Around The Grounds

• Star Fremantle $361k forward Matt Pavlich could make an early return from a calf injury. It is believed the Docker is recovering well from the minor calf strain which he strained against Collingwood in Round 13 and he may be a chance to face Adelaide this weekend.

• Essendon's $378k midfielder Jobe Watson may not be ready to make an early return from an ankle injury this Saturday against Sydney. Bombers coach Matthew Knights said, "Jobe isn't guaranteed for this week. He would have to train on Friday as we haven't got a session on Thursday." Knights did indicate Mark McVeigh, and possibly Michael Hurley, would probably come in.
  

• Carlton coach Brett Ratten says star midfield duo Heath Scotland ($339k) and Nick Stevens ($332k) are no guarantees for an AFL recall this week after good games in the VFL. Ratten said, "They are in the mix. They’re quality players but we just went with a different team structure [last week]. We’ll have to see how we go at the selection table.” Ratten also revealed Paul Bower was close to an early return after a knee injury.
  

• North Melbourne's luckless $309k midfielder Daniel Wells continues to have a bad run with injuries after cutting himself in training. Wells sustained a five-centimetre wound to his leg in gym training and the problem will set back his progress a couple more weeks.