MORE: Collingwood v St Kilda, Friday Night 7:40pm, Etihad Stadium
Carlton vs Essendon, Saturday Afternoon 1:45pm, MCG
It’s incredibly rare for a coach to get the full support of the board in April, but lo and behold, welcome to Mick Malthouse’s world. What an opportunity for the hungry and longing for revenge Bombers, a chance to send the dagger deep into the hearts of the Navy army after two long years of relentless jeering. If Carlton don’t bring it, it could get ugly.
Bombers by 31.
Adelaide vs Melbourne, Saturday Afternoon, 2:10pm, Adelaide Oval
With the highs of victory, comes the dizzying and grinding realities of being obliterated. 14 consecutive goals the Dees gave up last week, and if they are to progress in anyway, they must repent in a fixture they won last year.
The Crows on the other hand are looking to continue their bolting start to the year. Three and zero and maybe expectations in 2015 start to slowly creep higher.
Crows by 37.
Sydney vs. Greater Western Sydney, Saturday Twilight 4:40pm, SCG
Interesting derby ahead for the winless Giants. Took advantage of a Sydney side that were sloppy at the beginning of the season last year, but will likely run into a well-oiled unit on Saturday. The Giants found their groove in the second half against the Dees and need to take their opportunities, or it could be a long afternoon.
Swans by 45.
MORE: North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Saturday Night 7.20pm, Etihad Stadium
Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond, Saturday Night 7:20pm, GABBA
Last Sunday was nothing short of a spineless embarrassment by Brisbane. North Melbourne rarely ventured into third gear as they piled on goal after goal in a dominant performance. Injuries are not an excuse for not getting to contests and working hard enough off the ball.
The Tigers were in a similar position, stifled by the Dogs attack on the contest. Loser likely to have the week from hell.
Tigers by 26.
Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs, Sunday Afternoon 1:10pm, Aurora Stadium
Speaking of reality checks, were the Hawks dished out a well needed perception correction. All week they were talked up as invincible, and the Bombers proved with hard work that even the best can be dislodged.
Hard work is what the Dogs have done in spades in the first two weeks, with some very solid performances against mid-table opposition. Won’t win, but if they can play to their strengths they can give the Hawks a good fright.
Hawks by 42.
Geelong vs Gold Coast, Sunday Afternoon 3:20pm, Simonds Stadium
So now the descent has begun for the Cats, the question is how will they manage it? Will it be a violent decline, or is there one last finals series for this group? The Suns on the other hand have started the season in an incredibly miserable fashion. Last week’s performance against the Saints was miserable, and another heavy loss could start sounding alarm bells.
Cats by 22.
West Coast vs Fremantle, Sunday Twilight 4:40pm, Domain Stadium
Things Ross Lyon will be thrilled with: the start to the season. Things he won’t be thrilled with: Hayden Ballantyne deciding Harry Taylor’s face made good target practice when the game was won.
Things that will piss him off beyond belief: dropping a derby against a vulnerable Eagles.
Dockers by 12.