Hawthorn take on Geelong this Friday night at 7.50pm, in what could be one of the best matches of the season. While the Hawks are favourites to win, the Cats have won the last eight clashes between these two teams. Geelong find themselves in fine form at the moment, and may just have enough intensity and chaos to give Hawthorn a run for their money.
Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne kicks off at 1.45pm Saturday afternoon, with the Doggies at long odds against a team with everything to play for. The Roos are in the eight at the moment, with a win hopefully giving them a bit more breathing space in the lead up to the finals.
GWS Giants take on Port Adelaide this Saturday afternoon at 2.10pm, with Giants coach Kevin Sheedy reaching his 1000th AFL game as a player and coach. Neither of these two teams seem to have much energy left however, with the game at Skoda Stadium not likely to live up to this magnificent milestone.
Fremantle play West Coast at 4.40pm Saturday afternoon, with this local derby much anticipated and very difficult to predict. Even though the West Coast are firm favourites to win this battle, the Dockers will be keen to keep in touch with the eight and are likely to make things difficult for West Coast.
Collingwood play St Kilda this Saturday night at 7.40pm, in perhaps the most exciting match of the round. The MCG will be rocking for this clash, with the Saints having everything to play for and looking to upset the Pies. Everyone knows just how hard it can be even getting the ball when you are playing Collingwood however, so they will need a huge effort from their midfield if they want to nullify the Collingwood attack.
Brisbane Lions vs Richmond takes place on Saturday at 7.40pm, one of the more interesting clashes of the round. Both teams have won the same number of games this season, although the Tigers will be favourites for the win this weekend. Richmond will be keen to make up for a number of dissapointing losses over the last few weeks, but all the attention they’ve been getting may be exactly what they don’t need.
Melbourne take on the Gold Coast at the MCG this Sunday at 1.10pm, in a must-win match for the Demons. Gold Coast will like their chances of a second win for the season against the Demons however, and they are scoring well inside the 50 at the moment.
Carlton vs Sydney Swans kicks off on Sunday at 3.15pm, with the Swans firm favourites to take the points. Sydney are not sitting on top of the ladder for nothing, although in many ways, this is a danger game for them. The Swans will also miss Sam Reid, but are still tipped by most to win this game comfortably.
The last game of the round is between the Adelaide Crows and Essendon, with kick-off at 4.40pm on Sunday. Essendon are struggling at the moment with injuries, and their line-up this week is still far from full strength. Essendon also had a hard week against Geelong last week, and will be keen to play like the top-four side they are likely to be in 2012.