WEST COAST v ESSENDON, Subiaco, Friday, 6.40pm (WST)

Storyline: The Coasters are yet to win and the natives are restless. Another loss and you could just about draw the curtains on their finals hopes.

Why to watch: When the Bombers get their skates on, they can be entertaining to watch. Matty Knights is promising to pic a team suited to the spacious venue. It's also a rare live game for those in Victoria.

We think: Last chance for West Coast. They have to find a way to win. West Coast by 9.

NORTH MELBOURNE v SYDNEY, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 2.10pm

Storyline: The 'foreign legion' has been good for the Swans, adding dash, height and goalkicking power. This is their first visit for the season to Victoria, where the diehards come out to support them in groves. Who will have more support?

Why to watch: Can the emerging Kangaroos go with the bigger, harder Swans bodies?

We think: The Swans are playing too well. Sydney by 22

ADELAIDE v CARLTON, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, 2.40pm (CST)

Storyline: If you think the natives in perth are anxious, how do you think they're handling a 0-3 start in Adelaide? As for the Carlton faithful, they flat out think Brett Ratten can't coach.

Why to watch: Massive stakes for both sides. At least the Blues have the return of Chris Judd to look forward to.

We think: Last chance for the Crows. Kurt Tippett needs to play through the pain and kick a bag. Adelaide by 6

COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN, MCG, Saturday, 7.10pm

Storyline: Will Milne-gate prove to be a distraction for the Pies this week. The Hawks have been good, but only have one win to show for it. Another loss and their season starts to resemble their disastrous 2009.

Why to watch: Collingwood usually gets torched by 'Buddy' Franklin, but he's missing because of suspension.

We think: Fresher legs and no Buddy will help the Pies enormously. Collingwood by 12

BRISBANE v WESTERN BULLDOGS, Gabba, Saturday, 7.10pm

Storyline: Two teams with genuine claims on a top-four berth. This is the first real test for the Lions this year.

Why to watch: With Riewoldt and Buddy not playing this week, the three best forwards in the AFL will be on show in the one game.

We think: As Rodney Eade admits, the Bulldogs aren't playing all that well. The Lions are. Brisbane by 13

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE, MCG, Sunday, 1.10pm

Storyline: Is there anyone left at Richmond? They're all injured or suspended. The Demons gradually wore down Adelaide last week and are looking at two wins on the trot.

Why to watch: Tom Scully, Jack Trengove, Dustin Martin...there will be some elite emerging talent running around the MCG on Sunday.

We think: The Demons are playing better. Pure and simple. Melbourne by 22

GEELONG v PORT ADELAIDE, Skilled Stadium, Sunday, 2.10pm

Storyline: There was something about Port's meek effort against the Lions that suggests the long and painful season many predicted for the Power may yet come true. The Cats are going to recall up to premiership five players. Here they come.

Why to watch: Games at Skilled Stadium are as close to suburban football as we get these days.

We think: The Cats weren't disgraced at all last week, but 2-2 is unfathomable. Geelong by 47

ST KILDA v FREMANTLE, Etihad Stadium, Sunday, 4.40pm

Storyline: Unbeaten Dockers? Who woulda thunk it? And the Saints without Riewoldt and Koschitzke for only the third time since 2001 are vulnerable. How will Ross Lyon re-construct his forward line?

Why to watch: How will the hard-running Dockers break through the iron-clad Saints defensive zone.

We think: The Dockers are good things for the finals in their current form, but this shapes as particularly tough. St Kilda by 21