Bulldogs vs Carlton
Etihad Stadium, 7:50pm Friday April 27
Team news: The Bulldogs will regain gun midfielder Lachie Hunter from suspension and Hayden Crozier is likely to be available.
Carlton could have Matthew Kennedy and Caleb Marchbank back if they pass fitness tests this week.
Injury Watch: Matthew Kreuzer and Jacob Weitering (Carlton) were 50/50 to play this week but still arenโt ready. Alex Silvagni is not far away from returning from an Achilles injury and Cam OโShea must be cleared for concussion to get up for this game.
The Dogs lose Tory Dickson for a month with a hamstring injury and Roarke Smith with a sore hip.
Prediction: This game very much depends on which teams turn up. If the Bulldogs that played against Sydney two weeks ago come to play, they will win. Bulldogs by 15
Geelong vs Sydney
GMHBA Stadium 1:45pm Saturday April 28
Team news: Tom Hawkins must overcome back spasm is he is to line up for the Cats this week. Stewart Crameri and Charlie Constable have been ticking away in the VFL and could earn themselves a call up this week. Geelong will be without Daniel Menzel due to a groin injury.
Sydney have already ruled out Dan Hannenbery and Buddy Franklin and they are likely to bring in Nic Newman and one of Allir Aliir or Darcy Cameron.
Injury Watch: Another week, another head knock to a Selwood for the Cats. This time Scott must prove his fitness before he lines up in the team. Chris Scott has said Gary Ablett will also be pushing to return this week, but is unlikely.
Sydney have not revealed the extent of the injuries to Franklin and Hannebery and it unknown how many weeks they will miss but it is unlikely to be an extended period of time.
Prediction: No Buddy and no Hannebery hurts the Swans especially when going to Geelong. Cats by 21
North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
Etihad Stadium, 2:10pm Saturday April 28
Team news: After big head knocks last week, Shaun Higgins and Ed Vickers-Willis must pass concussion tests to be allowed to play this week. Nathan Hrovat is a chance to return.
Lindsay Thomasโ return ends as quick as it started in true Lindsay Thomas form with a suspension for high contact and the Power will also be without young forward Todd Marshall who is on leave after the passing of his dad.
Injury Watch: Tom Rockliff and Jasper Pittard will play in the SANFL this week and could be ready to return for Port Adelaide next week.
Prediction: Port are very much out of form at the moment and unless they bounce back in a big way, North Melbourne will get the win at home. North by 9
GWS vs Brisbane
Spotless Stadium, 4:35pm Saturday April 28
Team news: Josh Kelly and Rory Lobbโs return dates are still up in the air after they both missed the Giantsโ training session on Tuesday, but they will come straight back in when fit.
Daneil Rich is a slight chance to return for the Lions.
Injury Watch: All eyes are on Kelly and Lobb but the Giants are likely to get Zac Langdon back from a hand injury this week.
Prediction: Brisbane will need to produce something special to win this one. Giants by 45
Hawthorn vs St Kilda
UTAS Stadium, 7:25pm Saturday April 28
Team news: The Hawks lose James Sicily to suspension again but will regain Shaun Burgoyne.
St Kilda could have Jimmy Webster back in and David Armitage collected 33 disposals in the VFL on the weekend, so he deserves to be recalled back into the side.
Injury Watch: Liam Shiels (Hawthorn) needs to pass a fitness test before playing this week . Jonathon Ceglar will return to the VFL next week.
St Kildaโs Nathan Freeman is making progress towards finally making an AFL debut with the injury prone youngster ready to play his first VFL match for the year.
Prediction: The Saints will need to back up their good form from last week to beat the Hawks down in Tassie. In a match that could go either way, Hawthorn will want to make a statement after their poor loss to North Melbourne last week. Hawks by 24
Adelaide vs Gold Coast
Adelaide Oval, 7:10pm Saturday April 28
Team news: Adelaide are hoping to have some big names back this week with Rory Sloane and Matt Crouch likely inclusions to the side.
The Sunโs will be without Darcy Macpherson for a while who broke his leg last week. The easy inclusion would be Aaron Hall, but youngster Jacob Heron has been showing some form in the NEAFL.
Injury Watch: The Crows will be without Kyle Hartigan for a few weeks and Eddie Betts is still at least one week away.
The Sunsโ 'two metre' Peter Wright is still struggling to come back from a calf injury, but he is a chance to return to the NEAFL this week.
Prediction: Hard to see Gold Coast beating the Crows at home. Adelaide by 50
Essendon vs Melbourne
Etihad Stadium, 1:10pm Sunday April 29
Team news: The Bombers will be forced to make at least two changes with injuries to Josh Begley and Josh Green on Anzac Day. They are hopeful Orazio Fantasia will be right to play and could bring in Kyle Langford, who has been starring in the VFL.
Melbourne have lost Dean Kent to a hamstring injury and its likely that Bayley Fritsch or Mitch Hannan will come in as replacements. Tom McDonald and Jordan Lewis are among others that are touch and go to return this week.
Injury Watch: Mitch Brown (Essendon) is a couple of weeks away from returning from a calf injury. Forgotten defender Marty Gleeson is 6-7 weeks away from coming back from an ankle injury.
Melbourne have a number of players on the edge of returning but Jack Viney is still at least a couple of weeks away.
Prediction: This is a must win for both teams. After very short turn arounds from the Anzac games, it will be a game of who can play the least poorly, much like this respective game last year. Melbourne have an extra nightโs rest over Essendon and that could make all the difference. Melbourne by 15
Collingwood vs Richmond
MCG, 3:20pm Sunday April 29
Team news: After narrowly missing the Anzac day game, the Pies could have Taylor Adams, Darcy Moore and Jamie Elliot all back to face Richmond.
Richmondโs Jack Graham will be available after serving a one-week suspension and they could also see Nick Vlaustuin and Josh Caddy return from minor injuries.
Injury Watch: Josh Smith and Levi Greenwood (Collingwood) are one week away from playing footy again.
Richmondโs only major injury for the season has been Daniel Rioliโs foot injury and the Tigers maintain that he is nearing a return.
Prediction: Richmond are building a fortress at the MCG and while Collingwood have found some good form, the Tigers will still be too good. Tigers by 23
Fremantle vs West Coast
Optus Stadium, 2:40pm Sunday April 29
Team news: Fremantle look set to bring Michael Johnson in to help stop the West Coast forward line.
West Coast are likely to have Lewis Jetta back in the side this week.
Injury Watch: Fremantle are taking it one week at a time with Brad Hill and his return date is still unknown.
Nathan Vardy (West Coast) is set to play his first match of the year after going down in the preseason.
Prediction: It will be a big game in Perth this weekend and both teams always find another level for this clash. West Coast have shown a bit more class than Fremantle and should get the win. West Coast by 8
Point to prove:
North Melbourne. North Melbourne had a fantastic win against the Hawks last week but people still arenโt rating them as a top eight chance this year. Brad Scott has put together a decent side that isnโt full of stars but they all turn up and play their role. Ben Brown has reached a new level this year and a fit Jarrad Waite alongside him makes for a scary forward line. A win against Port Adelaide this weekend would give punters no other option but to start showing the Kangaroos some respect.
Struggle street:
Dyson Heppell. Certainly not the worst of the Bombers this year but he is the captain and the buck stops with him. The skipper needs to stand up and rally the troops during situations like Essendon were in against Collingwood on Wednesday. He needs to start leading by example and find that hardness and clean ball use he once had to inspire his team mates.
Photo of the Week:
Lest We Forget #ANZACDay pic.twitter.com/1IOfac8bT0
— Michael Willson (@MichaelCWillson) April 24, 2018
