WHO IS a chance to play in round 20?

In this week's In the Mix, brought to you by the Toyota WorkHorse Range, we find the players who are giving their selectors plenty of food for thought.

Who's going out, who's sore, who is under the pump? Our reporters attempt to pick all the R20 ins. Check it out.

Get them in: Veterans Eddie Betts (four goals), Bryce Gibbs (40 disposals, 11 clearances, 10 tackles) and Richard Douglas (34 disposals, three goals) had big games in the SANFL to push their claims to be recalled for Saturday night's clash with St Kilda. Does ruckman Sam Jacobs come back? Midfielder Hugh Greenwood, first-year speedster Chayce Jones and young defender Lachlan Sholl also impressed.

Under the pump: The entire side is on notice, but realistically, there's up to 10 players who will be nervous this week. Wingmen Rory Atkins and Paul Seedsman, small forwards Lachlan Murphy, Riley Knight and Tyson Stengle, midfielder Patrick Wilson, utility David Mackay and defenders Jake Kelly and Andy Otten could make way, while Reilly O'Brien could face pressure from Jacobs.

Medical room: Defender Alex Keath is set to be managed for another week.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: The Crows will bank on experience while they're still in the finals race. Betts, Gibbs, Douglas and Greenwood will be recalled, replacing Atkins, Stengle, Wilson and Knight. O'Brien keeps his spot just ahead of Jacobs. – Lee Gaskin



Eddie Betts brings more than just goals to Adelaide. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: After serving his one-match suspension, vice-captain Harris Andrews will be brought straight back in. Ryan Bastinac, Corey Lyons and Lewy Taylor all impressed in the NEAFL.

Under the pump: Poor Josh Walker. He’s been excellent whenever he's played, including against Hawthorn, but with Andrews returning, his spot is in jeopardy. Zac Bailey has struggled for a few weeks.

Medical room: Alex Witherden came off early against the Hawks with a calf problem. He's been cleared of any significant damage and is a chance to play the Bulldogs.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: With six straight wins, no need to change too much. Andrews in for the unlucky Walker against a smaller Bulldogs forward line. If Witherden misses, Ben Keays to come in, pushing Bailey to defence. - Michael Whiting



As good as they're going, the Lions will be even stronger with Harris Andrews back in the side. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: First-round pick Liam Stocker pushed for selection following a foot injury, finishing with 20 disposals and a goal from around 70 percent game time in the VFL. Alex Fasolo continued his run of strong form with three goals from 20 disposals, while rookie Matt Cottrell won 22 disposals and claimed 13 marks.

Under the pump: A late inclusion on Saturday, youngster Paddy Dow was relatively quiet. He finished with just four disposals, but was returning from a bout of the flu.

Medical room: The Blues should get Zac Fisher back from illness, while David Cuningham may come into contention after missing six weeks with a knee injury. Hugh Goddard will also likely return to the fold, having been sidelined for two games with a fractured cheekbone.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Expect at least one change, with Fisher likely to replace Dow as the Blues return to the 22 they initially selected to face the Crows. - Riley Beveridge



He may not be big, but Zac Fisher throws himself into every contest. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: Tough campaigners Taylor Adams and Levi Greenwood could return to face Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday, while a raft of other possibilities include inside midfielders Tyler Brown and Rupert Wills, key defensive options Tyson Goldsack and Jack Madgen, medium-sized backman Flynn Appleby, forward/midfielder Tim Broomhead and big man Max Lynch.

Under the pump: Small forward Jamie Elliott hasn't been the same player since returning from a seven-week hamstring injury. In his subsequent three games, interrupted by another week off with "general soreness", he has averaged just 7.3 possessions and 2.7 marks and had just one scoring shot.

Medical room: Jordan De Goey (hamstring) and Isaac Quaynor (foot) have already been ruled out, while Jordan Roughead (concussion), Adams (hamstring), Greenwood (hamstring) and Tom Phillips (collarbone) face fitness tests.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: If fit, Adams and Greenwood would replace De Goey and Quaynor, and if Roughead and Phillips aren't right, Goldsack and prospective debutant Tyler Brown could come in. - Ben Collins



Tyson Goldsack could come in for his first game since the heartbreaking 2018 Grand Final loss. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: A lot of this will depend on injury. Orazio Fantasia (hip) and Dyson Heppell (foot) could return from their concerns against Port Adelaide on Saturday in what would be a boost for the Bombers who have been missing key players in recent weeks. Gun backman Conor McKenna will also play after missing last week's win over the Suns for a family wedding in Ireland.

Under the pump: Jayden Laverde created some chances close to goal but needs to convert his opportunities if he's to make an impact at senior level. Ben McNiece came in to replace McKenna, while Will Snelling could be in jeopardy if Fantasia is fit.

Medical room: All eyes will be on Fantasia and Heppell, while the final quarter hero Cale Hooker was sore after a heavy knock against the Suns. Key forward Shaun McKernan also needed treatment to his ribs during the win over Gold Coast.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Expect three changes if Fantasia and Heppell are fit. McKenna will come in for McNiece, while Snelling and perhaps Kyle Langford could make way for the injured pair if they are made available. - Callum Tomey

Conor McKenna will return after missing last week's clash due to a wedding. Picture: AFL Photos



Get them in: There aren't many proven soldiers for Ross Lyon to turn to ahead of a tough clash with Geelong, although Bailey Banfield will hope another standout 30-disposal, two-goal effort in Peel's last outing earns him a call-up. Ethan Hughes or Ryan Nyhuis could come back for defender Luke Ryan (hamstring), while dropped forwards Cam McCarthy and Sam Switkowski will be around the mark.

Under the pump: To put it simply, the Dockers don't have much left in the cupboard. They might rest Aaron Sandilands for a home farewell in round 22 now that the season is all-but gone, while Hayden Ballantyne might be left out in favour of youth.

Medical room: Ryan's season is in doubt and not many others are coming back soon, with Stephen Hill (quad) facing an indefinite spell.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Hughes for Ryan and McCarthy for Sandilands. - Travis King

Cam McCarthy is a chance to return to face the Cats. Picture: AFL Photos



Get them in: Quinton Narkle is part of the travelling party that's gone straight from Sydney to Perth and will come under strong consideration after the VFL had a bye. Rhys Stanley is there after being dumped, while last week's squad also included Sam Simpson and Lachie Henderson. Zach Tuohy and Gary Rohan should return from their rests. Sam Menegola is also in the frame after an impressive VFL return a fortnight ago.

Under the pump: Zac Smith's spot is far from safe, however he did receive three coaches votes against the Swans. James Parsons remains on the fringe after a fortnight in the senior side, while Tom Atkins has plenty pushing for his half-forward role. Scott Selwood collected 23 touches but has a fight on his hands.

Medical room: Brandan Parfitt is touch and go and could well miss a third week with his back. The Cats have been in the mood to rest players, which could make the call to bring back Tuohy in defence a little easier.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Tuohy for Harry Taylor or Jed Bews should Chris Scott choose to rest either ahead of finals, Narkle for Parsons, Menegola for Scott Selwood and Rohan for Atkins. One more chance for Smith against Sandilands. – Mitch Cleary



The Cats have been without Sam Menegola since round seven. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: One match in the NEAFL should be enough for Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth, while Jordan Murdoch also impressed in his return from injury.

Under the pump: Jacob Heron played a predominantly defensive forward role against Essendon but would like to have contributed more, while Corey Ellis was also in-and-out of the game.

Medical room: Jack Martin's broken finger has healed quicker than expected and the gifted onballer could come into selection consideration.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Despite the excellent showing against the Bombers, the Suns can make their team stronger this week. Bowes and Ainsworth are excellent runners and good enough to come back in after playing just the one reserves match. It would come at the expense of Heron and Ellis. - Michael Whiting



The Suns are loving the direction Ben Ainsworth is heading - up! Picture: AFL Photos



Get them in: Veteran Brett Deledio should return after being managed last week, but he must get through training after pulling up sore from the Giants' win over Collingwood in round 18. Adam Kennedy and Jake Stein are in line to replace injured defender Sam Taylor, while young midfielders Jye Caldwell and Nick Shipley continued their strong NEAFL form last week.

Under the pump: The Giants have used two ruckmen over the past fortnight but given the Swans don't have a recognised ruckman, Shane Mumford or Dawson Simpson might be left out.

Medical room: Taylor (hamstring) will miss at least a couple of games with a minor strain, while star midfielder Josh Kelly could be in line to return against Hawthorn in Canberra in round 21.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Deledio and Kennedy come in for Taylor and Simpson. – Adam Curley



Veteran Brett Deledio will want a couple of games under his belt going into finals. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: James Cousins is the first midfield cab off the rank and had 27 disposals in his last outing before the bye, so is in form and will be fresh. Teia Miles is also winning plenty of the ball but is working on his defensive side, while Conor Glass, David Mirra and Kaiden Brand are among the other contenders. Will rookie-listed Changkuoth Jiath be unleashed this year?

Under the pump: Jon Ceglar played mostly as a forward at the weekend, after coming in as Tim O'Brien's injury replacement, so his spot in the team could depend on O'Brien's fitness.

Medical room: Dylan Moore (groin), O'Brien (calf) and Harry Morrison (back spasms) could all be in the mix to play at senior or VFL level this weekend. Jack Scrimshaw (knee) and Ryan Schoenmakers (calf) should be edging closer, based off the most recent two-week prognosis.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: O'Brien (if fit) for Ceglar, otherwise no change. – Marc McGowan



Tim O'Brien was at his best against Geelong in round 18. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: In the VFL, Jake Melksham (16 disposals and two goals) and Marty Hore (20) returned and could boost the senior side at both ends of the ground. Having been sent back to the VFL, Braydon Preuss posted big numbers against a Sandringham side that didn't feature a recognised ruckman, racking up 28 disposals, 60 hitouts, 14 clearances and a goal. Jay Kennedy Harris has been in impressive touch at that level.

Under the pump: Coming off a disappointing loss to St Kilda, Oscar McDonald, Corey Wagner and Oskar Baker have reason to be nervous, while Tim Smith wasn't overly influential.

Medical room: Gun backman Steven May is pressing to return from a hamstring complaint, but might need more than one week off.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: If May is right, he will be rushed back to take on Richmond's twin towers Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt. McDonald to go out – even if May isn't fit, Hore comes back in, and Frost will be called upon to take one of the star goalkickers. Melksham to be included at the expense of Baker. - Dinny Navaratnam

Steven May could be rushed back to take on Richmond's tall forwards. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: Mid-season draftee Lachie Hosie consistently generates scoring shots in the VFL and has kicked seven goals in the past three weeks, including 2.6 on Saturday. Kayne Turner was rested in round 19, so you'd imagine he will come back as well, but possibly as a defender if Hosie is selected for his AFL debut.

Under the pump: Backmen Sam Durdin and Jamie Macmillan would be feeling the pressure this week.

Medical room: Veteran defender Scott Thompson (ruptured testicle) sat out last week's loss to West Coast and will need to pass a fitness test this week to return against Hawthorn on Friday night. However, Majak Daw's fairytale comeback is on hold because of a hamstring setback in his fourth VFL game and his season is over. Shaun Atley (knee) is another who needs to pass a fitness test, but Dom Tyson's calf troubles are continuing and he faces an indefinite period out.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Thompson, Hosie and Turner could all play, but that might depend on Atley's fitness. Durdin and Macmillan may be headed back to the VFL. – Marc McGowan



Scott Thompson will be keen to get back in the saddle. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: Experienced duo Steven Motlop (four goals) and Charlie Dixon (three) kicked seven goals between them in the SANFL to put their hand up for Saturday's clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium. Ruckman Peter Ladhams and midfielders Joe Atley and Willem Drew will also be considered.

Under the pump: Midfielder Cam Sutcliffe, who has played as a tagger, had limited impact in last week's loss to GWS, as did Sam Powell-Pepper. Key forward Dougal Howard had only five disposals.

Medical room: Co-captain Ollie Wines (thumb) is a chance to return this weekend.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Three changes – Motlop, Dixon and Drew, in for Sutcliffe, Howard and Powell-Pepper. – Lee Gaskin



A firing Charlie Dixon brings the Power forward line together. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: Once again, a few selection headaches of the good kind for the Tigers. Premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis has played two halves of VFL footy over two weeks in his return from a torn adductor. Kamdyn McIntosh had 14 touches in a wet VFL game playing a defensive role, while Connor Menadue was named the Tigers' best for the second week with 27 and a goal.

Under the pump: Despite a strong showing against Brodie Grundy, Ivan Soldo could be the one to make way for Nankervis. Mabior Chol was quiet in conditions not suited to talls, but his forward work should save him.

Medical room: Skipper Trent Cotchin will be sidelined once again with a hamstring injury. Josh Caddy (ankle) should be available, while Damien Hardwick said Jack Ross (syndesmosis) and Marlion Pickett (finger) may play VFL.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Soldo to make way for Nankervis, while Caddy is the likely replacement for Cotchin. - Sarah Black

Toby Nankervis looks set to return to the senior side this week. Picture: AFL Photos



Get them in: Speedy onballer Jack Steven has lined up in two VFL games after his long break from playing as he dealt with a mental health illness. The four-time best and fairest started hot but had to deal with a tag, finishing with 19 disposals and two goals. A couple of defenders returning from injuries ran out alongside him, in Josh Battle (19 disposals) and Jimmy Webster (13).

Under the pump: Successive wins should see most safe, although Nathan Brown could be squeezed out to fit Battle in.

Medical room: Triple All Australian Dan Hannebery needs to overcome a hamstring complaint while Blake Acres hurt his right shoulder in last Saturday's win over Melbourne.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Steven, Hannebery and Battle all to return. Brown to be dropped, alongside a slightly unlucky Doulton Langlands. Acres makes way if he isn't fit, but otherwise Ben Paton could face the axe. - Dinny Navaratnam

Four-time best and fairest winner Jack Steven looks set to return this weekend. Picture: AFL Photos



Get them in: Off-season recruit Jackson Thurlow could be recalled to the Swans' defence with Dane Rampe and Colin O'Riordan both out of Saturday's derby against the Giants. James Rose, Kieren Jack, Daniel Menzel and Justin McInerney are others in the mix to come in. Ruckman Sam Naismith returned well in the NEAFL last week but needs another match before he's considered for senior level.

Under the pump: Young defender Ryley Stoddart struggled to have an impact for the second week running but might get another chance to settle at AFL level.

Medical room: Rampe (eye) will miss at least one game, while O'Riordan (groin) could miss a couple.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Thurlow and Rose come in for Rampe and O'Riordan. – Adam Curley



Former Cat Jackson Thurlow is yet to settle at the Swans, but this could be his chance. Picture: AFL Photos





Get them in: Skipper Shannon Hurn should be ready to return after missing the past two matches with a calf strain, while tagger Mark Hutchings should be available after overcoming his hamstring strain.

Under the pump: He has looked comfortable in two games but Francis Watson will likely be squeezed out by Hurn's return.

Medical room: Big man Nathan Vardy got through his WAFL return, while Liam Duggan (ankle) and Jamie Cripps (adductor) are getting close as the selection battle hots up.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Hurn for Watson in the only change before facing Carlton on Sunday. - Travis King

Skipper Shannon Hurn will be a welcome return for the Eagles. Picture: AFL Photos



Get them in: The red-hot Footscray had the bye in the VFL so no reserves players could push their case with a big display. However, the form of defenders Lachlan Young, Fletcher Roberts and Bailey Williams has been solid, should the Bulldogs go down that path to replace Dale Morris. Ruckman Jordon Sweet is also nearing a senior debut after being named in the extended squad last weekend.

Under the pump: It's hard to fault any of the Bulldogs after the weekend's performance and only forced changes should be expected. A big problem area for the Dogs has been accuracy in front of goal (ranked 17th in the League) and up until half-time they were even uncharacteristically accurate, before kicking 11 behinds in the second half.

Medical room: Fairytale turned into nightmare as Dale Morris' left knee gave way once again, rupturing his left ACL. Josh Schache (concussion) and Matt Suckling (back) will be available for selection after missing last week and Toby McLean will be close as he returns from a hamstring injury sustained in round 17.

Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Schache in for Morris. Unfortunately for McLean, he might have to have another spell in the VFL because of how well the midfield and forward line functioned at the weekend. – Josh Schonafinger

The Dogs suffered a big blow with veteran Dale Morris suffering a ruptured ACL. Picture: AFL Photos



