GEELONG v NORTHERN BULLANTS

Thursday, May 6, 7.10pm @ Marvel Stadium (Foxtel 504, 7pm)

It’s fantastic to see the Bullants get a chance on the national stage and there’s no doubt they will be up for the challenge. However, it seems like the challenge might be a bit too big.

It’s A Big Week For: Esava Ratugolea has lost his spot in the Cats’ AFL forward line with the arrival of Jeremy Cameron and was quiet against the Swans. He needs a big game to push his name forward again.

Prediction: Geelong by 41

COLLINGWOOD v COBURG

Saturday, May 8, 12.05pm @ Victoria Park (Casey Radio 97.7FM, 11.30am; 7Plus)

The Magpies had to fight all the way to hold off the gallant Suns last week, and this will be a similar challenge against a team riding high from a shock win in Queensland but trying to break a seven-match losing streak against Collingwood.

It’s A Big Week For: Tom Wilson is in his second year on the Magpies’ list and was one of their best last week. A repeat performance will surely have him the mix for an AFL debut.

Prediction: Coburg by 4

WILLIAMSTOWN v FRANKSTON

Saturday, May 8, 1.35pm @ Downer Oval (Kayo Freebies)

A huge challenge for the rejuvenated Dolphins enjoying their best start to a season for 23 years. Beat a team they haven’t knocked off in 24 matches and people will really start to take notice, if they aren’t already.

It’s A Big Week For: Son-of-a-gun Bailey Lambert has been electric for Frankston so far and if he can repeat it against a premiership contender, the AFL recruiters will really start sniffing around.

Prediction: Williamstown by 28

SOUTHPORT v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday, May 8, 2pm @ Fankhauser Reserve

The Sharks would feel last week was a missed opportunity, but you can’t kick that badly too often against good teams and get away with it. An interstate trip could be just what the Kangaroos need for morale.

It’s A Big Week For: Bailey Scott and Dom Tyson are at very different points in their careers. They both tried hard last week but need to keep doing so if they don’t earn a call-up this week.

Prediction: Southport by 37

BOX HILL HAWKS v WERRIBEE

Saturday, May 8, 2.35pm @ Box Hill City Oval (WBC 94.1FM, 1.30pm, Kayo Freebies)

The Tigers woke up for Michael Sodomaco last week and now the challenge is to stay awake. They have won the past four against the Hawks, who overcame a nine-goal quarter to beat Sandringham. Crucial to the season of both teams.

It’s A Big Week For: Wylie Buzza was one of the few Tigers not to light up the stats sheet last week and will be desperate to make a difference in what should be an evenly-matched game.

Prediction: Werribee by 15

FOOTSCRAY v CARLTON

Sunday, May 9, 12.05pm @ Victoria University Whitten Oval (Seven and 7Plus)

The Blues have been outstanding in the past two weeks, but this is a big step up in their return from the Preston alignment. Footscray was held by the Bullants last week and will want to reassert itself as the team to beat.

It’s A Big Week For: Tom De Koning made an impact in his return from injury last week and won’t be playing VFL for long. He’d love to engineer another upset win before taking his spot back on the big stage.

Prediction: Footscray by 29

Brendan Rhodes' winners last week: 9. Season: 24.

CASEY v SYDNEY Postponed

BYE
Aspley
Brisbane Lions
Essendon
Gold Coast
GWS Giants
Port Melbourne
Richmond
Sandringham