Crows coach Brenton Sanderson is hoping to have some selection headaches ahead of Balfours Showdown XXXVII next Sunday.

Forward Tom Lynch will make his return from a fractured jaw in the SANFL on Sunday. Skilful utility Ricky Henderson, who has overcome a broken leg, will play his second game back against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval.

Sanderson was optimistic both players could be in contention to play Port Adelaide.

“Henderson will be putting his name up for selection the following week in the Showdown … and we’ll see how Lynch goes in the State League on Sunday,” Sanderson said on Friday.

“Lynchy will be really determined. I’m sure on Monday he’ll come and bash my door down saying he wants to play (against Port). We’ll have a look at the GPS numbers, see how they go getting their hands on the footy and whether they’re clean with their ball use.

“It’s nice we’re starting to get some guys back.”

Rising Star runner-up Brad Crouch will also be available for selection.

Crouch has played two SANFL games in his comeback from a fractured leg and would be lining up against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night if not for a one-match ban for striking.

“We’re disappointed Brad Crouch got suspended for a week in the SANFL,” Sanderson said.

“It was an undisciplined act and Brad has to understand you can’t get away with that at any level. He’s disappointed he made that decision. It’s probably cost him a (AFL) game this week. I was disappointed but I didn’t read the riot act to him. I didn’t feel like it was necessary.

“Potentially, we could have three guys breathing down the neck of a few others in the side next week. It’s a good opportunity for the 22 to play well against Essendon and hold their spot for the Showdown.”

Young forward Charlie Cameron is only an outside chance to line up against the Power.

Cameron missed the Club’s win over North Melbourne last week because of groin soreness and has been ruled out again this week.

“I said last week that I thought Charlie would play this week. He’s only a kid and has played around 30 games of footy all up … and only a handful of AFL games. His young body is still learning to adapt to the intensity of senior football at AFL level,” Sanderson said.

“He’s been incredible for us, but unfortunately the groin issue he has is probably going to keep him out for another week. I hope to get him back next week, but we’ll keep monitoring that situation. We’ve actually sent him home for a couple of days. He’s a first-year player, so we’ve given him a couple of days to take it easy.

“I’m sure he’ll come back full of energy and ready to play the following week, hopefully.”

The Bombers will be without star forward Paul Chapman, who is being rested, on Saturday night.

Sanderson understood Essendon’s approach to managing the veteran’s workload.

“I know Chappy probably wants to play against Geelong the following week. He’s one of those players on the wrong side of 30. In this industry, 22 rounds at this intensity can sometimes take its toll on the body … and you can’t take players in who aren’t 100 per cent,” Sanderson said.

“If a player isn’t hitting the levels consistently for four quarters, sometimes a freshen up is what they need. We haven’t spoken about it as a group. They’re still going to have 22 very fit and talented players playing against us.

“Fortunately for us, Paul Chapman isn’t playing because he’s a very good player, but they’re going to bring in a hungry young player determined to keep his spot.”

Sanderson billed Saturday night’s match as a battle between two talented but inconsistent sides.

The Bombers and Crows have both won six games this season to sit in ninth and 10^th spot on the AFL ladder.

“The Bombers are a bit like us. They’ve just been inconsistent in certain games,” Sanderson said.

“Their first quarter against Collingwood on ANZAC Day at the MCG, I think they kicked seven goals to zero, but like us they haven’t done it for four quarters often enough.

“Essendon is the No.1 disposal team in the AFL. They’re No.1 for kicking efficiency. They rarely kick the ball long. It’s almost like a soccer tactic where they keep passing the ball around until opportunities open up to attack. We’ve got to try to limit those mark chains and prevent them from dictating the tempo of the game.  We’ll have to create turnovers early in the chain. They’re a highly-skilled team and efficient with their ball use.

“Hopefully, we go over and give 120 minutes of consistent, Crows footy … (because) even three quarters won’t be enough against Essendon.”