Backline: Daniel Talia and last year's Rising Star nominee Jake Lever are developing into a top key defensive pairing. The depth behind them is solid but not spectacular. Jake Kelly isn't in the senior side and can play tall, as can Kyle Cheney. The Crows have an army of running half-back types, with 81-gamer Ricky Henderson among those in the SANFL.

Midfield: Covering the loss of Patrick Dangerfield so far has been a positive sign for the Crows. The Crouch brothers – Matt and Brad – are extremely promising. Ex-skipper Nathan van Berlo being dropped after round one shows the depth of the team, with Mitch Grigg, Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Jarryd Lyons also in the twos.

Forwards: Adelaide has arguably the AFL's best-balanced attack and the back-ups are handy. Tall project Mitch McGovern is raw but has shown glimpses in his two games, while Troy Menzel still can't crack a Crows debut and Charlie Cameron hasn't been rushed back.

Ruck: One area Adelaide wouldn't want to be tested by is an injury to Sam Jacobs, with the Crows heavily reliant on their star ruckman. One-gamer Luke Lowden is in the wings and untried rookie Reilly O'Brien has been in top SANFL form.

Depth stat: The Crows had 12 players with senior experience running around for the top of the ladder reserves in their win over Port Adelaide last weekend. - Travis King

Backline: Aside from veteran Daniel Merrett, the key posts are very young and have taken a big hit with Justin Clarke's retirement. The running defenders look well stocked now with Tom Cutler, Sam Mayes, Claye Beams and Ryan Harwood.

Midfield: What should be a strength of the team is already being tested by injuries to Dayne Beams, Tom Rockliff, Mitch Robinson and Daniel Rich. The addition of Ryan Bastinac, Tom Bell and draftees Rhys Mathieson and Ben Keays has helped the depth.

Forwards: For the first time in a long time, the club now has options with key forwards – although they'll take time to develop – with talented Jono Freeman unable to get a game. The small and half-forward fleet is teeming with talent.

Ruck: Fingers crossed Stefan Martin doesn't get injured. The big man has had a strong 18 months, but the Lions have just two other rucks on their list – veteran Trent West and rookie Archie Smith.

Depth stat: The Lions are the least experienced team in the AFL, averaging just 50 games a player. - Michael Whiting

Backline: The Blues are sweating on tall defender Lachie Plowman, 21, to be in senior contention after recovering from hip surgery. Nominated rookie, Irishman Ciaran Byrne, shows promise as a running backman.

Midfield: Carlton's top five midfielders are comparable with most teams but below that the Blues lack class and polish. Another runner on the outside would be handy – that could be youngster David Cuningham.

Forwards: The Blues are sadly lacking for scoring power and are pinning their long-term hopes on first-season draftees Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Jack Silvagni. For now they rely heavily on the enigmatic Levi Casboult.

Ruck: Matthew Kreuzer shoulders most of the workload, with Andrew Phillips for support. Of the others, Daniel Gorringe is yet to play in the seniors and rookie Cameron Wood has shown he can play at this level.

Depth stat: Of the 25 players used by the Blues in their two matches this season, nine have played fewer than 30 games including debutants Jacob Weitering and Charlie Curnow. - Howard Kotton

Backline: Reasonably well stocked for talls with a fit Ben Reid supported by Nathan Brown and Jack Frost, and have an abundance of smaller types edging out veteran Alan Toovey and the versatile Jonathon Marsh.

Midfield: Seen as the Pies' major strength before losing Dane Swan for the season, Steele Sidebottom to suspension and Travis Varcoe with a hammy. Newcomer Adam Treloar has been significant; in time, James Aish could be too.

Forwards: Options galore. Darcy Moore is fast becoming the most viable target with Travis Cloke and Corey Gault having quiet starts, while Mason Cox awaits an opportunity. Still to squeeze in Jamie Elliott, ex-Demon Jeremy Howe and possibly Tyson Goldsack.

Ruck: Boast two developing ruckmen of contrasting styles in competitive beast Brodie Grundy and beanpole Jarrod Witts, the pair being used together at times, along with relief men Darcy Moore, Mason Cox and Corey Gault.

Depth stat: Collingwood rattled on the last three goals to overrun Richmond at the death, despite being without the experience, run, creativity and the combined 561 career goals of Swan, Sidebottom, Varcoe and Elliott. - Ben Collins

Jeremy Howe will add more firepower to the Magpies' forward line. Picture: AFL Media





Backline: All of Essendon's list assessments here are based on the team it has available, and discount its 12 suspended players. Defensively the Bombers don't have much cover for their tall options, but look solid for players in half-back roles. Orazio Fantasia and Martin Gleeson have come on, while Jason Ashby has also tasted senior footy. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s first fortnight in the AFL has also shown his ability to make things happen out of the back half.

Midfield: The introduction of gun youngster Darcy Parish has added some nice polish to Essendon's midfield alongside the in-form Zach Merrett and David Zaharakis. The Bombers should bring in some more midfielders in coming drafts but look well placed in this part of the ground.

Forwards: There is still a big reliance on Joe Daniher to kick goals for the Bombers to be competitive, but they will try to get more games into Jayden Laverde, Kyle Langford and Mitch Brown this year. Nick Kommer's return from injury offers the Bombers a small, tenacious option.

Ruck: Matthew Leuenberger has to shoulder the load this year, as was seen last weekend against Melbourne when Patrick Ambrose and Michael Hartley shared second-ruck duties. Shaun McKernan is also an option as a ruck/forward, but the Bombers are certainly slim in this area, although ex-Demon Mark Jamar remains in reserve.

Depth stat: Essendon's team that beat Melbourne last week included just four of its 10 signed top-up players, meaning there is some strong experience on the sidelines for John Worsfold to call on throughout the year. - Callum Twomey

The Bombers got over the line with Darcy Parish kicking the sealer. #AFLDonsDees https://t.co/oeG96d9PkJ — AFL (@AFL) April 2, 2016

Backline: The Docker defence seems in great shape personnel-wise, but it has leaked like a sieve in the first two rounds. Freo's first-choice back six from the last few seasons have been playing. Alex Pearce is pinch-hitting in the ruck while Alex Silvagni and new recruit Sam Collins haven't been required as yet.

Midfield: Harley Bennell is the biggest name missing here but the Dockers aren't missing any of their key midfielders from recent seasons. Youngster Harley Balic is unavailable due to wrist surgery but everyone else is there. Matt de Boer can't break into the 22.

Ruck: Zac Clarke hurt his knee in round one and is missing for the next couple of weeks but Jon Griffin and Jack Hannath are fully fit but not in favour as Alex Pearce partnered Aaron Sandilands last week.

Forwards: Again the key names up forward are fit and playing. New recruit Shane Yarran is building towards a start in the WAFL following a slow rehab process from a knee injury. Michael Apeness is still missing but he is not a first-choice key forward yet.

Depth stat: Not a single player from the Dockers' preliminary final team last season has been unavailable for the first two rounds due to injury. - Alex Malcolm

Backline: A heavy reliance on veterans made Jackson Thurlow's season-ending injury a blow. Rookie Tom Ruggles can step in after a solid NAB Challenge and Jed Bews can play the small defender's role, while Billie Smedts should eye off half-back when he returns from injury.

Midfield: George Horlin-Smith and Sam Menegola provide some back-up inside the contest and Jordan Cunico has the talent to play in a star-studded midfield. Scott Selwood will add contested ball grunt when over his foot problem, while Michael Luxford had a taste last season and could progress.

Forwards: Daniel Menzel can't get a look-in and Nathan Vardy and Mitch Clark are still injured. Nakia Cockatoo will be a handy inclusion and should cement a spot up forward. Selection pressure is strong so Darcy Lang and Cory Gregson need to perform.

Ruck: The Cats have four potential ruckmen but the jury remains out on Zac Smith and Rhys Stanley's resilience. Mark Blicavs is a quality midfielder who can play in the ruck while injury to Tom Read has slowed his development. Padraig Lucey does not appear ready.

Depth stat: The 23 players who did not play against Greater Western Sydney have played just 200 combined games for Geelong, which means the back-ups are inexperienced or have question marks above them. The 22 players who did play against the Giants had 2549 games' combined experience. - Peter Ryan

Scott Selwood should give the Cats' midfield a boost when he's fit. Picture: AFL Media





Backline: A real strength of the list, with a plethora of small to medium defenders pushing Nick Malceski to the wing. A bit thin for talls behind Steven May and Rory Thompson, though.

Midfield: Even without injured David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara, the Suns are well covered here and showed that against Fremantle. Unearthing Aaron Hall, Jesse Lonergan and Alex Sexton gives the team good inside grunt and outside punch.

Forwards: A remodelled forward line post-Charlie Dixon is working just fine. There's plenty of small forwards to crumb Tom Lynch, and with Peter Wright and Jarrad Grant waiting in the wings, the depth among the key positions is also strong.

Ruck: Tom Nicholls is rightfully holding the No.1 mantle at the moment, but North Melbourne recruit Dan Currie is keeping him honest. Keegan Brooksby has also proved he's a reliable option.

Depth stat: Only two players on the Suns list have kicked more than 100 goals in their career – Gary Ablett (370) and Tom Lynch (133). - Michael Whiting

Backline: Plenty of tall options despite an injury to Caleb Marchbank, with Joel Patfull, Nick Haynes and Tim Mohr back playing NEAFL, while Zac Williams is ready if a small defender is needed.

Midfield: Stacked. Leon Cameron has his strongest midfield available at the moment, with Jack Steele also in the NEAFL and academy draftee Jacob Hopper pushing hard for a debut.

Forwards: GWS are blessed with tall forwards, but have Jeremy Cameron suspended and Cam McCarthy on personal leave. Rory Lobb and Jon Patton are in the side and Adam Tomlinson and James Stewart are ready to go.

Ruck: Shane Mumford and Rory Lobb are sharing the duties, with Tom Downie waiting in the wings, and Dawson Simpson also at the club, but out with a shoulder injury for the next fortnight.

Depth stat: The Giants have had a good injury run so far with Nick Haynes the only player in their best 22 to not play senior footy this year. - Adam Curley

Backline: The Hawthorn backline has always been a movable feast, and Angus Litherland is moving closer to becoming an automatic best 22 selection as the replacement for the retired Brian Lake. Kaiden Brand and Kurt Heatherley are the next key defenders in line and both should debut this year.

Midfield: The Hawks have had an early look at their midfield depth this year and would be encouraged by the career-best outings of Billy Hartung and Jonathan O'Rourke against the Eagles on Sunday. With Liam Shiels and Bradley Hill to return, there are options aplenty.

Forwards: Four goals to James Sicily on Sunday suggests that he is ready to do more than plug a hole until Jarryd Roughead's mid-year return. Ryan Schoenmakers is now clearly a forward, while an early look at 2015 third-round pick Blake Hardwick as a medium forward would not surprise after a great pre-season.

Ruck: The Hawks were happy enough with Marc Pittonet's debut match against Geelong as a late replacement for Ceglar. But Ceglar and Ben McEvoy are clearly equal first on the depth chart. Jack Fitzpatrick might get a look-in at some stage once he is over his knee injury.

Depth stat: The Hawks have eight players on their senior list who have yet to play senior footy. - Ashley Browne

Backline: Veteran Lynden Dunn failed to play in the Demons' first two games, marking a changing of the guard in Melbourne's team. The key defender should return against North Melbourne on Sunday, to help contend with the Roos' tall forwards.

Midfield: Promising youngster Clayton Oliver has added to the size and strength of the midfield group, which has also been assisted by the inclusions of Ben Kennedy and Tom Bugg.

Forwards: Struggle town. With Hogan not firing, the Demons have found it difficult to find other tall scoring options. Sam Frost was dropped at the weekend, Chris Dawes (calf) is still around a month away from returning, while Sam Weideman has shown encouraging signs but is still quite raw.

Ruck: Gawn has rucked almost completely solo in the first two rounds, with Cam Pedersen lending a hand at times. The Dees cannot afford to lose Gawn to injury, as Jake Spencer (foot) is out for at least a month and youngsters Max and Mitch King are way off the mark.

Depth stat: Melbourne has 27 players in total under the age of 25 – the fifth most of any side. - Ben Guthrie

The Demons could really do with Chris Dawes' help up forward. Picture: AFL Media





Backline: North's tall stocks in defence are deep enough that it was comfortable leaving Lachlan Hansen out of its round one team. Scott Thompson missed last round with general soreness but should return this week, while second-year key defender Daniel Nielson could push for opportunities later this year. The Roos lack a genuine lockdown small defender but have a plethora of medium backmen and half-backs.

Midfield: North's inside depth is keeping promising third-year midfielder Trent Dumont in the VFL, while its outside stocks suddenly look a lot healthier since Daniel Wells' return. Wells' ability to stay fit will be crucial to North's 2016 campaign, but first-year midfielders Ryan Clarke and Declan Mountford have a good mix of endurance and speed and could be ready to debut later this season. North also has a readymade AFL midfielder in reserve on its rookie list in former Saint Farren Ray.

Forwards: North has enviable depth among its forwards, with talls Aaron Black and Mason Wood starting the season outside the senior team despite strong pre-seasons. Former Hawk Jed Anderson will miss the next two months with a hamstring injury, but North is well placed to cover his absence with fellow small forwards Kayne Turner and Robbie Nahas.

Ruck: If the Roos lack depth in any area it's the ruck. Todd Goldstein has been remarkably durable over recent seasons, but if the 2015 All Australian is injured the only specialist ruckmen North can call on are Majak Daw and Braydon Preuss.

Depth stat: North has 10 players with 100-199 games' experience, two more than the AFL average. - Nick Bowen

Backline: The Power can't afford too many injuries down back. Cam O'Shea does have experience with 68 games to his name, while Darcy Byrne-Jones has been named in the best for the reserves team the last two weeks. Tom Clurey has a foot injury but should return in the next couple of weeks.

Midfield: Karl Amon and Sam Colquhoun both offer run and are approaching the age when they will be expected to perform. Kane Mitchell is a rookie but has had a taste of AFL football and is a solid back-up option.

Forwards: Dougal Howard, who made his debut in the Showdown, can play in attack and as a second ruckman. Nathan Krakouer is suspended until round six and is good enough to make Port's best team – the primary issue being whether he has earned his team's respect back after drinking alcohol while recovering from a hamstring injury.

Ruck: Port is light on here – Paddy Ryder is banned for the year and developing big man Billy Frampton has a foot injury. Howard can play ruck but would likely struggle if asked to take the primary role.

Depth stat: The suspensions of Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder means Port Adelaide loses its two most experienced players – particularly damaging considering the club has 15 players with less than 20 games. - Dinny Navaratnam

Dougal Howard kicks a stunner on debut for the Power. #AFLCrowsPower https://t.co/2CHNxMfjiU — AFL (@AFL) April 2, 2016

Backline: The key posts are strong, illustrated by Troy Chaplin's struggle to earn a game, but injuries are testing the Tigers in the half-back position forcing Brandon Ellis to move out of the midfield.

Midfield: Has been bolstered by inside midfield recruits and now boasts depth in numbers. Youngster Connor Menadue has demanded selection, but the class at the bottom end has been found wanting. Injury free here.

Ruck: Shaun Hampson has stepped in for injured No.1 ruck Ivan Maric, but beyond that the Tigers only have two raw rookies (project player Ivan Soldo and first-year tall Mabior Chol). Maric is set to return this week against Adelaide.

Forwards: Hit hard by the losses of Brett Deledio and Shane Edwards, the Tigers drew on rookie Jayden Short for cover. Debutant Daniel Rioli was also required in round one but suffered a leg injury.

Depth stat: Richmond has carried an average of 1599 games experience on the sidelines in each of the opening two rounds. - Nathan Schmook

Troy Chaplin can't get a game, such is Richmond's defensive depth. Picture: AFL Media





Backline: Jake Carlisle will bolster the Saints' thin key defensive stocks when he returns next year. Hugh Goddard has only played eight games but has shown promise. Tom Lee and Luke Delaney can fill a role if necessary.

Midfield: Blake Acres is promising, but otherwise the Saints don't have an abundance of options in the middle. Nathan Freeman has struggled to get on the park while Tom Curren, Brodie Murdoch and rookie Josh Saunders will find it tough to break into the senior team.

Forwards: With Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey backing up Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce, marking options aren't an issue. Eli Templeton and Darren Minchington will challenge small forwards Jack Lonie, Jade Gresham and Jack Sinclair for a spot.

Ruck: Jason Holmes has acquitted himself reasonably well, at stoppages especially, when given a chance. Billy Longer is coming from a long way back after shoulder surgery late last season but should eventually push Tom Hickey for the first ruck spot.

Depth stat: St Kilda has 10 healthy and available players on its list (including rookies) who have been in the AFL system for at least two years but haven't played in the senior team this season. - Dinny Navaratnam

Backline: Veteran Ted Richards and Heath Grundy are the number one key defenders, but with recruit Michael Talia (foot) out long term, the Swans look thin with Xavier Richards and Aliir Aliir as back up options.

Midfield: Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (knee) and Gary Rohan (hamstring) are still out, but Ben McGlynn is working his way back from a limited pre-season, with Brandon Jack and Jack Hiscox also in the reserves.

Forwards: The Swans have stars Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett, with Callum Sinclair also in the side, but with Sam Reid (hamstring) injured, there's not a lot of tall options in the NEAFL, although James Rose is a great small option.

Ruck: Tippett and Sinclair are working well, and the Swans have Toby Nankervis and Tom Derickx as replacements, with Sam Naismith (hand) out for the next fortnight.

Depth stat: McGlynn (153 games) was the only senior player in the NEAFL side last week, with Brandon Jack (27) the only other Swan with more than 20 games senior experience. - Adam Curley

Backline: The Eagles' defence has been bolstered by the return of Eric Mackenzie but it's been offset by some injuries. Mitch Brown has been absent with a finger injury. Sharrod Wellingham was a key figure last season but has been missing due to a knee injury and is still a few weeks away. Xavier Ellis is out for up to two months with an Achilles problem.

Midfield: The Eagles have been stretched a little bit in the midfield.Chris Masten has missed the first two rounds with an ankle injury but is ready to return after playing in the WAFL last week. Youngster Dom Sheed is missing for an extended period with a pec injury and new draftee Kurt Mutimer is still coming back from a hamstring injury.

Ruck: The ruck stocks are healthy. Jonathan Giles and Fraser McInnes are biding their time at East Perth as Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett are both fit and settling as a combination.

Forwards: The forward line is very healthy. Tom Lamb kicked four goals for East Perth last week but can't break in at the moment. Patrick McGinnity is in a similar situation given the development of Jamie Bennell in a new role as a small forward.

Depth stat: The Eagles have six players, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras, Jack Darling, Lewis Jetta, Josh Hill and Jamie Cripps that have each kicked 30-plus goals in a season at least once in their career. - Alex Malcolm

Backline: The emergence of Marcus Adams has given the key defensive posts some stability after Fletcher Roberts and Joel Hamling had indifferent pre-seasons. Dale Morris' flexibility is priceless while running defenders Bob Murphy, Jason Johannisen, Matthew Boyd and Shane Biggs are setting up a torrent of forward thrusts.

Midfield: The Dogs have one of the deepest and most flexible onball divisions going around, with nearly the full gamut of midfield weapons. Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore and Jack Macrae are not the quickest, so an explosive ball winner wouldn't go astray. Maybe Jake Stringer will become that man.

Ruck: Another position with question marks over it. Jordan Roughead and Tom Campbell have had their moments without making the position their own. Will Minson is solid back-up in the twilight of his career while impressive rookie Luke Goetz is raw and will be given time to develop his slight frame.

Forwards: The Dogs have no problems kicking goals these days. Tom Boyd is keeping a competent Jack Redpath in the VFL while youngsters Caleb Daniel and Toby McLean are shining in the absence of the injured Tory Dickson. And Stringer is arguably the hardest match up in the AFL.

Depth stat: In 2015, Luke Beveridge gave a senior game to 40 players on the list, the most of any finals team and only behind the sides that finished in the bottom four. - Ryan Davidson

Will Minson and Jordan Roughead are among the Dogs' ruck options. Picture: AFL Media



