What's coming up: Thursday

Pick me
We know who's in and who's out for the Cats and the Pies, but expect word on the other 14 teams this afternoon. Final line-ups for six. Big benches for eight.

Room with a preview
Does Essendon have any hope against Carlton? Can the Dees, Hawks, Freo or the Tigers find their first win for '09? Yes, maybe and probably not will be among the selection of responses provided by our sometimes cynical, but always forgiving experts ahead of round three's range of encounters.

Game on
If the NAB Cup grand final was anything to go by, tonight's clash between Geelong and Collingwood will be as much fun as holding out until Sunday for your Easter eggs. But we reckon there'll be fewer than three goals in it, so follow it live from 7.40pm through afl.com.au's Carlton Natural Blonde Match Centre. Remember Collingwood was the only team to beat (thrash) Geelong in the home-and-away rounds last year? Mean nothing? See for yourself.

A blind eye
Chad of Cornes fame tells afl.com.au about the disappointment of last week's loss to West Coast and why Port Adelaide players are ignoring what's written in the papers.

Archery
There's something special about Glenn Archer's columns. Maybe it's because they always pack a punch, finish strongly and are never intimidated by what others think. Just don't mention Shinboner Spirit.

Wind beneath their wings
Adelaide coach Neil Craig has his say on why his players can rebound from their loss to St Kilda and win in the west this weekend. And why they can do it without their best defender, Nathan Bock.

Hawk-eyed
Moving on from Wednesday's tough day at the office, North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley will shed light on his plans for Hawthorn and, by default, spearhead Lance Franklin. We'll also ask him why he wouldn't want to be Brent Harvey's opponent this week.
 
Reason to celebrate
Hooray! Daniel Motlop will play for Port Adelaide against Melbourne on Sunday after getting off his striking charge at the tribunal. Motlop fronts the media to talk about his rollercoaster week and his new friendship with Eagle Adam Hunter.

And then some
Nathan Foley's Tigers don't play the Bulldogs until Monday afternoon. Seems like forever away. Nearly round four. Nearly next Easter. Nevertheless, he's willing and able to talk about it.

Spare room?
Fill any gaps in your egg basket with Miranda Skerman and AFL Today. Four minutes of footy news in silver foil wrapping.

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