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.

ESSENDON v BRISBANE – Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 2:10pm

Brisbane has had the wood over Essendon in recent times, with the Lions winning nine of the past 11 against the Bombers. Expect the trend to continue, with the Lions superior ruck divison and greater leg speed and class through the middle to be enough to get Brisbane over the line in an engrossing contest. Lions by eight points.

GEELONG v FREMANTLE – Skilled Stadium, Saturday @ 2:10pm

This shapes as being a danger game for Geelong after beating the reigning premiers at home last weekend. But this is a different Geelong side to the one of 2006, and if they can continue to dominate the clearances as they did against the Eagles last weekend, they should have too many options up forward and record a third straight win. Cats by 17 points.

HAWTHORN v ST KILDA – MCG, Saturday @ 7:10pm

St Kilda has won the past four encounters between these two sides by an average of 53 points, and you would expect the Saints with Gehrig and Riewoldt prominent up forward in recent weeks, to have too much firepower for a Hawthorn side that relies on Lance Franklin to kick a bag.Saints by 22 points.

KANGAROOS v CARLTON – Carrara, Saturday @ 7:10pm

The Kangaroos are arguably the form side of the competition having won four matches in a row. Unless Carlton spearhead Brendon Fevola can reproduce his performance from the NAB Cup when he booted eight goals, the Roos should have too many options up forward and more experience through the middle for a young Blues side. Roos by 28 points.

SYDNEY v PORT ADELAIDE – SCG, Sunday @ 1:10pm

Port Adelaide has a good recent record against Sydney, having won two of their past three meetings at the SCG.

But with the likes of Adam Goodes and Peter Everitt due to lift, and the return of Tadhg Kennelly to provide some much needed run off half back, the Swans should be able to snap a two-game losing streak in a dour struggle. Swans by 14 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v COLLINGWOOD - Sunday, Telstra Dome @ 2:10pm

The Bulldogs look set to click into top gear after a sluggish start to the season, with Jason Akermanis starting to deliver in Dogs colours, with the former Lion racking up ten posssessions in the last quarter to help get the Dogs over the line against Melbourne.

The Dogs love playing at the Telstra Dome, which suits their running style of play, and their run through the middle could well prove to be the difference in what shapes as being one of the matches of the rounds. Dogs by 13 points.

WEST COAST v MELBOURNE - Sunday, Subiaco @ 4:40pm

The Demons could well be bolstered by the return of Brock McLean in the middle, but with Dean Cox returning to partner Mark Seaby in the ruck, and Daniel Kerr due for a good game after a lean couple of weeks, the Eagles appear to have too much class and will continue the Demons winless start to the season. Eagles by 27 points.

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON - MCG, Saturday @ 2:10pm

This looms as a danger game for the Magpies, who will be without defender James Clement, while there are still doubts over the fitness of Simon Prestigiacomo.

If the likes of Betts, Whitnall, Fisher and co. can step up and provide some support for Fevola, who is playing virtually a lone hand up forward, then the Blues are a genuine chance to snap a three game losing streak.

But with the Magpies expected to dominate the ruck contests, Collingwood should get enough of the football to the likes of Rocca, Didak and co. to kick a winning score. Magpies by 22 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND – AAMI Stadium, Saturday @ 2:40pm

To say Richmond were disappointing against Geelong at the Dome last Sunday would be an understatement, while Port did just enough to get over the line over a gallant Melbourne side.

With Matthew Richardson, Graham Polak and youngster Adam Pattison expected to share the ruck duties against Dean Brogan and Brendon Lade, the Power's class in the middle should come to the fore as Port record a relatively comfortable win. Port by 37 points.

BRISBANE v ADELAIDE – Gabba, Saturday @ 7:15pm

Brisbane are arguably one of the suprise packets along with Port and Hawthorn so far this season, with a 4-2 win-loss record after the first six rounds, while Adelaide have stumbled with consecutive losses to Fremantle and Collingwood at AAMI.

The Crows haven't kicked more than nine goals in the past three weeks, and it's hard to see how they can match the Lions who have Brown and McGrath firing up forward. Lions by 26 points.

ST KILDA v SYDNEY – Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 7:15pm

The loss of Matthew Clarke is a major blow for the Saints, especially up against the dominant ruck duo in the competition.

Sydney rarely drop two in a row, and expect their dominance in the middle, and plethora of options up forward enough to get them over the line in a hard-fought contest. Swans by 16 points.

GEELONG v WEST COAST – Skilled Stadium, Sunday @ 1:10pm

Geelong, referred to by many as flat track bullies after their 157-point demolition of Richmond, face their first real test against the reigning premiers who have been challenged in recent weeks by Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.

The loss of Cox is a blow for the Eagles, but as he showed in round one, Mark Seaby is more than capable of filling the breach.

Perhaps a bigger loss if Paul Chapman for the Cats, and with the likes of Matthew Priddis, Matt Rosa and co. continuing to step up each week, West Coast should have a touch too much class in what should be an engrossing contest. Eagles by 13 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v MELBOURNE - Sunday, Telstra Dome @ 2:10pm

The Western Bulldogs were gallant in defeat against the reigning premiers, while the Demons were unlucky not to record their first win in '07, after going down to Port by five points.

Melbourne have won nine of their past 11 agains the Bulldogs, and how big of an impact the trip back from Perth will have on the Dogs runners remains to be seen. But expect the Dogs to have a touch too much class in what will be a closer contest than many pundits expect. Dogs by 19 points.

FREMANTLE v HAWTHORN - Sunday, Subiaco @ 2:40pm

Touted as one of the favourites for this year's flag at the start of the season, the Dockers find themselves in a tenous position after six rounds, with a 2-4 win-loss record.

Lose this one and they can all but kiss a top four berth goodbye.

With so much on the line for the Dockers, in front of their home crowd, they should secure the four points in a tight dour struggle. Dockers by 11 points.

However, this Saints side is decimated by injury, with Hudghton, Maguire and Sam Fisher all missing down back.

With Whitnall finding form against Brisbane last Saturday night, Eddie Betts firing and no obvious match-up for Brendon Fevola, the Blues should have too much firepower for an undermanned Saints sie and should get over the line in a hard-fought contest. Blues by 13 points.

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN - MCG, Saturday @ 2:10pm

The loss of skipper Matthew Lloyd is a major blow for the Bombers, who will now rely heavily on spearhead Scott Lucas to kick them to a winning score.

But with Hawthorn still missing Mark Williams, they rely heavily of Lance Franklin, and with the likes of Fletcher and McPhee down back you would expect the Bombers to have the capabilities to restrict the Hawks in what will be a close tussle. Bombers by 15 points.

WEST COAST v WESTERN BULLDOGS - Subiaco, Saturday @ 2:10pm

The Western Bulldogs have been far from impressive in the past fortnight, but have done just enough to secure the four points on both occasions.

The Bulldogs were smashed in the clearances against Hawthorn last Sunday, and with West Coast boasting the most impressive midfield division in the competition, you would expect this to be enough to get them over the line in an entertaining contest. Eagles by 19 points.

KANGAROOS v SYDNEY – Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 7:10pm

The Kangaroos have been rewarded for their early season effort with two straight wins against Brisbane and Geelong, while Sydney responded from their worst defeat this year to thump an undermanned Melbourne side.

This will be the first time these two sides have met at the Telstra Dome, and with Barry Hall firing up forward, and the likes of O'Loughlin, O'Keefe and co. providing marking targets, the Swans should have too much firepower for a brave Roos' side. Swans by 27 points.

ADELAIDE v COLLINGWOOD – AAMI Stadium, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Collingwood likes playing at AAMI Stadium, and you would expect this clash to be a dour affair, as has been the case with the Crows so far this year.

This match shapes as being the closest contest of the round, with both sides in pretty good form, but the home crowd advantage should be enough to get Adelaide the four points in a dour struggle. Crows by 7 points.

BRISBANE v FREMANTLE – Gabba, Sunday @ 1:10pm

Fremantle has never won at the Gabba in six attempts, with Tarrant and Pavlich already working together beautifully up forward, the Lions inexperienced back line could be exposed, and they should be enough to secure the Dockers their first ever win in Brisbane. Dockers by 18 points.

MELBOURNE v PORT ADELAIDE - Sunday, MCG @ 2:10pm

The injury ravaged Demons find themselves winless and languishing on the bottom of the ladder after five rounds, but welcome back skipper David Neitz from a knee injury. How big of an impact he will have on the match remains questionable.

Port are yet to beat Melbourne at the MCG, but expect them to break that trend with their superior run through the middle, coupled with the return to form of Warren Tredrea up forward enough to get them over the line. Port by 32 points.

RICHMOND v GEELONG - Sunday, Telstra Dome @ 5:10pm

Despite finding themselves winless after the first five rounds of the season, Richmond has been in all of their matches at some stage, with their lack of self belief and poor use of the football proving costly.

The Cats, who had been touted as Victoria's great white hope alongside the Western Bulldogs against the interstate invasion after wins over Carlton and Melbourne, have been bitterly disappointing in the past fortnight, especially against a more committed Kangaroos side at Skilled Stadium last Sunday.

If Geelong are going to play finals football this year this is a match they need to win, and their key talls up forward against an undersized Tigers backline should get them over the line. Cats by 25 points.

However, with doubts over the fitness of several key Magpies, Lucas and Lloyd forming the most potent forward combination in the AFL, and the fact that Collingwood will be backing up after playing in the wet against Port Adelaide at the MCG last Saturday, the contest is tipped in Essendon's favour.

The Bombers should have too much firepower and leg speed through the middle, and should get over the line in a tight contest. Bombers by 17 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v ST KILDA – AAMI Stadium, Friday @ 7:40pm

Port Adelaide have had the wood on St Kilda in recent times, having won nine of their past ten.

The return of Dean Brogan to partner Brendon Lade in the ruck against Matthew Clarke, coupled with their superior pace through the middle should see the Power get over the line in a hard-fought contest. Power by 17 points.

RICHMOND v WEST COAST - MCG, Saturday @ 2:10pm

Despite finding themselves winless after the first month of football, the Tigers have had their opportunities to secure the four points in all four matches.

West Coast thumped Richmond by 88 points the last time these two sides met, and while the margin won't be so great this time around, the Eagles have too much class and should record a relatively comfortable win. Eagles by 42 points.

CARLTON v BRISBANE LIONS - Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Both sides head into the NAB Cup Grand Final replay in losing form, with the Blues outclassed by a more experienced West Coast outfit, while the Lions went down to a more committed Kangaroos unit at Carrara.

The loss of Stevens for the year is proving to be costly for Carlton, who were well and truly thumped in the middle by West Coast at Subiaco Oval, and with Jonathon Brown due for a bag after booting 1.5 against the Roos, Brisbane should get up in a tight affair. Lions 19 points.

SYDNEY v MELBOURNE - SCG, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Sydney head into Saturday night's clash with virtually a full list of players to choose from, while the Demons have been ravaged by injury which has led them to an 0-4 start to the season.

The Demons have a reasonable record against the Swans, having won their past two at the SCG, but without the likes of Neitz, Robertson and co., Melbourne lack the firepower to match Sydney. Swans by 36 points.

HAWTHORN v WESTERN BULLDOGS – MCG, Sunday @ 1:10pm

After two disappointing losses to Adelaide and St Kilda, the Bulldogs did enough to get over the line against Richmond, with the return to form of Luke Darcy, who booted four one of the more pleasing aspects of the 32-point victory.

The loss of forward Mark Williams and defender Danny Jacobs is a major blow for the Hawks, and tips the contest in the Bulldogs favour, who have won four of their past five at the home of football. Bulldogs 25 points.

GEELONG v KANGAROOS – Skilled Stadium, Sunday @ 2:10pm

The Kangaroos finally broke through for their first win of the season against Brisbane at the Gabba, after gallant performances in the opening three rounds.

The Roos will need to deliver a similar hard-nosed performance against a more potent Geelong outfit.

The Kangaroos have not won at Skilled Stadium since 2003, and expect that trend to continue with the Cats potent forward line of Mooney, Ablett, Hawkins and co. enough to get them over the line. Cats by 26 points.

FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE - Sunday, Subiaco @ 4:40pm

After a disappointing start to the season, the Dockers finally broke through against an injury ravaged Melbourne side.

The real test to see where the Dockers are at in 2007 will come against a well-drilled and disciplined Crows outfit, which has won three straight, and suffocated last year's grand finalists at AAMI Stadium last Saturday night.

The Dockers forward combination of Pavlich and Tarrant has been working brilliantly to date, and with Johnson to return down back for Fremantle, the Dockers have too much firepower and should get over the line in a tight struggle. Dockers by 13 points.

If the Tigers are to open up their account in '07, Richardson, who has kicked 22 goals in his past five matches against the Dogs, needs to fire, and the Bulldogs run through the middle needs to be shut down, as the Crows and Saints have done in the past fortnight.

The Bulldogs appear to have too much run and class through the middle, which should limit the impact of the Tigers key forwards of Jay Schulz, Richardson and co. and allow the Bulldogs to snap a two game losing streak with a hard fought win. Bulldogs by 17 points.

COLLINGWOOD v PORT ADELAIDE - MCG, Saturday @ 2:10pm

The Magpies staged a stunning comeback after trailing by four goals at half-time against the Tigers last Friday night, and will head into this clash with plenty of confidence.

While Port had their fair share of the football in the Showdown, they failed to make the most of their opportunities, with poor kicking in front of goal costing them three straight wins to start the season.

This game will be won or lost in the middle, and the loss of ruckman Dean Brogan with an ankle injury evens the contest up. But with the likes of Danyle Pearce and the Burgoyne brothers in stellar form, Port should have too much run and end a three game losing streak against the Magpies. Port by 14 points.

ST KILDA v ESSENDON - Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 2:10pm

The Bombers were completely dominant for the first half against Carlton, before squandering a 48 point lead to an inspired Blues side led by spearhead Brendon Fevola.

While Essendon squandered a golden opportunity start their 2007 campaign with a 3-0 win-loss record, the Saints suffocated the Bulldogs run from the outset last Saturday night at the Dome en route to a comfortable 50-point win.

The loss of spearhead Fraser Gehrig through suspension will be costly for the Saints, making the likely match-up between Nick Riewoldt and Adam McPhee more crucial.

With Scott Lucas and Matthew Lloyd firing up forward, and the Saints minus key defenders Max Hudghton and Matt Maguire through injury, the Bombers appear to have too much firepower and should win an engrossing contest. Bombers by 26 points.

KANGAROOS v BRISBANE - Carrara, Saturday @ 7:15pm

The Kangaroos were a part of arguably the ugliest match of the season thus far, against Hawthorn last Sunday at the Dome.

The winless Roos, minus key forward Nathan Thompson continue to struggle to generate enough scoring opportunities to kick a winning score, and with Jonathon Brown firing at the other end for the Lions, Brisbane should win at their old home. Lions by 35 points.

ADELAIDE v SYDNEY – AAMI Stadium, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Adelaide have been Sydney's bogey team of late, having won their past three clashes against last year's grand finalists.

This shapes as being the match of the round between two sides in good form, but with Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin firing up forward, and the Swans clear edge in the ruck contests, Sydney should get over the line in a contest that will be tighter than most pundits predict. Swans by 29 points.

HAWTHORN v GEELONG – Aurora Stadium, Sunday @ 1:10pm

The Hawks have a good recent record against the resurgent Cats, having won their past two encounters by an average of 11 goals.

The big question marks going into Sunday's match will be whether or not the Tomahawk can build on his impressive start to his AFL career and how the Cats will cope with the bigger dimensions of Aurora Stadium.

Recent good form against the Cats, coupled with the home ground advantage tips the contest in the Hawks favour in what should be a close tussle. Hawks by 13 points.

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

Both sides were touted as potential candidates for this year's premiership at the start of the season, but both find themsleves winless after the first three rounds.

The Demons have been hit hard by injuries to key players, with key forwards Russell Robertson and skipper David Neitz among the notable absentees, while the Dockers have paid the price for their lack of discipline on the field, with several key stars sidelined due to suspension.

Without Robertson and Neitz, the Demons are going to struggle to kick a winning score, and with Tarrant and Pavlich up the other end for the Dockers, Fremantle should have too much firepower and open their account in 2007 with a comfortable win. Dockers by 32 points.

WEST COAST v CARLTON – Subiaco, Sunday @ 2:40pm

The Blues will head into Sunday's clash against the reigning premiers full of confidence, after coming from 48 points down to upset the Bombers at the MCG last Saturday.

However, the loss of Nick Stevens for the rest of the year with a neck injury is a major blow for the Blues, especially against arguably the best midfield division in the competition.

The Eagles have won their past three against the Blues, all of which were at home. But expect this contest to be closer than expected, with Carlton dominating West Coast for the best part of three quarters in the corresponding match at Subiaco Oval last year, before going down by ten points.

West Coast's superior midfield should see them get over the line in a hard fought affair. Eagles by 19 points.

This game will be won or lost in the air, with Troy Simmonds a suprise inclusion the Tigers appear to have a slight edge.

Richmond have won their past two clashes against Collingwood, and with the Magpies unveiling three youngsters tonight at the MCG, the Tigers should have too much run and experience and record their first win in 2007 in a hard fought contest. Richmond by 13 points.

The Blues were brought back to earth by a resurgent Geelong side after five straight wins, while the Bombers, with the return of skipper Matthew Lloyd and the injection of Leroy Jetta and Aaron Davey in the middle, are a vastly different proposition to the side that endured its worst season since 1933 last year.

Carlton still relies heavily on Brendon Fevola to kick them to a winning score, and with Dustin Fletcher and Mal Michael down back, the Bombers should be able to contain the Blues spearhead who was held goalless against the Cats.

With Scott Lucas continuing his good form from last year with 12 goals in the opening two rounds, and Lloyd and Hird fit and firing and the Bombers lesser likes contributing, Essendon should have too much firepower and make it three straight wins to start season 2007. Bombers by 37 points.

PORT ADELAIDE VS ADELAIDE – AAMI Stadium, Saturday @ 2:40pm

Despite missing their three leading goalkickers from last season against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, the Crows somehow managed to find enough avenues to goal to kick a winning score.

With the likely return of Brett Burton, Adelaide look much more potent in front of goal.

While Port Adelaide, the second most attacking side in the competition in the first two rounds will welcome back their skipper Warren Tredrea, who kicked seven goals in the SANFL last weekend.

This game will be won and lost in the middle.

Can the Crows shut down Port's runners of Danyle Pearce, Peter and Shaun Burgoyne and Kane Cornes, all of whom were damaging against the Kangaroos in round two.

With Robert Shirley sidelined with a fractured hand, the Crows task of shutting down Port Adelaide's midfield guns becomes even tougher, and with Dean Brogan and Brendon Lade expected to dominate in the ruck, Port should get up in a fiery affair. Port by 19 points.

FREMANTLE VS WEST COAST - Subiaco, Saturday @ 5:40pm

Despite all the off-field controversy during the pre-season, the reigning premiers find themselves in the top four and unbeaten in the opening two rounds of the season.

Conversley, Fremantle have paid the price for their lack of discpline on the field with Heath Black, Michael Johnson and Jeff Farmer all suspended, while midfield young gun Brett Peake will miss at least eight weeks with a collarbone.

The loss of Johnson has been particularly costly for Fremantle, with the Dockers leaking 38 goals to Port Adelaide and Essendon in the opening two rounds of the season.

The Dockers have had the wood on their cross-town rivals, having won the past two Derbies, but with skipper Chris Judd and Daniel Kerr in stellar form, and the likely return of number one ruckman Dean Cox and key forward Ashley Hansen, the Eagles appear to have too much firepower for the undermanned Dockers. Eagles by 25 points.

ST KILDA VS WESTERN BULLDOGS – Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 7:10pm

Both sides were totally outclassed in round two after impressive first-up wins.

The Saints look vulnerable down back with no Max Hudghton (quad) and Matt Maguire (foot) and appear to have no obvious match-up for skipper Brad Johnson.

While the Dogs will welcome back key defender Brian Harris from suspension, and you would expect Harris to line-up on Saints spearhead Fraser Gehrig in what will be a crucial contest in determining the outcome of the match.

St Kilda has had the wood on the Bulldogs since 2003, having won five of their past six, with two of those victories being by 50 points or more.

However, the Bulldogs run through the middle is a concern for the Saints and should be enough to see them get over the line. Dogs by 16 points.

SYDNEY VS BRISBANE – SCG, Sunday @ 1:10pm

The Lions have won two straight, but now the real test comes to see whether they have really improved as much as everyone says they have.

Brisbane has lost their past five straight to the Swans by an average of over seven goals.

While the Lions young guns in Michael Rischitelli, Justin Sherman, Cheyenne Stiller and Cameron Wood, who was the round two Rising Star nomination have been very impressive, they will have their work cut out against a Swans ruck division of Darren Jolly and Peter Everitt that is only just starting to click.

Sydney with the home ground advantage, superior ruck division and more options up forward should record an easy win. Swans by 35 points.

MELBOURNE VS GEELONG - Sunday, MCG @ 2:10pm

Many experts have hailed Geelong's thumping 78 point win over Carlton as the most impressive performance to date, all be it against a side that has won the past two wooden spoons.

The real test for the Cats will come on Sunday at the MCG that everyone expects them to win.

The Demons are decimated by injury, with key forwards David Neitz and Russell Robertson expected to miss at least a month with knee injuries, while key defender Jared Rivers will miss with a hamstring injury.

Geelong, with a forward line comprising Cameron Mooney, Nathan Ablett and young star Tom Hawkins, who has been touted as the next Tony Lockett by Carlton coach Denis Pagan, is too potent and should dominate a severely weakened Melbourne outfit. Cats by 43 points.

KANGAROOS VS HAWTHORN – MCG, Sunday @ 5:10pm

The corresponding match between these two sides last year was an ugly affair, with the Kangaroos going down by 22 points after kicking four goals in four quarters of football at York Park.

The Kangaroos have been brave in both their losses this season, but the Hawks with their youngsters in Lance Franklin, Tim Boyle and co. starting to deliver on their potential have too much class and firepower for a Kangaroos outfit that still relies heavily on its more seasoned stars to get them over the line. Hawks by 39 points.

Again, the keys for both sides will be their power forwards.

Veteran defender Max Hudghton is likely to get the tough assignment of minding Jonathon Brown, while Daniel Merrett looks to be the obvious candidate for Saints spearhead Fraser Gehrig.

Gehrig was back to his imposing best against Melbourne in round one, and if it wasn't for some innacurate kicking, 4.3, he could have easily had a bag.

Despite having no Nick Riewoldt(hamstring), Matt Maguire (stress fractures) and doubts over midfielder Luke Ball, who missed the Saints flight to Brisbane yesterday, after sustaining a heavy knock in the 31-point win over the Demons and an ordinary record at the Gabba, St Kilda appears to have too much firepower up forward against a Lions side that is heavily reliant on Brown.

And with their new brand of accountable football under coach Ross Lyon, they should be able to quell the influence of Brisbane's star midfielders in Simon Black and Luke Power, who both had 30 plus possession games against Hawthorn, and make it two wins from two starts in '07. Saints by 16 points.

RICHMOND VS SYDNEY - MCG, Saturday @ 2:10pm

The Swans were very sloppy against West Coast, before rallying in the second half, piling on seven goals to one to again lose by the barest of margins, while the Tigers were impressive in patches and should have secured the four premiership points against Carlton after leading by 27 points in the third term.

Sydney appears to have a clear edge in the ruck, with Peter Everitt and Darren Jolly up against Adam Pattison and Graham Polak, and this could prove to be the difference between the two sides.

The Swans are the masters of shutting games of football down, and will look to do so at the G, in order to further exploit their dominance in the ruck.

The only hope the Tigers have of recording an upset win is to break the game open, and use their superior run through the midfield to good effect, and allow the likes of Matthew Richardson, Kayne Pettifer and Jay Schulz to run into space.

Sydney, with Everitt and Jolly in the middle, and the likes of Hall,O'Loughlin, Grundy and co. up forward, appear to have too much class and firepower and should record a relatively comfortable win. Swans by 29 points.

WEST COAST VS COLLINGWOOD - Subiaco, Saturday @ 5:40pm AWST

The Eagles put aside the off-field controversies that dogged them through the pre-season, and without five of their premiership stars, were able to record another thrilling win over Sydney by one point.

With skipper Chris Judd and Daniel Kerr in stellar form, and the return of Dean Cox to partner Mark Seaby, who outclassed Peter Everitt and Darren Jolly last weeekend, the Eagles appear to have too much class and run through the midfield and should celebrate the unfurling of last year's premiership flag with a comfortable win. Eagles by 38 points.

GEELONG VS CARLTON - Telstra Dome, Saturday @ 7:15pm

The Blues carried their impressive pre-season form into round one, with a gusty 17 point win over Richmond.

After trailing by as much as 27 points in the third term, Carlton, led by Nick Stevens was able to rally and run over the top of a dissapointing Richmond side.

While the Blues were impressive, Geelong failed to capitalise on their good pre-season form and take advantage of their tall forward line, going down to the Bulldogs by 20 points.

On paper, a forward line for Geelong boasting Ottens, Mooney, Nathan Ablett and debutant Tom Hawkins is potent, but they have yet to deliver on their potential on game day, and with Whitnall and Fevola yet to play their best football, the Blues should get over the line in a tight contest. Blues by 8 points.

PORT ADELAIDE VS KANGAROOS - AAMI STADIUM, Sunday @ 12:40pm

Port were very impressive in turning a 34-point deficit into an upset 16 point win over Fremantle at Subiaco in round one.

While the Kangaroos dominated Collingwood for three terms before going down by three points in a heartbreaking contest.

The Kangaroos have an impressive record against Port, having won 13 of their 16 contests to date, but the Power appear too have to much pace through the middle and more options up forward than the Roos that are capable of kicking a winning score. Port by 17 points.

ESSENDON VS FREMANTLE - TELSTRA DOME, Sunday @ 2:10pm

The Bombers recorded an upset 31 point over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last Sunday, and with the return of skipper Matthew Lloyd and the emergence of several young stars, including Leroy Jetta and Alwyn Davey, who both made their debuts in round one, the Bombers look to have a new found confidence in '07.

While the Bombers were impressive, Fremantle failed to live up to expectations in round one, surrendering a 34 point lead to Port Adelaide at home.

The new look Bombers in ’07 are high on confidence, and with an unbeaten record against Fremantle at the Dome and a potent forward line boasting James Hird, Lucas, Lloyd and co. the Bombers should get up in an engrossing contest. Bombers by ten points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS VS ADELAIDE - MCG, Sunday @ 5:10pm

The Bulldogs, led by inspirational skipper Brad Johnson who bagged a career best haul of eight, confirmed why they are the most exciting team in the competition with an impressivr 20 point win over Geelong in round one.

While the Crows, minus several key players through injury, were lacklustre and paid the price, going down to the Bombers at home.

The Crows have been hit hard with injury and it’s hard to see where they will get goals from to beat one of the most attacking sides in the AFL. The Bulldogs impressive band of runners and potent forward line led by Johnson should see them record their second win in as many starts. Bulldogs by 28 points.

MELBOURNE VS HAWTHORN - MCG, Monday @ 2:10pm

Both sides were bitterly disappointing in round one and will be keen to avoid an 0-2 start to the season.

The Demons will sorely miss the hardness of young gun Brock McLean through the middle, but with their superior ruck division, and the fact that skipper David Neitz has a good recent record against the Hawks, Melbourne should get over the line in a tight contest. Demons by 15 points.

The Saints will go into tonight's season opener with several of their stars lacking match fitness.

Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke and Matt Maguire have all had limited pre-seasons, while Nick Riewoldt is on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and beleagured forward Aaron Hamill is on the long-term injury list.

Expect the Demons run through the midfield and potent forward line to be too much to bare for the Saints as the Demons continue their impressive form at the MCG, where they won 10 out of 11 games last season with an easy win. Demons by 38 points.

KANGAROOS VS COLLINGWOOD, MCG, Saturday @ 2:10pm

Both sides are minus several key players, with the Pies missing Buckley, Didak and Holland.

With forward Chris Tarrant now in the west, a lot of the burden to kick a winning score will rest on the shoulders of Anthony Rocca.

At the other end the Roos will be without key forward Nathan Thompson who sustained a serious knee injury just prior to the start of the home-and-away season.

This looks set to be a low-scoring affair, but with the Roos set to name as many as five debutants for Saturday's clash, you would expect the Magpies experience to get them over the line in a low-scoring tight affair. Pies by 16 points.

FREMANTLE VS PORT ADELAIDE, Subiaco, Saturday @ 2:10pm

For the first time in their history the Dockers will enter this season as one of the premiership favourites, and rightly so.

Fremantle will be keen to build on their preliminary final appearance from last season, and with new recruits Chris Tarrant and former Essendon defender Dean Solomon in their squad, the Dockers look to be a potent outfit in '07.

While the Dockers are on the up, Port is in a phase of rebuilding, having missed the finals for the past two seasons following their premiership in 2004.

The Power will be without key forward Warren Tredrea and its hard to see where their goals will come from, with Chad Cornes expected to line-up on new Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.

Despite having as many as six first-choice players unavailable due to injury or suspension, the Dockers will have too much class and firepower for Port and will open their 2007 campaign in emphatic style. Dockers by 47 points.

BRISBANE VS HAWTHORN, Gabba, Saturday @ 7:10pm

No Brown no Brisbane. It's that simple.

With Daniel Bradshaw sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee, it will be left to Jonathon Brown to kick a winning score for the Lions.

Expect defender Trent Croad to be given the difficult assigment of minding Brown, with Danny Jacobs capable of playing as a loose man in defence and restricting the space in which Brown can lead into.

If the Hawks are able to keep Brown to three goals or less they will win.

While their record at the Gabba hasn't been impressive, having lost their past seven, this Hawthorn side is on the up with and will record somewhat of a mini upset. Hawks by nine points.

SYDNEY VS WEST COAST, Saturday, Telstra Stadium @ 7:10pm

The re-match of last year's grand final has been somewhat forgotten amidst all of the controversy centred upon Ben Cousins.

How the Eagles react to what has transpired over the pre-season remains to be seen.

But with doubts over the fitness Braun, Embley and Kerr, and with Cousins gone, the West Coast midfield, once their strength, suddenly looks decidely shaky.

The only saving grace for the Eagles is that they are playing on the wide open expanses of Telstra Stadium.

The Swans will be keen to atone for the disappointment of last year with a first-up win, and with fitness concerns over a number of key Eagles, Sydney should get up in a fiery encounter. Swans by 10 points.

ADELAIDE VS ESSENDON, Sunday,AAMI Stadium @ 12:40pm

The last time these two sides met back in round ten last year the Crows recorded a thumping 138-point win.

A lot has changed since then.

The Crows are minus their inspirational skipper Mark Ricciuto, ruckman Rhett Biglands and key forward Trent Hentschel who booted eight in that match.

The Bombers will have spearhead Matthew Lloyd back on the paddock after a 2006 which was ruined by injury, and young guns Alywn Davey and Leroy Jetta who look set to be exciting young prospects.

Essendon has lost their past five matches at AAMI Stadium against the Crows, and this looks to be their best opportunity to record a win in Adelaide.

The Crows are ravaged by injury to several key players, but as they have shown in the past, their lesser likes are capable of stepping up to fill the void.

Adelaide, with the home ground advantage should get over the line in a match that will be closer than most pundits expect. Crows by 26 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS VS GEELONG, Sunday, Telstra Dome @ 2:10pm

It's a case of the most attractive team to watch in the competition versus the most frustrating.

The Dogs running brand of football is well suited to the Telstra Dome, but with key defenders Brian Harris and Chris Grant on the sidelines due suspension and injury respectively, the Bulldogs look vulnerable down back.

If the likes of Ottens, Mooney, Ablett and co. hold onto their marks, as you would expect under the roof, then the Cats will win.

Should the Cats forward line fail to fire, the Doggies will take full toll and run the ball out at will.

Contests between these two sides have been tight in the past, with both encounters last year decided by a solitary point.

Expect this weekend to be no difference, but the Bulldogs run and the addition of Luke Darcy and former Eagle Andrew McDougall up forward should prove to be the difference. Bulldogs by 15 points.

CARLTON VS RICHMOND, Sunday, MCG @ 5:10pm

Will the pre-season premiers carry their good form into round one?

Time will tell.

The Blues still rely heavily on star forward Brendon Fevola, and his knee has to be of some concern to coach Denis Pagan.

However, with the Tigers minus number one ruckman Troy Simmonds, you would expect Ackland and Cloke to dominate the ruck and supply the likes of Stevens, Gibbs, Murphy and co. with plenty of football and enough opportunities for the Blues forwards to kick a winning score.

AFL Tips:

Expect Carlton to extend their winning streak to five in a dour affair at the MCG. Blues by 19 points.

There is no team who can win the comp from the bottom 4.
They have to then win 4 games in 4 weeks against the bet teams and if they could do that they wouldn't be in the bottom half of the eight.

Kangaroos ---- Essendon will struggle for 3 qtrs but cant finish
Port Adelaide ---- Think Power may burst Melb bubblewith Tredrea bac
St Kilda ---- Hawthorn just wont have enough big man muscle
Lions ---- Brissy aren't great but what r Carlton
Swans ---- At home. Freo away . Enough said.
Adelaide ---- Keep G/F Day free. Cats battle away and lose
Collingwood ---- Top 3 is theirs to lose and Tigers still soft.
West Cst ---- Few lucky wins so watch out for courageous dogs

Adelaide ----2 strong 4 saints
Fremantle ---- At home, enough said
Lions ---- Fired up Lions maybe too tall for doggies
Wst Cst ---- dont think get behind here
Richmond ---- Surprise team but not against hawks
Melb ---- won too well to lose to cessnas as certainly not bombers

Carlton ----dont think roos win 2 many more
Pies ---- back to earth, maybe back to normal playing

Geelong
richmond
adelaide
sydney
port
Bulldogs
West Coast
Collingwood

JAFFA

Geelong
richmond
adelaide
sydney
port
Bulldogs
West Coast
Collingwood

JAFFA

The way they are playing the top 4 sides now should stay there till sept but maybe in different order

Adelaide --- Grand finalist wont let Essendon get in way.
West Coast ---- To beat hapless Geelong. Margin depends on weak overpaid recruits at Geelong.
Western Bulldogs --- Dogs too quick and 2 quick for downsliding Hawks.
Collingwood --- No Tarrant is a problem but we will push Lions back to their den
Fremantle --- AFL biggest posers are back in perth -win cause at home.
Sydney ---- Premiers to march on.
Port Adelaide ---- Worst game of year between 2 weak sides
St Kilda ----- Saints to get over Melb after their perth trip

Collingwood --- Dogs will not have pies for meals this week
Geelong --- If cant start to win at home will be gone for season.
Adelaide --- At home should get back on track
Essendon --- Lot of close games , this time might be their way.
Sydney --- wans to have too much power for Hawks
Lions --- Wont pick Freo away till they win 3 games away. weak
St Kilda --- How anyone could pick roos as finalist r kidding, they have nothing
West Coast --- Melb win would put pies on top, but not in Wa

Have good weekend everyone and enjoy your footy.

Jaffa