Source: Herald-Sun
WESTERN Bulldogs star Robert Murphy heads a host of AFL stars who will play in the VFL on Saturday.
Murphy will line up for Williamstown against Sandringham in his quest be ready for Round 1.
The centre half-forward has struggled for pre-season game time as he recovers from a knee injury.
Scott Welsh (illness) and Tom Williams (ankle) will join Murphy.
North Melbourne's Daniel Pratt may play for North Ballarat against Werribee as he continues his recovery from a rib injury sustained in a collision with Brendan Fevola in the NAB Cup.
North teammate Robbie Tarrant will have his first hitout since re-injuring his shoulder.
Melbourne has applied to the AFL for permission for five listed players and four rookies to be included in Casey's match against Box Hill.
Jared Rivers, Austin Wonaeamirri, Paul Johnson, Addam Maric and Liam Jurrah are in search of extra match practice before the season starts.
Rivers is making a late bid to play in Round 1 as he recovers from hip and groin ailments, while Wonaeamirri hasn't played since injuring his hamstring against Hawthorn in the NAB Cup first round.
With ruckman Mark Jamar on the long-term injury list, the Dees will be praying Johnson, who missed last week's hitout against the Bulldogs because of an ankle complaint, comes through unscathed.
The Brisbane Lions have sought permission for underdone pair Jamie Charman and Daniel Merrett to play in the AFLQ.
Geelong's VFL side is not taking part in a practice match this weekend.
