INDIGENOUS people and culture will be celebrated across Sir Doug Nicholls Round at the same time as the competition for top eight spots keeps heating up.

Gold Coast takes on Geelong in Darwin to begin round 10 on Thursday, while Sydney and Carton meet in the Marn Grook match at the SCG the following night.

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A resurgent Collingwood and improving Kuwarna will renew acquaintances on Saturday after a pair of nailbiters last year, followed by a clash between bitter rivals Greater Western Sydney and Western Bulldogs.

Here is who and what to look out for across round 10, including a tip for each match.

Gold Coast v Geelong, TIO Stadium
Thursday, May 16, 7pm ACST

Last time: Gold Coast 10.13 (73) d Geelong 7.12 (54), R3 2023

What it means

Gold Coast (5-4) continued its streak of winning every match as the host this season when thumping North Melbourne in Darwin last week. The Suns have now won their past five at TIO Stadium but will face a tougher challenge to claim a big scalp against a Cats outfit looking to bounce back from two narrow losses in a row.

Geelong (7-2) has fallen back into the pack of top-four contenders after consecutive defeats that most recently included a rare loss on home soil to Yartapuulti. The Cats were blown away early and conceded 50 points in the opening term – their most in the first quarter at GMHBA Stadium since 1983 – and will be wary of making a similar start in what are often greasy conditions in Darwin.

Game-shapers

Bailey Humphrey has shown plenty of promise in 26 matches since being drafted with pick No.6 in the 2022 draft. But the 19-year-old produced his best quarter at the level when subbed in for the final term last week, gathering a stunning 12 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and 405m gained, to press his claims for more midfield time.

Tom Stewart has been kept in check in the Cats' pair of defeats over the past fortnight and was even shifted away from his intercepting role in defence to find a way into the game against the Power. Stewart was less damaging playing on a wing but can be expected to return to his more familiar role and bounce back against the Suns.

Early tip: Geelong by 11 points

Sydney v Carlton, SCG
Friday, May 17, 7.40pm AEST

Last time: Carlton 11.8 (74) d Sydney 9.14 (68), EF 2023

What it means

Sydney (8-1) has won five matches in a row to be a game clear on the top of the ladder and can now put distance between itself and the chasing pack. The Swans have been particularly impressive against other top-four contenders in victories over the Giants, Pies and Demons, and would rubberstamp their status as the benchmark with a triumph over the Blues.

Carlton (6-3) held off the fast-finishing Narrm last week in much the same way that it withstood a late challenge from Sydney in their elimination final last year. That finals triumph was the Blues' first since 2013 but they will have to brush off a longer running hoodoo this week at the SCG after only winning twice in 18 matches at the venue stretching back to 1993.

Game-shapers

Dane Rampe has hardly skipped a beat since returning from a hamstring injury, gathering 24 disposals against the Giants then marshalling the defence until rested late in the win over the Dockers. The former co-captain can expect to have a different sort of role against the Blues as the Swans look to limit the impact of twin towers Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

Blake Acres has become a set and forget for the Blues since crossing over from the Dockers ahead of last season. The tireless two-way runner has shown in recent weeks that he can win plenty of the ball or play a lockdown role, and can expect to do more of the latter while the Blues aim to slow the Swans' rapid transitions from defence to attack.

Early tip: Sydney by four points

Collingwood v Kuwarna, MCG
Saturday, May 18, 1.45pm AEST

Last time: Collingwood 12.10 (82) d Kuwarna 11.14 (80), R15 2023

What it means

Collingwood (5-3-1) did what it needed to do against Waalitj Marawar to secure its biggest win so far and move into the top eight for the first time this season. But the Magpies' injury concerns are mounting up and they will hope to get through the clash with the Crows unscathed while also building on their increasingly ominous return to form.

Kuwarna (3-5-1) has little margin for error after starting the season with four consecutive defeats and could be left to rue Jordan Dawson's last-gasp shot that sailed wide for a behind in the draw with Brisbane. The Crows know all too well the price that can be paid for wayward kicking after booting 7.16 and 11.14 in a pair of narrow defeats to the Pies last year, that at least showed they can compete with the eventual premier.

Game-shapers

Steele Sidebottom turned back the clock with his run and dare against the Eagles but unusually started much of it from half-back. The 317-game veteran looked revitalised playing with the back six in a role that could become crucial to the Magpies continuing their resurgence at least until more defensive reinforcements arrive.

After a slow start to the season, Jordan Dawson has well and truly rediscovered his touch and become much more threatening in the forward half. The Crows skipper might have missed the crucial shot on goal in the dying stages against the Lions, but he had already willed his side to stay in the contest and received all 10 votes from the coaches.

Early tip: Collingwood by 17 points

Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs, Engie Stadium
Saturday, May 18, 4.35pm AEST

Last time: Greater Western Sydney 11.12 (78) d Western Bulldogs 10.13 (73), R20 2023 

What it means

GWS (6-3) will return to its home deck for the first time since round one with its tail between its legs after giving up a promising start when suffering three defeats in the past four matches. The Giants snapped a four-match losing streak against their old rivals in a thriller last year but might be more concerned with their own performances of late as the 'Orange tsunami' has started to dry up.

The Western Bulldogs (4-5) bounced back from four defeats in five matches with a crushing victory over an injury-ravaged Richmond but now need to underpin their return to form against a more settled opponent. The Bulldogs can take extra motivation from putting a dent in their rivals' finals hopes, while boosting their own chances ahead of tough tests against the Swans, Pies and Lions.

Game-shapers

Jesse Hogan has endured more highs and lows than most on his way to 150 matches but finally appears to be at the top of his game. The Giants spearhead has booted at least one goal in every match this season, and is sitting second in the race for the Coleman Medal with 26 majors, as his threat near goal continues to grow.

The Bulldogs are reaping the rewards of handing Taylor Duryea a lifeline late last year as the veteran remains a consistent performer now set to reach 200 matches. The 33-year-old can add run and carry out of defence but against the Giants is likely to spend just as much time minding members of their mosquito fleet looking to add some bite after a quiet week.

Early tip: Greater Western Sydney by 22 points

Euro-Yroke v Walyalup, Marvel Stadium
Saturday, May 18, 7.30pm AEST

Last time: Euro-Yroke 10.7 (67) d Walyalup 7.10 (52), R1 2023

What it means

Euro-Yroke (3-6) has its season hanging by a thread after a run of four defeats in five matches including a surprise loss to Hawthorn last week. The Saints' only victory in that time came against the Kangaroos, when they scored more than 80 points for the first and only time so far this season, while they are otherwise yet to find enough fluency in attack.

Walyalup (5-4) can be forgiven for being below its best following the passing of former Dockers forward Cam McCarthy last week, even while putting on a brave showing against Sydney. The Dockers in part paid the price for wayward kicking for goal, finishing with 4.15, but will hope to be more polished at a venue where they have four wins and a draw in eight matches since the start of 2022.

Game-shapers

Rowan Marshall almost got the Saints over the line against the Hawks last week with a monster performance that included 28 disposals, 12 clearances, 11 tackles as well as 35 hitouts. The ruck could become even more damaging by spending additional time forward after only booting two goals this season even as the Saints are often struggling to score.

Michael Frederick often threatens to blow a game apart but has only seven goals but as many matches this season and was subbed out in the defeat to the Swans. Frederick could do with being handed more time away from the forward 50 to find a way into the action and even help the Dockers match the pacy Saints.

Early tip: Euro-Yroke by eight points

Brisbane v Richmond, Gabba
Saturday, May 18, 7.30pm AEST

Last time: Brisbane 20.14 (134) d Richmond 7.11 (53), R16 2023

What it means

Brisbane (3-5-1) almost pulled off a rousing victory on the road that might have reignited its season but could only finish level with Kuwarna last week. The injury-hit Lions are still waiting for reinforcements to arrive but in the meantime will hope to brush aside the struggling Tigers and stay in touch with the top eight, especially with the Hawks, Bulldogs and Saints to follow.

Richmond (1-8) is now firmly in the middle of an injury crisis that is making its results difficult to judge. The Tigers have now lost five on the trot with the margins increasing every week in that time, but have reason to hope for a tighter contest against the similarly undermanned Lions.

Game-shapers

Josh Dunkley has been a blessing for the Lions this season, lining up in every match and delivering consistent performances even as the side have had to face up to form and fitness concerns. The midfielder will play his 150th match this week, after starting with 116 games at the Dogs, and might appreciate more licence to roam against the wounded Tigers.

Daniel Rioli's importance to the Tigers has continued to grow this season as his experience and polish in defence becomes ever more crucial. The three-time premiership player has even kept taking the game on and looking to create with the second most bounces in the competition as well as 20.8 disposals and 4.9 rebound 50s per match.

Early tip: Brisbane by 33 points

Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
Sunday, May 19, 1.10pm AEST

Last time: Essendon 13.8 (86) d North Melbourne 12.5 (77), R22 2023

What it means

Essendon (6-2-1) made a statement with a victory over Greater Western Sydney that propelled it up to third on the ladder despite having a percentage of only 98.3. The Bombers can now look to significantly boost that percentage against a struggling Kangaroos outfit that they have beaten in their past 10 meetings going back to 2017.

North Melbourne (0-9) is drifting further away from a breakthrough win this season as the heavy defeats keep mounting up. The Roos gave the Bombers a huge scare late last season but might firstly aim to win at least a quarter, after failing to do so in their past two matches, before testing their old rivals again.

Game-shapers

Todd Goldstein keeps churning out the vintage performances even as the 35-year-old ruck lines up in red and black colours this year. The veteran will come up against his former side for the first time this week with a point to prove in an intriguing battle with Roos ruck Tristan Xerri.

Zac Fisher was taking time to repay the faith shown in him by the Kangaroos until taking huge strides in the past couple of weeks. The 25-year-old gathered 30 disposals against the Saints, then had 24 at the main change against the Suns last week before finishing with 34 as he starts to settle into the Roos' defence.

Early tip: Essendon by 27 points

Yartapuulti v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval
Sunday, May 19, 2.50pm ACST

Last time: Yartapuulti 23.13 (151) d Hawthorn 14.12 (96), R12 2023

What it means

Yartapuulti (6-3) might have snapped its GMHBA Stadium hoodoo against Geelong but now needs to ensure it doesn't let its guard down against the increasingly dangerous Hawthorn. The Power have been bouncing between wins and losses over the past month but could consolidate their top-eight spot against the Hawks, especially with the Kangaroos to come.

Hawthorn (3-6) has turned its season around with three wins from its past four matches but is yet to claim a top-eight scalp like Yartapuulti presents. The Hawks have built their impressive return to form on increased pressure and intensity, while benefiting from having multiple options in the forward half even without a standout tall target.

Game-shapers

Willie Rioli is becoming a key weapon for the Power with a knack for finding space inside the forward 50 or when competing for the ball in the air. The dynamic forward added his usual spark against the Cats to finish with 4.3 and could be set for an even bigger haul if he can tidy up his kicking around goal.

Nick Watson arrived at the Hawks with a reputation as a livewire near goal and an ability to light up a match just as much in the air. The No.5 draft pick had his best game for the Hawks last week with two goals against the Saints, while his 10 disposals led to seven scores as he finds more ways into the game.

Early tip: Yartapuulti by 37 points

Waalitj Marawar v Narrm, Optus Stadium
Sunday, May 19, 4.20pm AWST

Last time: Narrm 19.12 (126) d Waalitj Marawar 9.9 (63), R4 2023

What it means

Waalitj Marawar (2-7) has been more competitive on its home deck with two victories and a narrow defeat to the high-flying Bombers in its past three matches. But the Eagles came crashing back down against the Pies last week, scoring only five goals in a heavy defeat that was a firm reminder that there is still a huge gap between their best and worst.  

Narrm (6-3) gave Carlton too much of a head start last week when it was held scoreless in an opening term for the first time since 2008. But the Demons could entrench themselves in the top four by bouncing back against the Eagles, especially at a venue that comes with fond memories of six wins on the trot including the 2021 Grand Final.

Game-shapers

Jayden Hunt has at times found the going tough since joining the Eagles but will be out to impress against his former club this week. Hunt's pace and versatility will be especially important on the Eagles' home deck where they have improved so much in recent weeks.

Kysaiah Pickett has lifted his threat around goal this season with at least one major in every match for a total of 13 across seven games. But the goalsneak will be out to make amends for the late shot on goal against the Blues that sailed wide as the Demons look to pile on a bigger score against the Eagles.

Early tip: Narrm by 19 points

ESSENDON has cemented itself in second place on the ladder after a 40-point win over North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

It took until the 32-minute mark of the first quarter for Essendon to hit the lead, but from there it was never ceded in the 16.10 (106) to 10.6 (66) victory at Marvel Stadium, stretching the Bombers' winning streak against the Roos to 11 straight games.

A goal to first year forward Zane Duursma on the bell of half-time gave North Melbourne a sniff of hope. But Essendon owned the second half, kicking nine goals to four after the main break.

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Without Darcy Parish - who was withdrawn from the side with calf tightness before the bounce - in the middle, Archie Perkins (22 disposals, one goal) and Jye Caldwell (25 disposals, nine clearances) all proved their value through the midfield.

Essendon's aerial strength was something the Roos simply couldn't limit, as the Bombers dominated both the contested mark (14-2) and mark inside 50 (18-9) counts.

North Melbourne worked to play a short kicking game out of defence in an effort to maintain a sense of control, but the Bombers were attuned to that method. Squeezing up and moving with speed, Essendon was on a mission to generate front-half turnovers by picking off any Roo error.

Zach Merrett (21 disposals, six tackles, one goal) kicked his first quarter goal in exactly this way, while Matt Guelfi (14 disposals, five marks, three goals) was lurking as a dangerous pressure forward in career game No.100.

North Melbourne's connection between midfield and forward line was often found lacking. The forward unit was regularly caught misreading the flight and running under the footy, opening the door for Essendon's aggressive rebounding defence.

Harry Sheezel's class was a standout for North Melbourne. Starting at the contest, he was instrumental in his side's attacking transition, finishing the game with 32 disposals, six inside 50s, and eight score involvements.

Meanwhile, debutant Wil Dawson wasn't handed an easy task first up, assigned to dangerous key forward Peter Wright, and while he competed well and didn't drop his head, Wright went on to kick four goals from 15 disposals.

With Dawson's inclusion, Toby Pink was brought back into the side to play as a tall forward/ruck option, kicking his first career goal – one that was heavily reviewed – during the opening quarter.

On a brighter note for the still winless Kangaroos, Aidan Corr played an important role on exciting forward Kyle Langford, keeping the Bomber to seven disposals and conceding just one goal deep in the final term despite the onslaught of inside 50s.

Old friends, new foes
It was the first chance for Todd Goldstein and Ben McKay to face their old side since making the move to Essendon over the summer. The pair received a mixed welcome from the North Melbourne fans, with Goldstein – who played 315 games for the Roos before coach Alastair Clarkson opted to make Tristan Xerri the side's No.1 ruck – being cheered on with every disposal. Meanwhile McKay, whose move was as a restricted free agent, was on the receiving end of a chorus of boos whenever in the vicinity of the play.

Third-quarter blitz
After young North Melbourne forward Zane Duursma kicked a goal after the half time siren to cut Essendon's lead to just seven points, the Bombers came out in the third term on a mission. Kicking eight goals for the quarter through six different players, the home side put North Melbourne to the sword and break the game open. It was Essendon's highest scoring quarter of the season, one in which the Roos simply had no answers.

That's one way to kick your first goal
Toby Pink kicked his first goal in the AFL in game No.5, but it took some time to get confirmation on the achievement. Midway through the first term, the Roos were handed a free kick just outside 50. Debutant Wil Dawson kicked long into attack. The footy cleared the pack and Pink threw his boot at the groundball in the goal square. As he tentatively celebrated with his teammates, a goal review was called and after an excruciating two-minute pause on the game, soundtracked by jeers from the stands, Pink's first ever goal was confirmed.

ESSENDON                     4.2    7.5    15.7   16.10 (106)
NORTH MELBOURNE      2.2    6.4    8.4    10.6 (66)

GOALS 
Essendon: Wright 4, Guelfi 3, Stringer 2, Merrett, Tsatas, Jones, Davey jnr, Gresham, Perkins, Langford
North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke 2, Pink, Zurhaar, Stephenson, Taylor, Duursma, Larkey, Xerri, Ford

BEST 
Essendon: Merrett, Martin, Caldwell, Guelfi, Perkins
North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Sheezel, Corr, Powell, Xerri

INJURIES 
Essendon: Nil
North Melbourne: Miller Bergman (hamstring)

SUBSTITUTES 
Essendon: Dylan Shiel (replaced Harry Jones in the fourth quarter)
North Melbourne: Eddie Ford (replaced Charlie Lazzaro in the third quarter)

LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Darcy Parish (calf tightness) replaced in selected side by Elijah Tsatas
North Melbourne: Nil

Crowd: 43,125 at Marvel Stadium