MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Tom McDonald of the Demons handballs during a Melbourne Demons AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock on May 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Byes are right around the corner, and clubs will be looking to use the incoming week's break to refresh their list and pounce into good form for the back-end of the season.

With Round 11 in our sights, here's who could be in the mix for selection for the weekend.

For all listed injuries, visit our INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS page.

Jones inching closer to AFL return 

Harrison Jones is expected to make his AFL return this weekend after being named in Essendon's side to face Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

The young forward is yet to play a game in 2022 after suffering from ongoing ankle injuries but has trained strongly over the last month, with Essendon coach Ben Rutten confirming the 21-year-old is likely to return should he get through training.

"We need to get him back on the track, build him up making sure we want to get him back for the rest of the season," Rutten said

"This week it's probably likely he will come back in, but we have to get through training.

"He's done everything he needs to over the past month."

Demons forward to miss Freo clash 

Tom McDonald is set to miss Melbourne's Saturday afternoon clash against Fremantle with an ankle complaint, though is expected to return in Round 12.

Alan Richardson, Melbourne's GM of AFL Football Performance, confirmed that the key forward would be watching the anticipated clash from the sidelines.

"Tom has some ankle soreness, which meant he wasn’t able to get through our final training session this morning," Richardson told club media.

"We will monitor Tom over the next few days, but at this stage, we’re hopeful he will be available next week.”

Sam Weideman has joined the starting 22 in McDonald's place, with Mitch Brown added to the emergency list.

Thursday May 26 ....

Second Swan to debut

Sydney appears set to blood their second debutant for the 2022 season, with the news hard-nosed midfielder Matt Roberts is set to be included for Sydney's Round 11 clash with the Tigers on Friday night.

The South Australian made his way to the Harbour City with the 34th pick of the 2021 National Draft after carving out a sound resume at both SANFL senior and reserves levels with South Adelaide.

Reports of the midfielder's inclusion first arose following a tweet from News Corp's Marc McGowan.

The Langhorne Creek product will join Angus Sheldrick as Sydney's only cygnets to have earned a start during their debut season.

Given Roberts is listed as a 184cm and 84kg ball-winner who holds the ability to float forward and impact the scoreboard, it is clear that even at this early stage, the 18-year-old fits John Longmire's offensive mold

Returning Saint placed in COVID protocols

St Kilda have suffered their second selection setback of the week due to AFL's health and safety protocols, with defensive onballer Hunter Clark understood to be placed in isolation.

According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, Clark will join forward Jack Higgins in COVID protocols ahead of the club's matchup with North Melbourne on Sunday.

Clark has been pushing for his first game of the season after battling a shoulder injury sustained in the pre-season, having pieced together a strong run of form in the VFL with Sandringham.

The setback will see Clark have to wait until Round 13 at the earliest for his return, with St Kilda scheduled to have their bye next week.

Like Clark, Ryan Byrnes has pieced together a strong stint in the VFL and could be in line for a call-up to Brett Ratten's side for this weekend with Clark now out of the picture.

Giants weigh up multiple changes for Brisbane bout

Greater Western Sydney will welcome defender Lachie Ash back from illness, while the likes of Nick Haynes and Braydon Preuss remain a test ahead of selection.

The trio were all ruled out of last week's win over the Eagles due to the sickness, with the Giants having made a total of nine changes for the Round 10 encounter.

Ahead of Saturday's clash with Brisbane, GWS assistant Amon Buchanan confirmed Ash's inclusion, however the certainty of returns for Preuss and Haynes wasn't as clear.

Should Preuss return, Buchanan flagged his side could return to pairing the journeyman with fellow ruckman Matt Flynn to combat the Lions' aerial dominance.

Buchanan also confirmed Harry Himmelberg is likely to retain his place in Mark McVeigh's back six for this weekend.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - SEPTEMBER 08: Harrison Himmelberg of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the GWS Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground on September 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Midfield duo Tim Taranto (back) and Lachie Whitfield (ankle) will remain sidelined and will gain extra rest from next week's bye.

Wednesday, May 25...

Demons to make midfield shuffle, late call on winger

Melbourne will welcome back Jack Viney for this weekend's matchup against Fremantle.

Viney was a late withdrawal from his side's win over North Melbourne due to a hamstring issue, having been replaced in Simon Goodwin's sid eby Luke Dunstan.

Goodwin confirmed midweek that the premiership onballer will return to Demons' 22, while the certainty of Ed Langdon's selection isn't as secure.

Langdon suffered a rib injury after being on the end of a crunching tackle that forced him out of the Round 10 win over the Roos, with Goodwin stating the wingman will be given until the final hour to prove his fitness this weekend.

Saturday's clash with the Dockers may see Langdon line up against his former side, with the two clubs both set to compete deep into the 2022 season.

Dogs lock in ruckman, small forward a chance

The Western Bulldogs will welcome the return of ruckman Tim English for this weekend's matchup with the Eagles.

English has missed the past month with hamstring and illness setbacks, with emerging tall Jordon Sweet stepping in as his replacement in recent weeks.

Dogs senior coach Luke Beveridge didn't rule out a partnership of Sweet and English to take on West Coast, with the former having impressed in his short stint at AFL level.

Tim English and Luke Jackson during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Beveridge has also flagged livewire forward Cody Weightman could make his return from a broken collarbone sustained against Port Adelaide in Round 8, while Taylor Duryea is also in the frame after overcoming an illness.

Duryea's likely return could see first-year backman Luke Cleary shuffled out of Beveridge's side for this weekend.

Crows veteran to miss Cats clash under H&S protocols

Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has reportedly been placed under AFL health and safety protocols, according to 7 News' Theo Doropoulos.

The required isolation will see the veterans spearhead miss Saturday's match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

The Crows are likely to be without fellow forward Josh Rachele due to a corked thigh sustained in Round 10, while ruckman Reilly O'Brien firms as a potential inclusion after a dominant run in the reserves following his axing two weeks ago.

Doropoulos has flagged that O'Brien has trained with the senior side this week, while midfielder Matt Crouch remains outside of the main group.

Recruit Jordan Dawson has been cleared to face the Cats after suffering an eardrum injury in the past week.

Giants star in doubt, midfield gun set to miss again

Greater Western Sydney star Lachie Whitfield remains a doubtful chance to feature in Saturday's clash with Brisbane.

Whitfield was ruled out of last week's win over West Coast due to an ankle issue, with the club tasting their best and fairest winner is still required to prove his fitness ahead of Round 11.

Fellow midfielder Tim Taranto has been ruled out of a return after being a late out in Round 10 due to a back injury, while Lachie Ash, Braydon Preuss and Nick Haynes are all expected to return from illness.

Both Taranto and first-year midfielder Finn Callaghan are listed to be another week away from returning to Mark McVeigh's side.

Blue cleared to continue comeback trail, forward a test

Luckless Carlton defender Caleb Marchbank has been cleared of any serious damage to his knee following an incident in Sunday's VFL hitout against Sandringham.

Having been placed on a long path back from multiple ACL setbacks, fresh fears sparked for the former Giant when he suffered a knock to his knee on the weekend and did not play out the match.

The Blues have since confirmed that Marchbank has avoided serious damage to his knee, and will be further assessed in the coming days.

Marchbank remains a chance to play against the Northern Bullants on Sunday, but could be rested and return after the club's Round 11 bye.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Caleb Marchbank of the Blues kicks the ball but misses during the round 18 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at Etihad Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

The Blues will be hopeful to see Marchbank back in their AFL side in 2022, having had their defensive stocks hampered with injury across the course of the year.

Meanwhile, Jack Martin is a test to feature against Collingwood this week after recovering from a calf injury, while Jack Newnes will also need to prove his fitness after battling with soreness.

Tuesday, May 24...

Saint placed in H&S protocols 

St Kilda forward Jack Higgins will have to wait for his return from concussion after being forced to enter AFL health and safety protocols.

The lively forward missed his side's win over Adelaide on Saturday after suffering a head knock against Geelong the week prior, having been forced to undergo the required 12 days out of action.

The concussion was Higgins' second of the season, hampering a strong start to the 2022 season for the former Tiger, who has booted 16 goals from eight games.

The 23-year-old was in line to return to Brett Ratten's side for their upcoming clash with North Melbourne on Sunday, however will miss due to the league's COVID policies, the cliubn confirmed on Tuersday.

The Saints are set to weigh up a number of potential changes for this weekend, with young duo Hunter Clark and Ryan Byrnes pressing their case for a reprieve with strong form in the VFL.

St Kilda recorded no injuries in their win over Adelaide.

Adelaide rookie a test for Cats clash

Young Crows forward Josh Rachele will need to prove his fitness in the coming days ahead of Saturday's matchup with Geelong at Kardinia Park.

Rachele suffered a corked thigh in his side's Round 10 loss to St Kilda and was subsequently subbed out of the match in the final term.

On Tuesday the club confirmed their top draftee would need to pass fitness tests at training to be in line for this weekend.

“Josh sustained a reasonable quad cork and he’ll be managed this week and we’ll see how he goes,” Crows high performance manager Darren Burgess said.

“We’ll give him every chance to come up for the weekend, he will do a modified session on Wednesday and give him every chance to train on Friday and play on Saturday.”

The Crows could look to make several changes this week after recording four-straight losses, with past best and fairest winners Reilly O'Brien and Matt Crouch both dominating in the reserves on the weekend.

Monday, May 23...

Lions to gain forward, but Joe still sidelined

Brisbane are set to receive a boost this week with key forward Daniel McStay likely to make his return to action against GWS on Saturday.

McStay sustained an injury to his ankle against West Coast in Round 8, causing him to miss the last two games as a result.

He'll need to make it through the Lions' Thursday training session unscathed in order to be considered to for the Gabba game.

The Lions are still set to be without Joe Daniher, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old is expected to make a return to action in around three weeks, potentially lining him up to return for Brisbane’s Round 13 matchup against the Saints.

Hawks' ruck worry ahead of NT trip 

Hawthorn are likely to be without all three of their ruckman for this weekend's clash with the Suns after young tall Max Lynch underwent and failed a concussion test.

Sam Mitchell is already without Ned Reeves (shoulder) and Ben McEvoy (neck) through injury, with Lynch adding to the club's casualty ward.

Lynch suffered a worrying head knock late in the win over the Lions, with the former magpie playing no further part in the game.

According to AFL.com.au, Lynch failed a concussion test on Monday and has been ruled out of the trip to face Gold Coast at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

The Hawks have no other listed ruckman on their list, with Jacob Koschitzke and Connor Nash likely to be relied on in the middle.

Cavalry returning for Bevo's Bulldogs 

The Western Bulldogs are anticipating the return of several key names ahead of their trip to face West Coast on Saturday.

Duo Tim English and Taylor Duryea will return after a bout of illness, while defender Jason Johannisen is hoping to be back in the frame after battling his own illness and a calf injury.

“Taylor and Tim were able to complete a game like training session on the weekend,” Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell told the club's website.

“Both players are back to full energy and knocking down the door to be considered this week.”

“If both get through training this week like I expect, both will return to availability.”

Jason Johannisen is a day or two behind (with a similar illness) but has turned the corner and is back into a full training model.”

Young forward Cody Weightman is progressing quicker than expected in his recovery from a broken collarbone sustained in Round 8 against Port Adelaide.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Cody Weightman of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal during the round 16 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on July 04, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The Bulldogs livewire will face further tests this week in hope of

“Cody has progressed faster than expected following his collarbone fracture,” Bell said.

“He has regained full function and strength of his shoulder and the surgeon is happy with his progress.

“He still needs to tick some boxes throughout this week and get through a solid main training session on Wednesday before we decide if he returns to availability this weekend.”

The Bulldogs recorded no casualties in their win over the Suns on Saturday, prompting further pressure at selection for Luke Beveridge.

Positive signs for hamstrung Tiger 

Richmond are expected to be buoyed by the results of Tom Lynch's hamstring scans, with the ailment reportedly not as damaging as initially feared.

Lynch had his night end early after suffering the injury in Saturday's win over Essendon, sparking fresh fears for the in-form spearhead.

According to SEN's Sam Edmund, the Richmond forward is unlikely to spend an extended period on the sidelines with the setback.

The news comes at a critical time in Richmond's season, with the Tigers to face the Swans, Power, Blues and Cats in the coming month, as well as a bye in Round 12.

Lynch is expected to be sidelined for Friday's meeting with the Swans, with Damien Hardwick sure to look toward potential forward reinforcements.

Small forward Sydney Stack had a field day for the Tigers’ VFL side, with three goals and 17 disposals, while Noah Cumberland was almost equal to him with three goals and 16 disposals of his own.

The Tigers are likely to welcome Jack Graham back into their side, while veteran midfielder Kane Lambert is anticipated to miss due to a hip complaint.

Saint and Crow among reserves standouts 

A return for Hunter Clark is more than likely as the classy midfielder took over for Sandringham in the VFL. Clark gathered a solid 28 disposals, with 14 kicks and 14 handballs.

Ryan Byrnes also put in a more than solid shift with a game-high 30 disposals, putting his name up for selection.

Charlie Dixon is another name who stood up in the reserves, with a return for the big forward definitely on the cards after yet another solid performance for Port Adelaide in the SANFL.

Dixon booted three goals while managing 16 possessions and four marks, and will likely make his return for the first team in the coming weeks.

Xavier Duursma also put his hand up for a recall, with a best on ground performance consisting of 29 disposals and two goals likely to get his name back into the first team after being dropped in Round 9.

Gold Coast midfielder Charlie Constable at training, 2022 (Image source: Suns Media via Instagram)

Charlie Constable put on an eye-catching performance for the Suns in the VFL. The off-season recruit managed an impressive 35 disposals in the Suns’ 25 point win against Footscray.

2020 number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was a standout for the losing team, kicking three goals alongside 12 disposals.

Reilly O'Brien is the last of the big names to have standout weeks in the reserves. O’Brien took over for Adelaide on the SANFL with an incredible 37 disposals, 42 hit-outs, 11 marks, 13 clearances and a goal. Matt Crouch also put up impressive numbers with 35 disposals and seven clearances.

Options aplenty for Swans' Kennedy void

The Swans will look to replace star midfielder Josh Kennedy this week after the veteran suffered a serious hamstring injury in attempting a late spoil on Carlton defender Sam Docherty.

The late spoil also resulted in Kennedy’s elbow making contact with Docherty’s head, putting him under report, with the tribunal ruling a one-week suspension. The injury and suspension combination will ensure the veteran will face an extended period of time on the sidelines.

James Rowbottom will return to the side after sitting out the Carlton clash due to receiving a one-game suspension during Sydney’s Round 9 match against Essendon.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Luke Parker and James Rowbottom of the Swans team leave the field after victory during the AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Sydney Swans and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GIANTS Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Ryan Clarke is one name putting his hand up for a return to action after recording 36 disposals, eight makes and four tackles for the Swans' VFL side, while Joel Amartey’s four-goal effort is also unlikely to go unnoticed. Sam Reid also impressed with a solid 14 marks and two goals.

Ben Ronke put up a solid performance himself with 22 disposals and two goals, while Robbie Fox, Dylan Stephens and Lewis Taylor were among the leading ball winners, meaning the Swans lack no options in terms of a Kennedy replacement.