ESSENDON v WESTERN BULLDOGS, Etihad Stadium, Friday, 7.40pm
The story so far: The Bombers have negotiated a reasonably soft part of their draw in good fashion, but now face the Bulldogs, who would appear to have found their mojo after a stuttering start to the season.
Why to watch: Both teams play an attractive brand of footy when they're up and about. Expect end to end stuff and a reasonably high-scoring game.
We think: The Dogs have won their last six clashes between these sides. They have Essendon's measure.
Bulldogs by 17 points

GEELONG v MELBOURNE, Skilled Stadium, Saturday, 2.10pm
The story so far: The Cats enjoyed putting Collingwood to the sword during last week's blockbuster and again shape as the team to beat for the flags. After a gritty win over Port in Darwin, the Demons are just a game outside the eight.
Why to watch: Not sure. By resting Tom Scully and Jack Trengove, much interest in this has been lost.
We think: The Cats haven't lost at home since round 21, 2007. The Demons won't change that.
Geelong by 43 points

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, 2.40pm (CST)
The story so far: Forget the comeback against Melbourne last week, Port was really disappointing for the second week in a row. Richmond remains winless and usually has one quarter a week to blame for its plight.
Why to watch: A pair of Port Adelaide premiership heroes, Damien Harrdwick and Brendon Lade will be sitting in the Richmond coaches box.
We think: In Melbourne we'd be tempted, but at home, the safe pick is the Power.
Port Adelaide by 21 points

BRISBANE LIONS v COLLINGWOOD, Gabba, 7.10pm
The story so far: Five straight losses to the Lions and all the early-season optimism has fizzled away. The Pies were humbled - again - by Geelong. It's been a much quieter week around Pie-land.
Why to watch: It's getting desperate for the Lions and they'll be treating this one like a final.
We think: The Pies have won seven straight outside Victoria. They'll shut the Lions down.
Collingwood by 16 points

ST KILDA v ADELAIDE, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 7.10pm
The story so far: Tough week for both clubs. Two retirements at the Crows, and an off-field scandal at Moorabbin, which while it blew over quickly had to be a distraction.
Why to watch: Which team will settle more quickly?
We think: The Saints are at home and have too much talent across the park.
St Kilda by 27

HAWTHORN v SYDNEY, MCG, Sunday, 1.10pm
The story so far: It was shades of 2008 as the Hawks bullied Carlton, while the injury really starts to bite the Swans.
Why to watch: Lance Franklin and Adam Goodes sharing the same patch of dirt.
We think: The Swans are missing the types of players to stop Hawthorn's big weapons.
Hawthorn by 30 points

CARLTON v WEST COAST, Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm
The story so far: Carlton's sparking month came an abrupt end against Hawthorn, but the Blues still have top-four aspirations. West Coast led St Kilda by 17 points in the third term but then faded badly. Not good enough, really.
Why to watch: Chris Judd and Nick Naitanui.
We think: The Blues will bounce back hard and look the better side.
Carlton by 24 points

FREMANTLE v NORTH MELBOURNE, Subiaco, 2.40pm (WST)
The story so far: The Dockers successfully negotiated another tricky road trip at the SCG last week. North's hamfisted attempt to muscle the Bulldogs fell embarrassingly short.
Why to watch: The Dockers play an entertaining brand of footy - part defensive, part attacking.
We think: Drew Petrie's return helps North considerably, but the Dockers are better at home.
Fremantle by 31 points