1. Remember North Melbourne?

With 17 teams in the competition, it really is a case of 'out of mind, out of sight' for the teams that have the bye. Last weekend it was North Melbourne, all the more time for a bit of team bonding and for 'Boomer' Harvey, to mend some fences with Lachie Hansen and Sam Wright after his name and shame exercise following the loss to Collingwood in round two.

North makes its second trip to Perh in four weeks on Sunday, this time to face Fremantle. Hansen and Wright would way to play well; Harvey would want to play a blinder.

2. Queensland quinella

Can't see a massive crowd at the Gabba on Sunday for the Suns-Demons, but it is an important clash, particularly for Melbourne. The Demons weren't all that flash last week - just about any other side than Brisbane would have beaten them - and now they get the Suns to round out the aforementioned quinella. In previous times, this would have spelt a danger game for Melbourne and Brent Moloney's late-night binge-drinking session - which cost him the vice-captaincy - a sign that the Demons aren't tsking this one all that seriously?

The Suns apparently fancy themselves here, just to add to the intrigue.

3. Saturday afternoon blockbuster

Carlton and Essendon at the MCG on a Saturday afternoon is a fixture to be savoured. We don't get much big-time footy in that timeslot these days, so 70,000 or so at the MCG will be big. Carlton whacked Essendon big time late last season, a loss that hastened the demise of Matthew Knights as coach. The Dons are a hardier unit this time and the question mark on Carlton will be whether it has the pace to keep up with Essendon.

4. Saturday night special

Saturday night marks the first time since the 2005 finals series that Geelong has visited the SCG. You remember what happened that night..."Nick Davis, Nick Davis....NICK DAVIS! I see it, but I don't believe it!".

It was the night Nick Davis kicked three late goals including the match winner with just seconds to go to knock the Cats out of the finals and steer the Swans closer to that elusive premiership.

Sydney has played three close games this year for two and a half wins, while the Cats are unbeaten. Match of the round.

5. Saints lick their wounds

It's the bye weekend for the Saints but how restful it will be remains to be seen.

Coach Ross Lyon will spend the brief interlude (the Saints next play on Easter Thursday) deciding whether to 'regenerate' as he put it after the disappointing loss to Essendon or mounting one last bid for a premiership with his existing squad.

There is precedent. North lost its first four games in 1975 before winning the flag, while the Saints themselves lost four of their first five in 1997 before making it through to the Grand Final.

Not sure the Saints have it in them to rebound this year, but under the dogged Lyon, they won't die wondering.