Whiting has not played since suffering a knee injury in a night game against North Launceston three weeks ago.

The last time the two teams met in round 8, Whiting booted 11 of the Blues 13 goals.

"He trained and did everything on Tuesday - he also did that last week - if he forces my hand tonight we will look at playing him," Blues coach Brennan Savage said yesterday.

The Blues dropped Tom Sheppard back to the colts with Gene Savage returning to the line-up along with Joe Krushka, Dan Withers, Tom Holmes and Rohan Sergeant.

Defender Gary Shipton misses with a one-week suspension.

Burnie lost Brenton Milverton to a broken collarbone in a possible season-ending injury but key big man Nick McKenna returns from suspension and Rohan Baldock was named after missing last week with a back problem.

SOUTH LAUNCESTON has the luxury of being able to manage players with finals two weeks away and may rest some for its clash against Devonport on Sunday.

But coach Mitch Thorp said the Bulldogs had to be wary of any lapse or failing to give their opponent due respect lest they suffer the same fate that befell Launceston last week against North Hobart.

South is still missing midfielder Daniel Johncock with a shoulder injury sustained in the Burnie game but coach Mitch Thorp was hopeful he would be back for finals.

DEVONPORT lost Justin Rodman but will celebrate veteran Phil Crowden's 200th game.

NORTH LAUNCESTON named 15-year-old Jake Sushames for his senior debut against Hobart at Aurora Stadium.

"He was named in the AIS-AFL Academy level 1 yesterday and it's really exciting for a young kid to play senior footy," North coach Zane Littlejohn said.

The Northern Bombers were injury-free after last week's loss to South Launceston and are hunting wins in their final three games.

HOBART had a big inclusion with James Charlesworth returning to the side.CLARENCE regained Cameron Thurley and Jake Cox for its clash against North Hobart with the Demons losing Caden Wilson to suspension.