Port Adelaide face an agonising call on whether to gamble on spearhead Charlie Dixon's fitness for their do-or-die semi-final against GWS.
Power forward Dixon hasn't played since the round-20 loss to Adelaide on July 29 due to a foot injury.
He has booted 22 goals in 13 games and when fit is clearly the focal point of the Power's attack.
Dixon had limited involvement in training on Monday, when teammate Connor Rozee described him as a "big chance" to face the Giants.
The Power will have their main training session on Thursday night when those pushing to prove their fitness will get one last chance at staking their claim.
That includes fellow forward Todd Marshall, who battled through a hip injury in the qualifying-final loss to Brisbane.
Port are also sweating on the fitness of defenders Dylan Williams (hamstring) and Trent McKenzie (ankle).
GWS need to squeeze star midfielder Stephen Coniglio back into a winning team at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Coniglio was a late withdrawal from GWS' elimination-final win over St Kilda with an eye injury but was always going to be ready for the semi-final.
Late inclusion Xavier O'Halloran impressed against the Saints but looms as the likely unlucky man to make way.
"When you have that kind of pressure for selection ... that's a sign of a really good team," gun midfielder Josh Kelly said.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says "nothing's off the table" as the Demons attempt to get their dysfunctional attack firing against Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
Jacob van Rooyen will miss through suspension and the Demons will have to decide whether to play Ben Brown, after he only returned to full training after a knee injury.
A recall for ruckman Brodie Grundy could also be on the cards, especially with Max Gawn reportedly nursing a broken toe, while former Bulldogs tall Josh Schache is another option.
The Demons could also look at smaller options like Charlie Spargo or Taj Woewodin.
James Jordon appears a likely replacement for midfielder Angus Brayshaw, who is sidelined for at least one more game after being knocked out by Brayden Maynard's attempted smother.
Carlton need to replace key forward Harry McKay (concussion) and goal sneak Jack Martin (suspension).
Stalwart Jack Silvagni looms as McKay's replacement in a smaller forward line while livewire Jesse Motlop, last week's substitute, could be recalled into the 22.