ST KILDA v COLLINGWOOD, MCG, FRIDAY, 7.40PM (SEVEN)

Storyline: Two unbeatens, but the Pies were dreadful against the Demons. How on earth did they win?

Why to watch: To count the number of times the cameras are on Luke Ball. The former Saints skipper against his old club was flogged to death during the NAB Cup, but does add a level of intrigue to this one.

We think: The Saints are in sparkling form and Heath Shaw is a huge loss for Pies. Saints by 20.

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NORTH MELBOURNE v WEST COAST, ETIHAD STADIUM, SATURDAY, 2.10PM (TEN)

Storyline: Both winless and in the case of North, a long way from being competitive, Hard to see either side mounting a serious finals assault from a 0-3 start.

Why to watch: Brad Scott, who is channeling Bill Belichick with his hooded top.

We think: North in a low-scoring encounter. West Coast almost never wins on the road. North by 12.

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PORT ADELAIDE v BRISBANE, AAMI STADIUM, SATURDAY, 2.40PM. (FOX)

Storyline: Neither side has lost a game and both have played some terrific football.

Why to watch: Brown and Fevola are always entertaining. Will their double-act work as well on the road as it has at the Gabba?

We think: Port plays well at home and won handily against the Lions here last year. Port by 11

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CARLTON v ESSENDON, MCG, SATURDAY, 7.10PM (TEN)

Storyline: Belted at home by Fremantle, the Bombers have made six changes as they seek to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1967.

Why to watch: Because it's Carlton v Essendon. The hatred runs deep and almost anything goes.

We think: The Blues have lost five straight to the Dons but the streak ends here. Carlton by 21.

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SYDNEY v RICHMOND, SCG, SATURDAY, 7.10PM (FOX)

Storyline: Having thrashed Adelaide on the road by seven goals, Sydney's confidence is sky-high. Richmond is yet to bottom out. Ouch.

Why to watch: Lewis Jetta is an excitement machine for the Swans.

We think: The Swans will jump to an early lead and won't be threatened. Sydney by 57

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MELBOURNE v ADELAIDE, MCG, SUNDAY, 1.10PM, (FOX)

Storyline: A bit more composure and the Dees would have upset Collingwood alst weekend, while the Crows have yet to be competitive this year - shocking for a side many tipped to be top four.

Why to watch: Week by week, the Melbourne kids are putting it altogether. Will the Crows finally lift their intensity?

We think: Last chance for the Crows. Lose this and it could all start to unravel. Doubtful the Demons can be so competitive for two weeks on the trot. Adelaide by 14.

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WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORN, ETIHAD STADIUM, SUNDAY, 2.10PM

Storyline: The Dogs were back in business last week after an opening week slip-up, while the Hawks were brave, but bowed in an Easter Monday classic against the Cats. Can they back up six days later?

Why to watch: Cyril Rioli staged a brilliant cameo against the Cats last week despite a lack of match fitness. Expect more magic with a few extra miles in his legs.

We think: The Bulldogs have too much depth through the midfield and the extra day between matches will prove a godsend. Bulldogs by 25.

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FREMANTLE v GEELONG, SUBIACO, SUNDAY 2.40PM (FOX)

Storyline: Freo is 2-0 and has looked really goods. The kids the Dockers have stockpiled the last few years can really play. The Cats were great against Hawthorn, but head west without suspended pair Cam Mooney and Matthew Scarlett. Both are huge omissions.

Why to watch: One of the biggest home and away matches ever for the Dockers.

We think: The heart says the Dockers, the head still needs to be swayed. The Cats will be sore and tired, but always find a way to win. Geelong by 6.

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