COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG, MCG, Friday, 7.40pm

The story so far: The Pies have won their last five, the Cats their last three. Both teams in brilliant form.

Why to watch: Huge test for the Magpies. Can their forwards be effective against such a disciplined defence? The Cats own the corridor, the Pies the flanks, so it should be an attacking, high-scoring match

We think: The Pies will be up for this one, perhaps more so than the Cats. If Travis Cloke keeps up his good form, they may be good enough.

Collingwood by 7

NORTH MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 2.10pm

The story so far: North would be delighted to be 4-4, the Dogs less so with 5-3, but the signs against the Swans last week was that the Bulldogs are getting back to their best.

Why to watch: The Kangas have come up short against the really good teams, so it's a massive test.

We think: They'll fall short again. Bulldogs should be too fast and slick.

Western Bulldogs by 23

SYDNEY v FREMANTLE, SCG, Saturday, 2.10pm

The story so far: After a flying start, the Swans have lost two straight as injuries and suspensions start to bite. The Dockers have had an enormous few days courtesy of the Michael Johnson drug charge.

Why to watch: Desperate game for both clubs to keep in striking distance of the top four.

We think: Freo's ruck advantage will be negated by Freo missing three key defenders. Home ground advantage to hold sway here.

Sydney by 14

ESSENDON v RICHMOND, MCG, Saturday, 7.45pm

The story so far: Essendon enjoyed a fine win over the Saints, while the Tigers narrowly missed out on a well-deserved maiden win over Hawthorn.

Why to watch: Dreamtime at the 'G. The pre-game will be spectacular and if the Tigers are has hard at it as last week, they'll go very close.

We think: The Bombers have the pace to hurt the Tigers when they turn the ball over. They're also more dangerous close to goal.

Essendon by 24

MELBOURNE v PORT ADELAIDE, TIO Stadium, 7.10pm (CST)

The story so far: Melbourne's bright form was extinguished by a lamentable six-goal effort against West Coast, while Port faded badly against Carlton. Both need to rebound.

Why to watch: Which team will adapt better to the steamy conditions.

We think: Port has bounced back well this year from poor efforts and also look a bit better on paper.

Port Adelaide by 15

ADELAIDE v BRISBANE LIONS, AAMI Stadium, Sunday, 12.40 (CST)

The story so far: Adelaide's fast finish last week belies how bad it was for the first three quarters. 1-7. Who would have thought? The Lions have lost four straight and have a long injury list.

Why to watch: Not really sure. Let's hope Michael Voss is correct when he declared Jonathan Brown and Brendan Fevola certain starters this week.

We think: Neither side has much form to recommend them, so it will come down to desperation on the day. The Crows just, because they're at home.

Adelaide by 4

CARLTON v HAWTHORN, Sunday, Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm

The story so far: Blues fans are hailing the win over Port as one of those you have on the way to bigger and better things. Hawthorn snapped a six-match losing streak against the Tigers but were unimpressive.

Why to watch: They're talking flags out Visy Park way. Can they walk the walk?

We think: The Hawks won't beat anyone half-decent while they're getting smashed as they are out of the middle.

Carlton by 26

WEST COAST v ST KILDA

The story so far: The Eagles have won two straight and are confident here. The Saints have lost three or four and the body language after the loss to Essendon suggests self-doubt may be creeping in.

Why to watch: Pace has beaten the Saints the last few weeks. Will the Eagles try the same tactic?

We think: The Saints have been a fine backs-to-the-wall club the last few years. They deserve one last chance.

St Kilda by 10