Jason Johannisen continued to firm for senior selection despite the brilliant form of their senior team.
Ben Cavarra kicked four goals in a dynamite forward performance, while Lin Jong and Cody Weightmann were also good contributors.
A thumb injury forced no.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan out of the match early - but he is not expected to miss too many games. 
