We’re most looking forward to … 1st versus 2nd

It’s not too hard to see what the cracker of the round is this week.

We’ve had to wait a while for a genuine blockbuster, but we get a couple in the next two weeks. Not all the big stars will be there, but the Geelong-Western Bulldogs match at Skilled Stadium will tell a tale.

Just how good are these Doggies? And can the Cats cope without not one, but two of their All-Australian midfielders? The Bulldogs don’t yet have their best 22 on the paddock either, it must be remembered. But one team, with a convincing win, could land the first psychological blow ahead of a possible September meeting.

This weekend will go a way to telling us … how far off the Saints are

St Kilda has been impressive in recent weeks. But on Saturday it faces a far sterner test against one of the AFL’s legitimate premiership contenders.

A loss wouldn’t be the end of the world for Ross Lyon’s men. In fact, not many expect the Saints to beat a potent Hawthorn side. However, after a few solid weeks, they simply can’t afford to undo their good work and get belted. That would show that they’re still a long way off the pace in terms of challenging the league’s best teams. They are playing pretty accountable footy, and shouldn’t get blown away, but how close can they get?

Karma and the bounce of the ball

The last time North Melbourne and Collingwood met, Magpie fans were screaming after an umpire’s errant centre bounce helped Adam Simpson clear the ball from the middle. His quick kick led to a Kangaroos goal which ultimately helped North sneak home.

Last week, Dean Laidley used the word 'karma' after his side won a close one against Port Adelaide. Laidley will be hoping the karma bug doesn’t bite back this week, while Magpie fans will be praying the ball bounces their way in the all-important round 16 clash.

Cracker at the ‘G

There should be at least 70,000 for Richmond’s clash with Essendon on Saturday arvo.

Both teams are still coming, albeit slowly, at the top eight as some sides inside seem to have got the staggers. The loser of this match can forget about 2008.

In contrast, four points keeps the dream alive for one club, despite being some way off the pace. And the respective coaches will just be looking forward to blooding their youngsters in front of what should be a super crowd and a super atmosphere at the home of footy.

Roughie of the week

It’s a tough week for tipsters. And even tougher for those willing to hand over some of their hard-earned.

Finding a genuine hope at odds is more challenging. Perhaps a couple of sides at a decent quote with TAB Sportsbet are North Melbourne ($2.75) and the AFL’s second-best performed team of the season, the Western Bulldogs ($2.40).

The Kangaroos beat Collingwood earlier this season, often find something extra for a big game and have a decent record against the Magpies.

One has to fancy the Bulldogs chances against the Cats who will be missing two players crucial to their midfield make-up.

Keep your eye on … Fev’s post-match antics

Brendan Fevola copped it from all quarters last week after showing it was just a game by exchanging some good old-fashioned back-slapping and hugging with the Saints despite the Blues' loss.

Sunday’s showdown with the Sydney Swans – a team he has been linked to in recent weeks – is just as important for Carlton. Win, lose or draw, there will be thousands of eyes across Australia watching Fev when the final siren sounds. How will he respond? And have a few at Princes Park had a quiet word in his ear this week?

The duel … and Maxy’s mind games

Speaking of Fev, last week Max Hudghton did a super job on the star Blue. Will Rossy Lyon call his star defender up to the plate for footy’s toughest job? With Hawk Lance Franklin awaiting the Saints, one would think so.

It will be interesting to see if the St Kilda defender tries to get inside Buddy’s noggin, as he was able to do with Fev so easily.

Pivotal to Melbourne’s chances of beating Fremantle on Sunday will be winning the midfield battle – of which Melbourne’s Nathan Jones will be a key player.

The Demons hard nut admits he had a Barry Crocker against Freo in round seven, gathering just four possessions as Ryan Crowley wore him like a glove.

"I played on Ryan Crowley. He played on Gary Ablett the week before … when I saw him come to me I was just like 'Oh no, I've got a long day ahead here!'" he later told afl.com.au.

Jones believes he learned from that experience and, should he cop Crowley again, Sunday might just tell us how far the talented Demon has come.

Potential banner of the week

Ducks, birds, porpoises, roos … you name ‘em, the Crows have pretty much had ’em up forward. Who could forget Scott 'Wombat' Hodges and Tony 'Platypus' Modra?

Unfortunately, many have suffered injuries during their stints and the Crows are feeling the pinch at the moment, with Brett Burton and Jason Porplyzia the latest victims. The Adelaide cheer squad, however, has faith in its side…

No Birdman or Porpoise, the Roo has left too
Our animal stocks have run bare
For all that, we know that in coming weeks
Goals won’t be increasingly rare

Our Dream Team special … Simon Black

The Brisbane Lions have lost two on the trot and will be hungry. The West Coast Eagles are enduring the toughest period in their history.

As will all know, Chris Judd and Ben Cousins have gone, and there will be no Daniel Kerr for the visitors at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Put all these facts together and what do you get? A Simon Black feast. The Brownlow Medallist was a little sore against the Bombers last week but, providing he’s fit, should dine out against a younger Eagles midfield.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.