Sunday's opening two fixtures see both the Giants and Demons go into their clashes as heavy favourites.
A top four spot is on the line and why the cellar-dwelling Blues and Suns will struggle to keep the scores respectable.
The definite highlight is the Western Derby, where Fremantle need to prove that they can play well without injured captain Nat Fyfe, and turn around a six-game losing streak against the Eagles.
Missed our preview of Saturday night's games? Read it here
The Blues Baggers finally had something to celebrate last week, after their second win of the season.
While the opposition was only the struggling Suns, the Blues put in a solid performance to win by an impressive margin of 35 points.
However, as the old adage goes, a week can be a long time in football.
Expect the Giants to make the Blues wish they were still on the Gold Coast in this clash.
After a slow start, the Giants finally switched themselves on enough to breeze to victory against the Saints in Round 19.
With goal-scoring freak Jeremy Cameron back after a five-game suspension here, look to him to kick a bag and make up for all the weeks he missed.
Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton, likely) Jeremy Cameron (GWS), Matt de Boer (GWS), Ryan Griffen (GWS)
None
A closed roof at Etihad Stadium will theoretically help the Giants pile on the points.
AFL Stats in Focus
The only way the Blues could possibly win here is if the Giants are wayward in front of goal.
Indeed, Carlton's two wins in 2018 came against the Bombers and Suns, both of whom kicked with shocking accuracy in front of goal (Essendon 10.18, Gold Coast 5.14)
With the class of Cameron back, the Giants will no doubt improve their goal accuracy percentage which is the final piece of the puzzle needed to be a genuine premiership-winning team.
Key AFL Stat
When these teams last played in Round 12, 2017, the unfancied Blues had a remarkable 1-point victory: Carlton to win by a margin of 1-2 points @ $51
AFL Betting Tip: GWS to cover the -46.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: The Giants had a much needed scare last week after trailing just before half time against the Saints.
Expect them to come out and try to put the game away early.
After a strong win over the Crows a week ago, the Demons will be in a very good position if they can get the expected four points against the Suns.
Only complacency would see Melbourne throw away a gimme win against a Gold Coast outfit that was humbled by the bottom-placed Blues last week.
However, you only need to look at Round 18, where the Suns defied all logic to beat the Swans in Sydney.
They will be aiming to administer a repeat dose against the Dees in Melbourne, as unlikely as it may seem.
But all things being equal, there is only one likely outcome, and it's a big Melbourne win.
Michael Barlow (Gold Coast, likely)
Steven May (Gold Coast), David Swallow (Gold Coast, likely)
Windy with showers about. Could curb the Demons scoring output, but unlikely.
AFL Stats in Focus
Over four quarters of footy, the huge discrepancy between these percentages will equate to more than 50 points on the scoreboard.
Key AFL Stat
Melbourne have covered the line in 7 of their last 9 matches as a favourite following a win in the previous round: Melbourne to cover the -64.5 point line @ $1.92
AFL Betting Tip: Melbourne to cover the -64.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: It's a big line, but Melbourne have been scoring points for fun this year, especially against the struggling teams.
Indeed, when they faced the Suns on the Gold Coast earlier this year, they triumphed by 69 points.
Aug 03, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton, likely) Jeremy Cameron (GWS), Matt de Boer (GWS), Ryan Griffen (GWS)
None
A closed roof at 
AFL Stats in Focus
AFL Betting Tip: GWS to cover the -46.5 point line @ $1.92
