While Fremantle is yet to recapture the sort of form that resulted in a preliminary final appearance in 2006, the Dockers key forwards in Chris Tarrant and Matthew Pavlich should prove to be the difference against an undermanned St Kilda backline. Dockers by 28 points.

CARLTON v ADELAIDE – Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 2:10pm

Adelaide has had the wood on Carlton in recent times, with the Crows winning six of their last eight clashes against the Blues. Expect the trend to continue, with Adelaide's more experienced midfield and greater options up forward against a Carlton side that relies on Fevola each week to be the difference. Crows by 16 points.

HAWTHORN v WEST COAST – Aurora Stadium, Saturday @ 2:10pm

The loss of Daniel Kerr is a massive blow for the West Coast, but the Eagles should be able to cover his loss with Armstrong in the middle, and the likes of Shannon Hurn to provide some toughness at the stoppages. Aurora Stadium holds no fear for the Eagles, who have won two of their three clashes against Hawthorn at the venue. Eagles by 10 points.

BRISBANE v COLLINGWOOD – GABBA, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Collingwood hasn't won in Brisbane since 1995, and expect that poor record to continue, with the Pies to be exposed for their lack of pace through the middle on the fast track at the Gabba. Lions by 19 points.

RICHMOND v ESSENDON – MCG, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Richmond showed some spirit against Adelaide in round eight, but with the Tigers missing Hughes, Schulz and possibly Richardson, it's hard to see where Richmond will get enough goals from to challenge an Essendon forward line which boasts Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas and the fleet of foot Alwyn Davey. Bombers by 26 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v SYDNEY – Manuka Oval, Sunday @ 1:10pm

The Swans shut down the Port runners brilliantly last weekend, and expect them to do the same against the Bulldogs, in what will be a hard fought contest. Swans by nine points.

MELBOURNE v KANGAROOS - Sunday, MCG @ 2:10pm

This is a danger game for the resurgent Kangaroos against a Melbourne side that will be bolstered by the return of the likes of Brock McLean and Russell Robertson. How big of an impact this duo have after a long layoff with injury is questionable. Winning form is good form, so the Kangaroos should record their sixth straight win for the first time since 1999. Roos by 15 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONG - Sunday, AAMI @ 4:40pm

Geelong's interstate record is simply atrocious, with the Cats having won only three of their past 22. The Cats have also only won once at AAMI Stadium since 2000, and you would expect the home ground advantage to again be the difference. Port by 22 points.