Like Ashley Sampi's mark of the year, West Coast are flying high.

Melbourne vs. Adelaide
The Demons had a great start to the season winning their first three encounters, only to drop two out of the last three. On their side is the return of Matthew Whelan to boost them in the midfield, but they will still be missing Cameron Bruce and Daniel Ward. They also had some their big men sit out of training at the beginning of the week due to soreness, but they are expected to be available for Friday nights clash. The Crows are sitting well at number four, and were able to bring down the unbeaten Kangaroos last round. They are said to the 2005 ‘quiet achievers’, and will be looking to capitalise on their good form and take down the Demons, but will the Demons find the form they had at the beginning of the season. Prediction-Demons

Richmond vs. Carlton
The Blues have certainly had a form slump as they come up against the Tigers with an injury cloud hanging over their head. Scott Camporeale and Callum Chambers are maybes for Saturday’s game and Andrew Carrazzo and Luke Livingston are still a few weeks away. They only just gained a win over the Hawks last round and are finding it hard to get their rhythm. The Tigers on the other hand are 4-2 after only just six rounds. Last season they were only able to achieve four wins for the entire season. They seem to be flourishing under the coaching of Terry Wallace and will be out to get a win over the Blues to break their losing shackles for good. Prediction-Richmond

Geelong vs. St Kilda
This will be the match of the round! Two sides that are very real contenders for this year’s flag will come head to head at the Telstra Dome on Saturday afternoon. The Cats have been playing well in the last few rounds and are travelling well, also with a minimal injury list. The Saints will be hoping to regain their skipper Nick Riewoldt from a fractured collarbone he suffered in round one and last year’s captain Aaron Hamill who was cleared of a broken leg. Missing for them though will be Fraser Gehrig was has copped a one-match suspension for a punching incident from their clash with Collingwood. If they can overcome these few minor hiccups, they could come out the winners. The Cats will have other ideas, as they will be aiming to play well from start to finish this season. Prediction-St Kilda

Brisbane vs. Western Bulldogs
Brisbane has had a hard time so far this season proving they are ‘the real deal’. They had a blinder last week with the return of Jonathan Brown who kicked eight goals. They were looking forward to some stability in the forward line and Brown came through. They are having a horror run with injuries that seems to be a trademark of theirs. The Bulldogs have suffered the loss of their skipper Luke Darcy for the remainder of the season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. They will be low on morale and Brisbane will take full advantage of that. The Lions will be pumped and should easily dispose of the Doggies. Prediction-Brisbane

Sydney vs. Essendon
This will be an interesting game to watch with two sides struggling, both having registered 2-4 so far this season. The Bombers will be missing their captain James Hird with a hamstring injury, along with some other vital players in Ben Haynes and Adam Ramanauskas. They haven’t been on top of their ball game and have been beaten by two bottom of the ladder teams. The Swans will be taking the field at the Telstra Dome with a deleted ruck. They are missing a nominated ruckman and this could be the difference between a win and loss for the Swans if they can’t win the clearances. They’ve gone down twice at their home ground and now they are on the road. Can they overcome an undermanned ruck and travel to get over the Bombers? Prediction-Sydney

Hawthorn vs. West Coast
West Coast are flying high sitting on top of the ladder and are so far undefeated. They have been brilliant through the field and intimidating to their opponents. They have been brilliant with their defence preying on attacking forwards. The Hawks have only registered one win so far this season and are sitting 15th on the ladder. They need to work harder at being consistent and confident in their game play, only then will they achieve success. Although the Hawks record at Aurora Stadium is good, the Eagles are on too much of a roll to let the Hawks sneak home. Prediction-West Coast

Port Adelaide vs. North Melbourne
The Power is in disarray after being 1-6 and in major trouble. They’re having a hard time being respected and have been unable to get together a functioning team. They have always overcome injury worries, but without Shaun Burgoyne, Roger James, Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan, they’re at a loss. They are lacking confidence and pride in being the reigning premiers, and as they continue to be defeated, lose the chance to feature in September and defend their title. The Kangaroos on the other hand will be fuming after their first loss of the season and will be aggressive and fighting hard to rack up their next win. Can the Power’s hometown advantage lift the side to victory? Prediction-North Melbourne

Fremantle vs. Collingwood
The Magpies are at a loss without Anthony Rocca and Nathan Buckley to steer the team. They are sitting at the bottom of the ladder having only registered one win so far this season – back in round three. The players have let their coach and themselves down being unable to prove to be a worthy opponent. The Dockers have been unpredictable at best, winning against some high-powered top of the ladder teams, and then losing to the bottom order sides. They’ll have the home crowd on their side and hopefully this will give the Dockers the confidence to get up over the Magpies. Prediction-Fremantle

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source: MasterTips