West Coast are back from the bye and back in action immediately with the Eagles hosting the opening game of Round 13 against Geelong at Domain Stadium on Thursday night.
Unfortunately for West Coast the mid-week fixture is too soon for star forward Josh Kennedy and ruckman Scott Lycett, who will both miss the game as they recover from injury.
Geelong have also suffered a blow to their big-man stocks with Tom Hawkins missing with suspension and fellow tall Mark Blicavs ruled out with soreness.
In other games, North Melbourne host St Kilda in a match which is likely to see the loser knocked out of the finals race, and Richmond could do likewise to Sydney's chance of September action if they can defeat the Swans at the MCG.
Gold Coast host a Carlton side buoyed by a win over premiership fancies GWS last week while the final match of the last bye round sees the Western Bulldogs take on Melbourne in a game which is absolutely crucial to both team's finals hopes.
A Bulldogs loss to the Demons, currently two places above them on the ladder in sixth, could see their premiership defence in tatters.
Meanwhile Dockers fans will be looking forward to a weekend without football after three consecutive defeats, with the Fremantle faithful hoping their team, and coach Ross Lyon, can regain their form after the bye.
Our crack(pot) panel returns to look ahead at all the action in Round 13 and joining us on a now permanent basis is Radio 6PR afternoons host, and Kwinana Knights Football Club's 'number one ticket holder', Simon Beaumont.
The panel: Simon Beaumont (No. 1 ticket holder, Kwinana Knights Football Club); Tim Carrier (office fantasy football addict); Brendan Foster (resident grumpy old man); Michael Stamp (6PR reporter and office oddsmaker); Justin Rake (long-suffering Fremantle fan).
Will the TV cameras turn to Chris Scott in the box following a controversial umpiring decision? Photo: Getty Images.
Simon:
Burning Question: Will Chris Scott pull that 'did you see that decision that only ever gets paid against Geelong?' face in the coach's box tonight?
Headline: Subiaco council dismissed over mid-season roadworks
Tune in: Alex Rance v 'Buddy' Franklin at the 'G on Saturday.
Tune out: The Port game could be very one sided, and it's on Saturday when East Perth are playing Subiaco at Leederville Oval.
Pick of the Round: Gary Ablett is $3.50 to get the most number of possessions this round, at Centrebet. Get on.
Tips: Geelong, St Kilda, Richmond, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast, Bulldogs.
Are the Bulldogs are close to kissing their chances of defending the premiership goodbye? Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images.
Tim:
Burning Question: Is the Dogs premiership defence over? A loss to the Demons could almost seal their fate.
Headline: Tall order: Eagles' giants help turn Geelong into pussycats
Tune in: Richmond vs Sydney. Tiger fans are either going to be distraught (after another close loss) or ecstatic after this game.
Tune out: North Melbourne v St Kilda. Neither of these sides will be playing finals, the way they are currently going.
Pick of the Round: Sydney to make the eight. It's still paying $4 despite the Swans recent turnaround in form.
Tips: Geelong, St Kilda, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast, Bulldogs.
How will Nathan Vardy go against his former club? Photo: Getty Images.
Brendan:
Burning question: Can the Eagles kick a winning score against the Cats without Josh Kennedy?
Headline you'd like to see: Vardy cuts out Stanley in Eagles' win
Tune in: Eagles v Cats tonight at Domain Stadium. Mainly because I'm going to the game so anything can happen.
Tune out: Port against the Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon. It could be one-way traffic with Port pilling on the goals after getting thrashed by the Dons last week.
Pick of the round: West Coast onballer Dom Sheed is paying $36 to kick the first goal. The Eagles young gun has popped up early in games to score a major.
Tips: West Coast, St Kilda, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Carlton, Melbourne.
Can West Coast stop Dangerwood? Photo: Michael Dodge
Michael:
Burning question: Can West Coast's older and slower midfield keep up with the star power of Geelong's?
Headline you'd like to see: Thursday night miracle: Darling kicks winner
Tune in: Richmond v Sydney.
Tune out: Port v Brisbane.
Pick of the round: Mark LeCras to kick first goal at $11. He's due to respond!
Tips: Geelong, St Kilda, Sydney, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast, Bulldogs.
Can Carlton back up with a win over Gold Coast? Photo: Adam Trafford/AFL Media.
Justin:
Burning Question: How much fight will West Coast bring to the table against Geelong?
Headline you'd like to see: Scott Selwood breaks single-game tackle record against old club
Tune in: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne. Big game for both sides in their bid for finals, should be a cracker.
Tune out: Port v Brisbane is the obvious choice, but even that looms as a genuine contest in a round filled with good games.
Pick of the round: Carlton, who are coming off a win against the best side in the competition, are paying $3.10 to beat Gold Coast.
Tips: Geelong, North Melbourne, Richmond, Port Adelaide, Carlton, Melbourne.
