Game 1 – Melbourne v Hawthorn, MCG, 1.20pm
In a nutshell: Huge game for the Demons, who are 3-5 for the season and need to get closer to squaring the ledger. The 6-2 Hawks rediscovered their potency last week by thumping Richmond. All eyes will be on Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver who returns to the line-up after a week’s rest and a swirl of speculation about his future. He is joined by Jacob van Rooyen and Matthew Jefferson, while the Demons have managed Jake Melsham and lost Jack Viney and Harrison Petty to injury. The Hawks have managed big defender Tom Barrass, and brought in Karl Amon. Expecting Sam Mitchell’s mob to pull away after a tight first half.
Dylan Shiel returns to the Bombers line-up.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Game 2 – Essendon v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium, 4.15pm
In a nutshell: Crucial clash for both teams. When are they not crucial? The Bombers sit 12th at 4-3, while the Swans are 14th at 3-5. The Swans emerged victorious in their previous encounter at Marvel Stadium, 98 to 59, in August last year, so hold no fears for the away venue. They lose Lewis Melican to suspension after last week’s big win over GWS, while bringing in Ben Paton. The Bombers are coming off an unconvincing three-point win over North and lose Jordan Ridley, Jade Gresham and Harrison Jones to injury. They also dropped Jye Menzie and Elijah Tsatas. Their five inclusions are Jye Caldwell, Dylan Shiel, Lewis Hayes, Archer Day-Wicks and Saad El-Hawli. This looks like a Swans win.
Game 3 – Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs, Tio Stadium, Darwin, 7.35pm
In a nutshell: The Suns have turned Darwin into a home-ground fortress. They have a 6-2 record at the Top End where the ball can become slippery and the conditions tough to handle because of the humidity. They are also sitting fourth at 5-2 for the year. Competitive forward Ben Long is an important inclusion. The sixth-placed Bulldogs have won their past three and are sitting 5-3 for the season. They have lost Adam Treloar to injury and dropped Jedd Busslinger, while bringing in Harvey Gallagher and Caleb Poulter. Expect the Suns to go 7-2 in the NT.
Sidelined: Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli will not face the Crows this weekend.Credit: Getty Images
Game 4 – Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 8.10pm
In a nutshell: The build up to this normally fierce rivalry has been overshadowed by Willie Rioli’s suspension, but you can rest assured both teams will be switched on for The Showdown. Adelaide hold the form edge, coming off a big win over Carlton and sitting fifth at 5-3 for the year. Port have been inconsistent, sitting 13th at 4-4. They dropped four and lost Rioli after last week’s thumping at the hands of the Bulldogs – Will Lorenz, Jordon Sweet, Logan Evans and Joe Berry. But their inclusions hardly scream match winners – Dante Visenti, Josh Sinn, Christian Moraes, Jed McEntee and Ryan Burton. Too many might unsettle Port, giving the Crows a distinct advantage.
