Collingwood vs Brisbane

Thursday April 1, Marvel Stadium, 7:40pm AEDT

Team News: The Pies showed that they aren't a spent force just yet with an impressive win over the Blues last Thursday night. They were too good from start to finish and led by their midfield group.

They get a slice of luck with this game originally scheduled for the Gabba but due to the COVID outbreak in Queensland, the game has been moved to Melbourne. Add in the fact the Lions haven't been able to go home and have been living out of a suitcase prepared for just a few nights, the early points are in the Magpie camp.

The Lions were much better last week and should have won the game if not for a last minute umpiring blunder. But fact is they're 0-2 and whether they won't be returning home until at best the end of Round 4, they should see the much wanted return of Jarrod Berry which is a plus, need to just win games now.

Prediction: It's been a tough week for Brisbane but they should be too good here. Brisbane by 15 points

North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs

Friday April 2, Marvel Stadium, 4:20pm AEDT

The story of these two teams couldn't be further apart. The Dogs are flying and had an inspirational come from behind win last week led by skipper Marcus Bontempelli. They now sit 2-0 and are looking like a genuine threat.

Meanwhile the Kangaroos have been hapless for the opening fortnight of the season and uncompetitive in their last 7 quarters. They were embarrassed by the Suns last week and offered little in the way of resistance. This has to be the game North lift for, it's their feature event.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Jack Macrae of the Bulldogs runs with the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

North do welcome back Ben Cunnington which will help their midfield deal with the deep Dogs group and will unveil top draft pick Will Phillips.

Prediction: Fear this could get away from North Melbourne before too long and not sure they have the ability to slow the Bulldogs down. Western Bulldogs by 57 points.

Adelaide vs Gold Coast

Friday April 2 Adelaide Oval, 7:50pm AEDT.

Team News: The Suns have been super so far in 2020 and registered their first win in style over the Kangaroos last week, they now feature in only their second ever Friday night fixture as they meet Adelaide.

The Crows have shown improvement this year but ran into a red-hot Sydney team last week. Taylor Walker has found his best form again booting 11 goals in two games making the Adelaide forward line a dangerous weapon for Matthew Knicks.

The Suns lose Connor Budarick and Sam Day with long-term injuries which is a blow but this is a huge chance for both teams to go 2-1.

Prediction: The Suns will secure their first ever prime time win. Suns by 7 points. 

Richmond vs Sydney

Saturday April 3, MCG, 1:45pm AEDT

Team News: Who would have thought this would be as big a game as it's shaping up to be? The Swans are on fire and have been lifted by youth tremendously, they have secured both NAB Rising Star nominations to start the season and last week welcomed Lance Franklin back.

They run into a Richmond team that is just humming along getting the job done, the Tigers often warm into their work as the season goes on and they have gotten through the opening part of the season well.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Nick Vlastuin of the Tigers runs with the ball during the round 15 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Dustin Martin looks a better player then in 2020 and the Swans need to at least try and stop or curb his influence, if he is left to do his thing on the MCG the Swans are no hope.

Prediction: The Swans youngsters may run out of steam a hit here. Richmond by 27 points.

Essendon vs St Kilda

Saturday April 3, Marvel Stadium 4:35pm AEDT

Team News: The Bombers have been obliterated by injury after a disaster show against Port Adelaide, a nine-goal loss was compounded by the loss of Sam Draper, Jye Caldwell and Dylan Shiel for sustained periods of time.

Essendon's last 6 quarters have been rather dismal and there would be some alarm bells going off at Tullamarine already, it looks very possible the Bombers will be facing a 0-6 start.

The Saints were comprehensively beaten by Melbourne and will be expecting a response, Brad Crouch is available for selection in a massive boost while Brad Hill continues to struggle for form.

Prediction: The Bombers are un-backable at the moment. St Kilda by 37 points.

West Coast vs Port Adelaide

Saturday April 3, Optus Stadium, 8:10pm AEDT

Team News: The Power have looked the goods so far in 2021 but some perspective is needed, they have beaten North Melbourne and Essendon, they've don very well but you get the sense they won't be the only team to complete that double.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Karl Amon of the Power kicks the ball into the forward line during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Leederville Oval on February 25, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Eagles meanwhile arguably played better last week then in their round one win, they seemingly had the Bulldogs at bay but couldn't get across the line. They are going ok though and this is a good test to see where they are at, as it is for Port Adelaide who have a heap of momentum.

Prediction: Port are playing the better footy right now, should be too good. Port Adelaide by 11 points.

Carlton vs Fremantle

Sunday April 4, Marvel Stadium, 3:20pm AEDT

Team News: The Blues are in as desperate need for a win as anyone. They simply can't go 0-3. They have been awful defensively but have found scoring no issue. They lose Jack Martin and Zac Fisher for six weeks each but could welcome back Mitch McGovern, Caleb Marchbank and Eddie Betts.

Fremantle lose skipper Nat Fyfe after he was concussed. How long he is out is yet to be determined. But they get a boost with Michael Walters coming back from a hamstring issue. They were much better last week but the GIANTS were poor as well.

Patrick Cripps is playing hurt, but Carlton say he will line-up for the Blues on Easter Sunday.

Prediction: Carlton need to win and Freo looked shaky on the road in Round 1. Carlton  by 17 points.

GWS VS Melbourne

Sunday April 4, Manuka Oval, 6:10pm

Team News: The Giants were very poor last week, it's an inconsistency that has creeped into their game that is a massive worry. They all too often can be found wanting for effort and just not as hungry as their opposition.

They were embarrassed by a young Fremantle side who simply wanted to work harder.

Meanwhile Melbourne were brilliant, they beat the Saints at Marvel which isn't easy and they showed the flare they were known for in 2018. They have a brilliant opportunity to go 3-0 and get their season off to a dream start.

Prediction: GINATS are always hard to beat in Canberra but the Dees are flying. Melbourne by 21 points.

Geelong vs Hawthorn

Monday April 5, MCG, 3:20pm

The Hawks were gallant against the Tigers in a game the Tigers never got out of third gear, they unfortunately lose Will Day who has gone in for surgery and will miss some time.

Geelong were lucky to say the very least, they were the better side against the Lions for three quarters before being overrun. They managed to snare a goal late and steal a win thanks to some dubious umpiring.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Jordan Clark of the Cats in action during the 2019 AFL round 18 match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Hawks will need to replicate their second half from round one if they are any chance to figure in this game.

Prediction: The Cats should prove to be too strong here. Geelong by 32 points.