THE Western Bulldogs admit they’re tempted to unleash a prized recruit, while Hawthorn could welcome back a forgotten big man for the first time in nearly 650 days.

Plus a superstar Giant is set to return, while the Swans could go big against the Lions.

Every AFL club’s team whispers for Round 10 in AFL Early Mail!

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SCHACHE ATTACK COULD BE UNLEASHED

THE Western Bulldogs are tempted to unleash prized recruit Josh Schache on Friday night after an encouraging run of form in the VFL.

Schache, the No. 2 pick at the 2015 draft, has been made to work hard for an opportunity at AFL level since switching from Brisbane at the end of last season after battling well-documented homesickness.

Despite the Dogs’ troubles this season — Luke Beveridge’s side is 13th with a 4-5 record — they’ve resisted the temptation to press the tall forward into AFL service.

But that could change as early as Friday night’s clash against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, after kicking three goals in the VFL at the weekend for the third game in a row.

“He’s had some good weeks, but the last two in particular he’s been able to hit the scoreboard and cause a few headaches. So we’ll definitely consider him for Friday night,” Beveridge said.

“He had a minor calf injury and we probably didn’t give him a really good look at it in the pre-season. There was a bit of competition there with the bigger guys.

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Josh Schache of the Bulldogs. Source: Getty Images

“After he came back from that calf he’s just built into a bit of form and his match fitness has probably improved over the course of the last month or so. Now he’s pressing for selection just purely on form.”

Even if he does breakthrough for a club debut in the coming weeks, the Dogs are taking a long-term view with the 199cm forward.

FORGOTTEN HAWK COULD RETURN

LUCKLESS and forgotten Hawthorn ruckman Jonathon Ceglar is in the mix to play his first senior match in nearly two years.

Ceglar is in selection contention for Sunday’s clash against the West Coast Eagles — the team his last AFL game was against in Round 22, 2016 due to a serious knee injury.

Fellow Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy endorsed Ceglar, who’s played three straight VFL games, during his mid-week press conference.

“It is a bit of a daunting task looking at (the Eagles’) line-up on your own, but I’ll leave that up to the match committee,” McEvoy said.

“(Jon) played really well last week, so it’s awesome for him. It’s been a pretty tough 18 months, so it’s great to see him back up and about.”

Premiership forward Ryan Schoenmakers continues to press for selection, while the injury-plagued Brendan Whitecross and Kieren Lovell were also strong in Box Hill’s 38-point win in the VFL.

Hawthorn's Jonathon Ceglar. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

GIANTS SUPERSTAR IN THE MIX

GWS playmaker Josh Kelly is in line to return to the senior team for the first time since Round 3, but will need to complete training on Wednesday.

The Giants are planning a punishing main session this week as coach Leon Cameron deals with three consecutive defeats. The smooth-moving Kelly is well-placed to play against Essendon but cannot afford any hiccup with his troublesome groin.

He won’t be joined by Toby Greene though, who is still at least a week away from availability following a foot complaint. Ditto for Brett Deledio.

As discussed On The Couch, GWS’ primary issue at the moment is ball movement, an area Kelly will undoubtedly aid if he completes Wednesday’s gruelling session and recovers on Thursday.

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All the team news …

COLLINGWOOD v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday 25 May, 7.50pm at Etihad Stadium

The Magpies’ injury concerns continue to deepen, but Nathan Buckley’s men continue to find a way to win. As flagged above, it looks certain that there’ll be one forced change, with Alex Fasolo set for a stint on the sidelines. Son of a gun Josh Daicos could be in line for a senior recall, while Chris Mayne, Jarryd Blair and Rupert Wills are all pressing for senior selection.

The Western Bulldogs will more than likely make more than one changed, forced or not. The Bulldogs only kicked two goals in Friday night’s shocker against Adelaide. Tory Dickson (hamstring) is one of the club’s most efficient forwards, but he’s still a week away from a return. But former Lion and No. 2 draft pick Josh Schache could be considered for a Dogs debut, after kicking three goals for Footscray in the VFL.

RICHMOND v ST KILDA

Saturday 26 May, 1.45pm at the MCG

Tigers youngsters Connor Menadue, Oleg Markov and Corey Ellis were all superb in the VFL and may squeeze their way into Richmond’s side, after it suffered a 47-point defeat against West Coast. Energetic draftee Jack Higgins was a late change and may also be included, while premiership defender Brandon Ellis hasn’t played a senior match since he was axed in Round 6. However Dion Prestia still isn’t fit to play, meaning he’ll miss a third straight game.

Jake Carlisle (concussion) will return for the struggling Saints, who haven’t won a match since Round 1. He’ll more than likely be a straight swap for defender Nathan Brown (leg). Brandon White racked up 35 touches for Sandringham in the VFL and will also come into calculations.

BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday 26 May, 4.35pm at the Gabba

Fresh off a big win over Hawthorn, coach Chris Fagan will be ever so tempted to stick to his winning formula. However, there were some outstanding performances in Brisbane’s NEAFL win over Redland, with Josh Walker and Connor Ballenden combining for 11 goals.

As aforementioned, Sydney could tinker with its defensive structures in order to combat the Lions’ tall timber. Lewis Melican (hamstring) is closing in on a return, but may do so via the NEAFL, which could open the door for one of Harry Marsh or Aliir Aliir to play. Daniel Robinson has been in and out of the side all season and will give selectors something to think about again, after racking up 38 touches against Southport in the NEAFL. Zak Jones will play, after being cleared of concussion.

GEELONG CATS v CARLTON

Saturday 26 May, 7.25pm at GMHBA Stadium

The Cats will be crossing their fingers and toes for the return of some key players, including Scott Selwood (back), Esava Ratugolea (managed) and Brandan Parfitt (foot). Chris Scott’s side is coming off what can only be described as an anomaly of a performance, going down to Essendon by 34 points. Gary Ablett was underwhelming, but will hold his spot. However, the likes of Jordan Murdoch, Cory Gregson and George Horlin-Smith could be in trouble.

Carlton is also coming off a hiding and the winds of change must be blowing at Princes Park. There are questions marks over Marc Murphy (foot), but Charlie Curnow (quad), Ed Curnow (suspension), Caleb Marchank (ankle) and David Cuningham (hamstring) could all come back in. Jacob Weitering’s time in the VFL could also be over.

GWS GIANTS v ESSENDON

Saturday 26 May, 7.25pm at Spotless Stadium

The Giants could be boosted by the return of skipper Phil Davis (concussion), while Josh Kelly (groin) may also be a possible inclusion. Axed forward Jon Patton booted three goals in the NEAFL, while Matt Buntine was also impressive in the Giants’ 51-point NEAFL loss. Brett Deledio and Matt De Boer are still another week away.

Meanwhile, Essendon could welcome back young gun Andrew McGrath (calf) in what will be Devon Smith’s first match against his former side. McGrath, as well as Michael Hurley (hamstring) and David Myers (hip), will be given every chance to prove his fitness. Darcy Parish and Josh Green could both return after impressive VFL performances.

HAWTHORN v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday 27 May, 1.10pm at Etihad Stadium

Alastair Clarkson swung the axe at selection last weekend — and that same axe could get a work out for its money on Thursday when teams are announced. Kaiden Brand, Mitchell Lewis and James Worpel may struggle to keep their spots, after underwhelming performances against the Lions. Premiership forward Ryan Schoenmakers continues to press for selection, while the injury-plagued Brendan Whitecross and Kieren Lovell were also strong in Box Hill’s 38-point win in the VFL.

West Coast’s main injury concern centres around Elliot Yeo who, despite running out the match and starring, was visibly limping after the siren. Young midfielder Brayden Ainsworth is waiting in the wings, after kicking two goals from 27 touches in the WAFL.

MELBOURNE v ADELAIDE

Sunday 27 May, 2.50pm at TIO Traeger Park

Jake Lever is set to face his former side in what should be a juicy match. But captain Taylor Walker won’t take part, as he recovers from a series of niggling injuries. Rory Sloane will also miss, although the club could be boosted by the return of Matt Crouch, Luke Brown and Wayne Milera.

It’s doubtful Melbourne will make any changes to the side that thumped Carlton by 109 points. However, Cam Pedersen, Tom Bugg and Jayden Hunt all performed strongly in the VFL. Pedersen kicked six goals, while Bugg chipped in for five. Hunt racked up 23 touches.

FREMANTLE v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday 27 May, 4.40pm at Optus Stadium

The Dockers are crying out for some run and carry, but it remains to be seen whether brothers Bradley (knee) and Stephen (quad) will be injected back into the team. Joel Hamling is also in doubt, after receiving a concussion in an incident involving Swans superstar Buddy Franklin. Griffin Logue (foot) is probably still a week away. Ross Lyon could be swayed to give rookie Stefan Giro a debut, after he kicked one goal from 27 touches in the WAFL.

Meanwhile, North Melbourne may bring No. 4 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke back into the side, after he impressed in the VFL. Sam Durdin, Ben McKay and Nathan Hrovat were also strong.