Richmond vs Geelong
MCG 7.50pm (AEST) Friday, June 7
Team news: Damian Hardwick will make at least two changes with David Astbury and Brandon Ellis ruled out earlier today. Hardwick spoke to the media Thursday morning confirming the news, and is considering recalling Daniel Rioli to the senior side. Fairytale man Jack Graham had a strong game and will apply pressure to the role of Shai Bolton - who laid just one tackle against North Melbourne a week ago. Kane Lambert is still another week away, but Oleg Markov should become available. Father-son prospect Patrick Naish hasn't put a foot wrong all season, and will be considered for an AFL debut following another strong performance.
Gary Ablett will return from suspension, potentially at the expense of James Parsons, who remains on the fringe despite improvements. Youngster Gryan Miers had a quiet afternoon against the Swans, but is too big of a scoring threat to be dropped. The other expected change is in the rucks, with Rhys Stanley to return in place of Zac Smith, after Stanley was a late out during round 11.
Prediction: Undoubtedly the match of the round, Tigers will challenge but remain depleted. Cats by 10
Carlton vs Brisbane
Marvel Stadium 1.45pm (AEST) Saturday, June 8
Team news: It's better news on the injury front after a whirlwind week at Ikon Park. Both Mitch McGovern (ankle) and Kade Simpson (managed) will face injury tests, while former skipper Marc Murphy may need another week to heal his fractured ribs, despite being labelled as a test. Darcy Lang and Alex Fasolo were both extremely quiet in their return to the senior side and could find themselves back in the reserves. Dale Thomas' responded to his club-ban and would add some much-needed experience for David Teague's first game as interim coach.
The Lions are moving well at the minute following a win over the Hawks. Big Oscar McInerney will return to the side for the tried Archie Smith. There will be a temptation to bring in defender Josh Walker to help match the Blues' tall forward line - but it isn't a necessity for coach Chris Fagan.
Prediction: Carlton to play with a bit more passion, but the Lions are improving week by week. Lions by 19.
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Metricon Stadium 4.35pm (AEST) Saturday, June 8
Team news: Midfielder Jack Bowes sustained an unfortunate quad injury that will see him miss, but back comes vice-captain Touk Miller, who missed several games with a heel complaint. The other experienced inclusion of Jarrod Harbrow will force a defender out of the side, and young Josh Schoenfeld might be the unlucky one.
Consistent defender Jamie Macmillan (calf) will need to prove his own fitness, and while Sam Durdin looms as the like-for-like replacement, it might be time for Paul Ahern to receive a recall following his 33-disposal performance in the VFL.
Prediction: After a disappointing effort against the Giants, Stuart Dew will ask a lot of his side hoping to return to their early-season form. Suns by 8.
Adelaide vs Greater Western Sydney
Adelaide Oval 7:40pm (AEST) Saturday, June 8
Team news: The injury to Rory Sloane (hamstring) has been the topic of conversation all week, although news was better following training Thursday morning - a replacement will need to be looked at. That replacement is a quality one, with Matt Crouch expected to return after he missed three weeks with a hip complaint. Sam Jacobs kicked five goals in the SANFL, which is just about enough to see his return in place of Reilly O'Brien. Veteran mid Richard Douglas enjoyed a standout game too, and could find his way back into the side soon enough.
All-Australian Lachie Whitfield is set to miss at least six weeks after surgery on his collarbone, and returning defender Zac Williams (hamstring) will be a handy replacement. It's unlikely that Lachlan Keefe will keep his spot with young Sam Taylor the favoured key down back. Jackson Hately stepped closer to playing his third game, but no guarantee.
Prediction: The Giants have been impressive interstate, will make it four on the trot. Giants by 17.
Sydney vs West Coast
SCG 3.20pm (AEST) Sunday, June 9
Team news: Sunday's only game will see old rivals do battle in Sydney. John Longmire won't need to make too many changes, as the Swans still have a hefty injury list and have been admirable in recent weeks. James Rowbottom has been solid in the NEAFL, and will be first in line if a change is needed.
Captain Shannon Hurn's good run of form will come to a halt following a hamstring complaint, either Jackson Nelson or Josh Rotham will be suitable as his replacement down back. The Eagles won't be tossing too many names around following a 10-goal win, but Chris Masten amassed 30 touches in the WAFL, putting his hat in the ring.
Prediction: Although Sydney has battled in recent weeks, this one might be out of reach early. Eagles by 32.
Collingwood vs Melbourne
MCG 3.20pm (AEST) Monday, June 10
Team news: Several question marks surround dominant big Brodie Grundy, but he's expected to get up in time for Monday's encounter. Mason Cox will be waiting in the wings, and if proven fit he'll come in for the All-Australian ruck. Midfielder Dayne Beams (hip) is set for an extended sit, so to Tom Langdon (knee). Collingwood fans have been crying out for the injury-troubled Brayden Sier to make his 2019 debut, he looms as the likely candidate for Beams.
Elsewhere around town, the Demons face better news with Steven May expected to return for his second game at the club. He could be paired with fellow defender Jake Lever - but given his past injuries, there's every chance he'll spend another week playing for Casey. There's even more hope for their back stocks, with Christian Salem and Marty Hore facing fitness tests - two super important players if the Demons are any chance of stealing this one.
Expect at least three of Oscar McDonald, Charlie Spargo, Jay Kennedy Harris or Josh Wagner to face omission.
Prediction: Demons were poor in the second half last week, but still found themselves a kick behind late. Collingwood to bounce back. Magpies by 13.
