Thomson Dow at Richmond training in April, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

GOLD COAST v BRISBANE LIONS
Thursday, May 13, 7.10pm @ Metricon Stadium (Foxtel 504, 7pm)

This is the first VFL version of the QClash, after being dominated in the NEAFL by the Lions with eight wins in a row. The Suns are capable of breaking the drought, while the Lions want to bounce back from that loss to Coburg.

It’s A Big Week For: Luckless Lions recruit Nakia Cockatoo played the first two games in the VFL but has missed the loss to Coburg with a hamstring. He returns tonight to again push for an AFL spot at his new club.

Prediction: Brisbane Lions by 11

WHO DO YOU DO? The VFL hoodoos haunting your club

ASPLEY v SOUTHPORT
Saturday, May 15, 12.05pm @ Graham Road Reserve (Kayo Freebies, 12pm)

Hard to believe this is the second meeting between these two clubs already this season, and if round two is any indication, it will be another cracker. Given what the Hornets did to Port Melbourne, does the ground change the outcome?

It’s A Big Week For: Matt Hammelmann has 16 goals in three matches but was shut down in the second half against Frankston after kicking six in the first. Also kicked six against the Sharks in round two and will likely need another bag to get his team home.

Prediction: Aspley by 1 

PORT MELBOURNE v COBURG
Saturday, May 15, 2pm @ ETU Stadium

A danger match for the Borough given their long list of injuries, and their fortunes could be dependent on how many they get back against a much-improved Lions’ outfit looking to build momentum and break a seven-match hoodoo.

It’s A Big Week For: Former Kangaroo and Demon Corey Wagner had 20 and kicked two goals on Port debut but has been a little quieter in the past two games. He makes his 50th VFL appearance here (29 goals) and would love to get back to his best to bank a much-needed win.

Prediction: Port Melbourne by 9

CASEY DEMONS v GEELONG
Saturday, May 15, 2pm @ Casey Fields (Casey Radio 97.7FM, 1.30pm – VFLW from 10am)

Two undefeated teams building ominous starts to the season, with the Demons finally getting to their home fortress for the first time this season. A mouth-watering clash only slightly diluted by Casey’s loss of goalkicking power to the Melbourne team.

It’s A Big Week For: It’s a milestone that could so easily have never come, but if he plays it will be Majak Daw’s 100th VFL appearance after 96 for Werribee and North Melbourne. He’d love a big performance after getting a second chance from the Demons.

Prediction: Casey Demons by 8

Majak Daw at Demons training in March, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

SANDRINGHAM v WILLIAMSTOWN
Saturday, May 15, 2.30pm @ Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval

The winless Zebras would normally be rank underdogs against the unbeaten Seagulls, but it must be remembered they did win the corresponding clash against the odds in 2019. Could lightning strike twice?

It’s A Big Week For: Corey Rich has yet to find his best form this season, kicking 0.3 against his most recent former team Frankston last week. He also played for Sandringham and will be keen to find his radar in familiar territory.

Prediction: Williamstown by 34

RICHMOND v GWS GIANTS
Saturday, May 15, 2.35pm @ Swinburne Centre (7Plus, 2.30pm)

Question marks surround the reigning premiers, who languish in 19th on the ladder with a lengthy injury list. The Giants’ first trip to Melbourne presents the Tigers with a golden opportunity to get back on track, but it won’t be easy.

It’s A Big Week For: Thomson Dow is still building fitness after a bout of appendicitis, but will be looking to step up another notch to regain the AFL spot he had last season, especially with the Tigers’ growing injury list.

Prediction: Richmond by 21 

SYDNEY v COLLINGWOOD
Saturday, May 15, 4.35pm @ SCG (Kayo Freebies)

The Swans have dropped the past two after an impressive start to the year and need to bounce back against a young Magpies’ team that is proving it can get the job done in tight situations. We all know how Collingwood loves to travel – how does that translate to the VFL?

It’s A Big Week For: Ruckman Sam Naismith is a confirmed starter for an early return from his latest ACL injury. Don’t expect huge things yet in the half a game allocated to him, but he should make an impact with his sheer size, especially with Max Lynch (ankle) on the sidelines.

Prediction: Sydney by 15

Sam Naismith at Sydney training in January. Picture: Getty Images

BOX HILL HAWKS v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday, May 16, 12.05pm @ Box Hill City Oval (WBC 94.1FM, 11.30am; Channel 7, 12pm)

The Hawks have not beaten the Kangaroos in their two meetings so far, but it is hard to see how that won’t change. North had four debutants among 10 players with three games or less against Southport, and lost even more experience to injury in that game.

It’s A Big Week For: Mat Walker was surprisingly delisted by Hawthorn at the end of last year and would love to a big game to show the Hawks what they lost. He failed to finish last week’s game but would hope to come up for this one.

Prediction: Box Hill Hawks by 60 

ESSENDON v FRANKSTON
Sunday, May 16, 2.05pm @ Windy Hill (RPPFM 98.7FM, 1.30pm; Kayo Freebies, 2pm)

The Bombers will hope the bye helped shrink their injury list for a match they would have penciled in at the start of the season. They haven’t lost to Frankston for 20 years and averaged 74-point wins in that time. This is the Dolphins’ big chance if they can reprise Rounds 1-3.

It’s A Big Week For: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been on the cusp of the AFL team for a few years now without being able to establish himself. He has a chance here to influence a result his team really needs to stay in contention.

Prediction: Essendon by 2

BRENDON RHODE'S WINNERS LAST WEEK: 5. SEASON: 29.  

BYES
Carlton
Footscray
Northern Bullants
Werribee