CARLTON v BRISBANE LIONS, Etihad Stadium, Thursday, 7.10pm

The story so far: The Blues had eyes for the top four only to stumble against North and the Dockers and suddenly, they have the resurgent Hawthorn and North Melbourne snapping at their heels. Brisbane has lost eight from nine and now has both its key forwards missing.

Why to watch: Not sure now that Fevola isn't playing. Let's see how the Lions go about scragging Chris Judd on a legal basis, as has been forewarned by coach Michael Voss.

We think: The Blues will miss Matthew Kreuzer, but still look more potent in attack and better through the midfield.

Carlton by 24

TAB SPORTSBET: Carlton $1.25, Brisbane $3.85

HAWTHORN v WESTERN BULLDOGS, MCG, Friday, 7.40pm

The story so far: Six straight wins for the Hawks and going beautifully. The Dogs were better in Perth, but need a big scalp to get the flag aspirations back on track.

Why to watch: Two really good teams. Buddy is in brilliant form, but Brian Lake usually has his measure, It is the pivotal clash of the match.

We think: The knock on the Hawks is that they haven't beaten much. Win this, and they'll shut the doubters up, at least till they play the Cats next week.

Hawthorn by 6

TAB SPORTSBET: Hawthorn $2.25, Western Bulldogs $1.60

FREMANTLE v PORT ADELAIDE, Saturday, 1.10pm (WST)

The story so far: The Dockers fly under the radar a bit because they're not from Victoria, but they've been the story of the year. Port has been dreadful of late. The end of the season can't come soon enough.

Why to watch: If you want your Saturday afternoon AFL fix, this is it.

We think: Subiaco is the becoming the House of Pain once again, but this time it's purple.

Fremantle by 32

TAB SPORTSBET: Fremantle $1.10, Port Adelaide $6.25

ADELAIDE v ESSENDON, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, 7.10pm (CST)

The story so far: The Crows are starting to find some form, while the Bombers have dropped three straight, leaving their finals hopes barely intact.

Why to watch: Both sides play attacking footy when they are up and about.

We think: The Bombers travel terribly, while the Crows have been in reasonable nick at home.

Adelaide by 17

TAB SPORTSBET: Adelaide $1.60, Essendon $2.25

COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 7.10pm

The story so far: Another year, another big win to Collingwood over Sydney at ANZ Stadium. That's five years and counting. West Coast is now the favourite for the wooden spoon, yet three years from a flag according to coach John Worsfold.

Why to watch: We'll get back to you on that one.

We think: The Pies love to beat up on inferior teams and the Eagles are firmly in that camp at the moment.

Collingwood by 45

TAB SPORTSBET: Collingwood $1.05, West Coast $8.50

GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE, Skilled Stadium, Sunday 1.10pm

The story so far: Goalless in the second half against St Kilda last week, many believe Geelong's loss to the Saints has breathed new life into the season. North has been terrific all year and deservedly remains in finals contention.

Why to watch: With James Podsiadly as the side's only key forward, North will fancy its chances of keeping the game close.

We think: Geelong has won its last 20 games at home and always finds a way to win. It will do so again, but expect North to remain in touch all day.

Geelong by 21

TAB SPORTSBET: Geelong $1.10, North Melbourne $6.25

RICHMOND v SYDNEY, MCG, Sunday, 2.10pm

The story so far: Three wins from five for the Tigers since they declared that their season started anew after round eight. Sydney was touched up again by Collingwood, leading to one of the all-time great dummy spits from Paul Roos.

Why to watch: Loving the passion with which the Tigers go about their footy (and their club song when they win). But the stakes for the Swans are really high.

We think: Tight one, but the experienced heads and bigger bodies of the Swans might prove the difference.

Sydney by 10

TAB SPORTSBET: Richmond $2.05, Sydney $1.72

ST KILDA v MELBOURNE

The story so far: Another week, another distraction for the Saints. Yet it doesn't seem to bother them after the opening bounce. Melbourne lost in Adelaide last week for the 14th straight time.

Why to watch: The Saints don't necessarily entertain, but they're so damn efficient as they slowly squeeze the life out of their opponents.

We think: Another win for the Saints as they count down the weeks till the return of Nick Riewoldt. Our tip is against Collingwood in two weeks.

St Kilda by 40

TAB SPORTSBET: St Kilda $1.13, Melbourne $5.50