BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs beats the tackle of Tom Mitchell of the Hawks during the AFL JLT Community Series match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Mars Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Sydney vs Geelong

SCG, 7:20pm Thursday July 5

Team news: The Swans could be without young gun Isaac Heeney who suffered a nasty head clash last week against the Tigers.

Scott Selwood is likely to be fit to play for the Cats but Mark Blicavs has been on limited training this week so he could be in doubt.

Injury Watch: Sam Reid and Lewis Melican (Sydney) both got through their return in the NEAFL and should be ready to return next week.

Prediction: Both teams suffered tough losses last week and will be looking to bounce back but the Swans will be hard to beat at home. Sydney by 11 points.

Richmond vs Adelaide

MCG, 7:50pm Friday July 6

Team news: Richmond lost Reece Conca to that nasty ankle injury and Nick Vlastuin to suspension.

The Crows will have Tom Lynch available this week after overcoming concussion.

Injury Watch: Bachar Houli is becoming a concern for the Tigers as he has been one week away for the last couple of weeks.

Adelaide will lose David McKay for a month with a rib injury.

Prediction: The Grand Final replay is upon us and it should be the Tigers on top once again. Richmond by 23 points.

Brisbane vs Carlton

The Gabba, 1:45pm Saturday July 7

Team news: Carlton will get Dale Thomas back from suspension and Matthew Kreuzer back from concussion as long as he passes as fit.

Injury Watch: Harris Andrews (Brisbane) will be assessed next week to give the club a better idea of when he could return to football.

Prediction: Both teams played well last week but Brisbane have the home ground advantage. Brisbane by 11 points.

Port Adelaide vs St Kilda

Adelaide Oval, 4:05pm Saturday July 7

Team news: Port Adelaide are hopeful that Tom Jonas will be fit to take on the Saints while Jack Watts could have earned himself a spot in the senior team after a couple of weeks in the SANFL.

The Saints will lose Josh Battle and Nathan Brown to injury but could have Jimmy Webster back in.

Injury Watch: St Kilda’s Dylan Roberton returned to the training track for the first time this week since he suffered that horrible heart scare earlier in the year. Josh Battle will miss two to three weeks.

Prediction: The Saints had a terrific win last weekend but Port Adelaide should be too good for them this week. Port Adelaide by 26 points.

Bulldogs vs Hawthorn

Etihad Stadium, 7:25pm Saturday July 7

Team news: The Bulldogs will be without Bailey Williams, Lin Jong and Matt Suckling for a month due to injury. Caleb Daniel is available for selection.

Jack Gunston (Hawthorn) was a late withdrawal last weekend because of a corked calf and the club are unsure whether he will be right to play this week. Will Langford is also in doubt.

Injury Watch: Tim English (Bulldogs) is a chance to play this week if he can pass a fitness test.

Prediction: The Bulldogs have hit some form and this now looks like being an exciting clash. The Hawks need to win this to keep their September chances alive. Hawthorn by seven points.

Melbourne vs Fremantle

TIO Stadium, 7:25pm Saturday July 7

Team news: The Demons have no fresh injuries but Simon Goodwin could swing the axe after their disappointing performance last week and bring in some players who have been performing in the VFL.

Fremantle should have Bradley Hill ready to play this week but they will be without their stars in Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands.

Injury watch: The Dockers will be without Fyfe for at least a month due to a hamstring injury.

Prediction: Melbourne have been struggling over the last couple of weeks but they should be able to topple a heavily undermanned Fremantle. Melbourne by 28 points.

North Melbourne vs Gold Coast

Etihad Stadium, 1:10pm Sunday July 8

Team news: The Kangaroos will lose Mason Wood to a hamstring injury and Ben Jacobs is in doubt after being withdrawn from the side late last week.

Gold Coast could bring Kade Kolodjashnij back into the team this week.

Injury watch: North Melbourne can expect to have Wood back in three to four weeks.

The Suns are a chance to have Brayden Fiorini and Pearce Hanley back next week.

Prediction: The Kangaroos went down in a tough one last week but should bounce back against Gold Coast. North Melbourne by 33 points.

Essendon vs Collingwood

MCG, 3:20pm Sunday July 8

Team news: Collingwood lose defender Lynden Dunn for the rest of the year due to an ACL injury but they could have Levi Greenwood back to take on their arch rivals.

Injury watch: The Bombers will sit down on Saturday and decide on whether Joe Daniher will play again this season.

Prediction: The biggest clash between these two clubs outside of ANZAC Day for some time. If the Bombers keep their form going then the depleted Pies will have some trouble getting over the top of them. Essendon by 13 points.

West Coast vs GWS

Optus Stadium, 2:40pm Sunday July 8

Team news: The Eagles’ high flyer Liam Ryan was involved in a car accident during the week and will miss the match against the Giants.

Injury watch: West Coast will be without veteran Mark LeCras for at least a month.

GWS are hopeful to have Toby Greene back within the next couple of weeks. Brett Deledio is also on track to return soon.

Prediction: A must win for both teams who are both missing important players. West Coast are due to bounce back to form. West coast by five points.

Point to prove: The Bulldogs. The Dogs beat Geelong last week and should have beaten North the week before. Are they back or are they just pretending? This is the week we will find out. Hawthorn need to win to keep their finals chances alive, so they will be bringing their A-game. If the Bulldogs can beat them or even just stay in the game, that will be a big positive for the club.

Struggle street: Melbourne. Things seem to be heading south at Demonland and they haven’t won a match for a month. You could excuse the losses to Collingwood and Port Adelaide but losing to St Kilda at home raises some alarm bells. It wasn’t that long ago that people were touting them as a possible top four chance but now it looks like they could be in contention to miss the finals if they don’t turn things around. If they can’t beat Fremantle at home this week then they don’t deserve to be playing in September.

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