After Gold Coast secured a shock win last week, they'll be looking to come and prove that it was no fluke when they take on the Dogs here.
The Western Bulldogs have been ultra-impressive in 2019, getting back to the form that saw them win the 2016 flag.
If they can continue the momentum after turning around a 30-point deficit in the final quarter to beat the Hawks, then the Suns don't stand a chance.
Why Bulldogs can win
If the Dogs really have got back to their 2016 form, then the competition better watch out.
Their midfield of Jack Macrae, Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore dominated Hawthorn last Sunday, inspiring an incredible 9-goal to 1 final quarter.
With Jason Johannisen still waiting to come back in after an ankle injury, then the Dogs are looking the goods not just here, but for a September push.
Even if Johannisen doesn't return for this clash, the Dogs still have far too much tenacity and talent.
Why Suns can win
If Gold Coast could surprise punters and make a fool of the AFL odds last week, then they are capable of doing it again.
Their scrappy three-point win over the Dockers was built off the back of winning the ball in the contests.
The Suns finished the game +19 in contested possessions, which is a huge effort against a side that boasts Nat Fyfe in their ranks.
If they can make this game all about contested possessions, and play contest to contest, then they have a chance.
But away from home, it's hard to see.
Key AFL Stat
The Dogs have won their past 6 AFL fixtures against the Suns: Western Bulldogs to win @ $1.16
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to cover the -32.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: If the form stack up, then the Bulldogs will win by 50.
Many are still scratching their heads wondering how the Hawks got beat after leading by 30 in the final term last week.
That's just not something you see from an Alastair Clarkson side.
Whether they bounce back remains to be seen. They'll have every possible chance against a North Melbourne side still searching for their first win of the season.
Why Hawks can win
Take away a horror final quarter and Hawthorn would've been coming into this match off two dominant wins.
If their first seven quarters of their 2019 campaign are anything to go by, then the Roos will have their hands full here.
However, a worrying sign is how the Hawthorn side capitulated at the death last week, when the experience of Liam Shiels and Shaun Burgoyne left the pitch.
They'll miss through injury here, and with Tom Mitchell already ruled out for the season, Hawthorn will have to rely on their younger generation to respond.
Why Kangaroos can win
The Kangas showed marked signs of improvement in Round 2 after a shocker start to the season.
If they improve by the same margin once again, then they'll be notching up their first win of the campaign here.
The Roos were one of the busiest teams in the trade period, bringing in a handful of new players.
It's only to be expected that this new-look North side is suffering some teething troubles.
But with some positive signs last week, they can have it all resolved by this match, against an understrength Hawthorn.
Key AFL Stat
The Kangas won the only time these sides played each other in 2018: North Melbourne to win @ $2.70
AFL Betting Tip: North Melbourne to cover the +13.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: With a talented list of players, it's about time North put in a strong performance.
The round concludes over in Perth, where Fremantle will be hoping that they can return to winning ways after an embarrassing loss to the Suns last time out.
That was after an 82-point win at home, in a result that demonstrates just how long a week is in footy.
The Saints will be hoping they get the Dockers from one and not two weeks ago, as they look for their third straight win.
Why Dockers can win
If we see the Fremantle side that ripped North Melbourne apart in Round 1, then this game will be over by half time.
Even if the Dockers don't perform to quite that level, they still have more than enough weapons to win comfortably.
Nat Fyfe is one of the AFL's best players, and he can give any team headaches with both his inside and outside play.
And with Bradley Hill starting the campaign in a purple patch of form, look to him to lend Fyfe a hand in the middle of the park.
Why Saints can win
Neither of St Kilda's first two wins have looked all that convincing, and yet they got the job done.
This is positive news in two respects for the Saints.
They can not only win ugly, but there's plenty of room for improvement.
However, one negative is that both those games were played at their home ground Marvel Stadium.
It remains to be seen how they fare travelling away from home, and especially after a lengthy interstate flight to Perth.
Key AFL Stat
St Kilda have lost 5 of their past 6 interstate games: Fremantle to win @ $1.37
AFL Betting Tip: Fremantle to cover the -18.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: After an easy win, Freo were complacent last week and tasted defeat. That's the kick up the backside they need to return to winning ways.
Apr 05, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key AFL Stat
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to cover the -32.5 point line @ $1.90
