WESTERN BULLDOGS v ADELAIDE, Etihad Stadium, Friday, 7.40pm

Storyline: The Crows stink, while the Dogs aren't living up to their pre-season hype and have dumped three players in order to send a message.

Why to watch: You'd have to think this is absolutely the last chance for the Crows. Can they they find something? Anything?

We think: Dogs play well at Etihad. Bulldogs by 27

SYDNEY v WEST COAST, SCG, Saturday, 2.10pm

Storyline: No complaints if you're a Swans fan, 3-1 and going well. West Coast finally broke through last week, although not all that convincingly.

Why to watch: Nic Naitanui, who one good judge told BPL this week is a once-in-a-century talent.

We think: Only the good teams will challenge the Swans on their own patch of dirt. Sydney by 26

MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS, MCG, Saturday, 7.10pm

Storyline: The Demons are looking for three straight wins for the first time in more than three years. There is clearly light at the end of the tunnel there. Jonathan Brown is supposed to be injured. Will he play?

Why to watch: The Lions keep winning and in Fevola and Brown have the best one-two forward set-up. This the only match at the MCG this year for Brisbane.

We think: Big test for the improved Demons, not sure they have the defensive match-ups. Brisbane by 22

PORT ADELAIDE v ST KILDA, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, 7.10pm (CST)

Storyline: Nick who? The Saints were super-impressive without their skipper and regain Justin Koschitzke this week. It's the second leg of a tough quinella for Port - first the Cats, then the Saints.

Why to watch: Is Kosi ready to assume no.1 forward status? He needs to be.

We think: Saints too tough and too big all over the paddock. St Kilda by 18

COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON, MCG, Sunday, 2.40pm

Storyline: The Pies returned to form in emphatic fashion last week when they smashed Hawthorn. The hot-and-cold Bombers were awful in Perth last week and must lift.

Why to watch: It's ANZAC Day. Throw form out the window.

We think: Hard to see the Bombers turning things around in a week. Collingwood by 16

HAWTHORN v NORTH MELBOURNE, Aurora Stadium, 5.10pm

Storyline: The Hawks are in Tassie for the first time this year and at 1-3, will be happy to be there. North are playing well, just lack the bigger bodies.

Why to watch: This could the the week Lance Franklin finally cuts loose. Josh Gibson used to curb him, but he's a Hawk now.

We think: If the Hawks are any good, they'll win here and get their season back on track. Hawthorn by 15

FREMANTLE v RICHMOND, Subiaco, Sunday, 6.40pm (WST)

Storyline: Richmond has yet to run an opponent closer than 52 points. How long can the Tigers keep this one close?

Why to watch: Remember Rhys Palmer? Tore up the competition two years ago and won the Rising Star, then he did his knee. Can the high-flying Dockers find a place for him in the side.

We think: Fremantle to get on top early then bring out the party tricks. Fremantle by 55

CARLTON v GEELONG, MCG, Monday, 2.10pm

Storyline: Blues fans are up and about once more. That's what the return of Chris Judd will do.

Why to watch: Public holiday footy at the 'G. Can't think of much better.

We think: The Cats are going beautifully as their 11-goal third term last week demonstrated. They should knock some sense into the Carlton faithful. Geelong by 31