In Saturday's first game, Carlton will pull out all the stops to try and pinch their second win of the season against Fremantle.
Similarly, embattled St Kilda and Gold Coast are also in desperate need of a win, with either team capable of clenching the four points on their day.
Saturday night sees Adelaide try to extricate themselves from the quagmire of poor performances they find themselves stuck in. The ruthless Hawks will no doubt try to push them in further.
But Sunday's solitary fixture shapes up as the main interest. Can Geelong be the team to put an end to the Tigers' MCG dominance, or will Damien Hardwick's men teach the Cats a lesson in wet-weather footy?
Anchored to the bottom of the ladder with one win, the Blues will see this game as a fantastic opportunity to give their loyal fans a second reason to cheer this year.
They come up against the Dockers, who despite recording an upset win over the Crows last round, have a terrible record playing away from home.
Carlton have certainly been an improved outfit in the past two weeks. Respectable losses when playing away to the star-studded Cats and Swans looks to be a good form line coming into this one.
They will have to contend with a fired-up Fremantle side, who are boosted by the return of Nat Fyfe.
The Dockers themselves will be motivated for this clash, not wanting to suffer the embarrassment of losing to a side sitting on the bottom of the ladder.
Levi Casboult (Carlton), Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
Alex Pearce (Fremantle), Michael Walters (Fremantle)
Up to 8mm of rain is forecast, which plays right into Carlton's hands. They are one of the league's few teams that historically play better in the wet.
Key AFL Stats
The Blues have covered the line in 6 of their last 8 day matches at Etihad Stadium.
The Dockers have won 6 of their last 7 away games against Carlton.
Fremantle have lost every game outside of Perth this year, by an average margin of 56 points.
Both fresh off Round 12 beltings and licking their wounds at the tail-end of the ladder, Gold Coast and St Kilda have had a shocker of a season.
With half of their matches still to be played, both these clubs need to find something quickly, or risk carrying mental scars into the off-season.
This result in this game will come down to which team can put the past behind them and get back to basics.
With their home ground advantage, you'd be leaning towards the Suns, who need to not only save their season, but give fans a reason to attend their games.
Don't write off the Saints though. If they can buck their trend of inaccuracy in front of goal, they have the capacity to win comfortably.
Sean Lemmens (Suns, likely)
Jake Carlisle (St Kilda)
Fine. Won't play any role.
Key AFL Stats
St Kilda have won 13 consecutive matches as a favourite following a loss in the previous round.
Each of the last 6 day matches between Gold Coast and St Kilda have been won by the favourite.
7 of Gold Coast's last 8 day matches have gone UNDER the total match points line.
Betting Tip: No bet. It's a toss-up as to who triumphs here. While the stats point to St Kilda, you couldn't back them on form.
Saturday night footy sees the Crows attempting to snap a worrying three-game losing streak against the Hawks at the MCG.
For a team with minor-premiership aspirations, recent form suggests that Adelaide will struggle to even make the eight.
Last week's demoralising three-point loss to Fremantle was a new low-point for the typically high-flying Crows. They need to turn things around here, or risk facing an uphill battle to sneak a finals' berth.
Hawthorn are similarly gunning for a top eight spot. After a narrow victory over Port, the Hawks had a week off to recharge the batteries.
This freshness may prove the difference against an Adelaide outfit who have been injury-depleted and well-travelled in recent weeks.
Expect a tight game though.
None
None
A high chance of rain and chilly temperatures. Hawthorn's home crowd advantage will be slightly diminished as fewer fans will turn up.
Key AFL Stats
Hawthorn have covered the line in 32% of their home games after a win since 2015.
Adelaide have covered the line in 58% of their games since 2015.
The favourite has won 10 of the last 11 matches between these two clubs.
Betting Tip: Adelaide to cover the +8.5 point line @ $1.92
Cats fans must be cursing at their club's insistence of playing a portion of their home games at the MCG. This financially-motivated decision plays right into Richmond's hands, who haven't lost a game at the G since Round 13 last year.
If this fixture was held down at Kardinia Park, you'd fancy the Cats. But playing the Tigers at Australia's premier stadium is a different kettle of fish.
Richmond seem to gain an extra gear at the G, and will only be boosted further by the expected return of Dustin Martin.
While the champagne midfield of Dangerfield, Ablett and Selwood has been good for the Cats, they are yet to all have top games on the same day.
This will need to change if Geelong want to snap Richmond's MCG winning-streak.
Dustin Martin (Richmond, likely), Daniel Rioli (Richmond, likely)
David Astbury (Richmond, likely)
Cold and wet. Goal-scoring will be harder than usual, especially with two well-organised defences.
Key AFL Stats
Geelong have won 13 of their last 14 clashes with Richmond.
The last time these teams met, Richmond triumphed by 51 points at the MCG.
In their 14-game MCG winning streak, the smallest margin Richmond have won by is 13 points.
Betting Tip: Richmond to cover the -12.5 point line @ $1.92
Jun 15, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Levi Casboult (Carlton), Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
Alex Pearce (Fremantle), Michael Walters (Fremantle)
Up to 8mm of rain is forecast, which plays right into Carlton's hands. They are one of the league's few teams that historically play better in the wet.
Betting Tip: Carlton to win head-to-head @ $2.35
