Gold Coast forward Nick Holman (left) attempts to tackle Hawthorn’s Massimo D’Ambrosio. Photo: AFL MEDIA

GOLD COAST v HAWTHORN (Darwin, Thursday 7pm)
In last week’s edition of Previews With Punch, this writer picked the Suns to defeat the Bulldogs almost purely because the game was being played in the Top End. They ended up winning by 10 points, and have now won their last seven games in Darwin. It has officially become the Suns’ home away from home and there’s no doubt that they’re suited to the tropical conditions given they live in a similar climate in south-east Queensland. And this match will be played in similar basically identical heat to last Saturday night, with an expected maximum temperature of 34 degrees followed by a minimum of 23. This promises to be a cracking contest between two top-four sides, and while the Hawks are back on track with three wins in a row by an average of 50 points (albeit against lowly teams), the Suns will be aided further by having spent all week in Darwin to acclimatise to the unique conditions even more.
RONNY’S TIP: Gold Coast by 14 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Gold Coast by 14 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Hawthorn by 5 points.

SYDNEY v CARLTON (SCG, Friday 7:40pm)
Despite claiming an impressive win against GWS a fortnight ago without so many injured stars, the Swans proved last week that they cannot get the job done consistently with their undermanned line-up. That means they will be vulnerable again this week against a Carlton side that’s managed to stabilise its season after making a shocking 0-4 start. Sydney will again be without Errol Gulden (ankle), Tom Papley (foot), Harry Cunningham (foot), Robbie Fox (calf), Lewis Melican (suspension) and Logan McDonald (ankle). However, Callum Mills (foot) and Joel Amartey (hamstring) might return, while Taylor Adams could come under consideration too. Carlton has a few personnel issues as well with Blake Acres (shoulder) and Lachie Cowan (hamstring) both out and Mitch McGovern (chest) in doubt. The Blues seem to be a bit more organised and consistent at present, especially defensively, and is therefore a huge chance to secure just its third win from its last 20 attempts at the SCG.
RONNY’S TIP: Carlton by 2 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Sydney by 2 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Carlton by 15 points.

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE (MCG, Saturday 1:20pm)
It’s always a thrill when two in-form sides meet head on, especially when they both reside in the top five, and this clash will be no exception. Collingwood is going about things beautifully, and the way it’s managing its veteran players has been one of the key reasons why it finds itself second on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Crows are in top shape too having won three of their last four matches. The Pies will regain rested duo Scott Pendlebury and Brayden Maynard, while Brody Mihocek (abdomen) is pushing for selection as well. But the absence of key defender Darcy Moore (shoulder) against Adelaide’s formidable forward line of Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker could be pivotal. Livewire Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz (concussion) also makes way. To say Adelaide owes the Magpies would be an understatement given Collingwood has won their last nine meetings, including the last four by an average of just three points. But Craig McRae’s men are travelling so well, they’re still going to take some beating, no matter how strong the Crows’ desire for revenge is.
RONNY’S TIP: Collingwood by 10 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Collingwood by 16 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Adelaide by 9 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONG (Adelaide Oval, Saturday 3:45pm)
The Power are just going at the moment, and the difference between their best and worst this season, even after just nine matches, is way too big. The Cats are experiencing a bit of a bumpy patch of late, too, but they could regain Tom Stewart (knee), Jack Henry (hamstring), Lawson Humphries (concussion) and Rhys Stanley (hamstring) which would be a massive boost. Port Adelaide will have to make do without Kane Farrell (knee), but Willie Rioli is available again after serving his suspension. The prospect of Geelong recalling so many star players makes it hard to see the Power getting up in this one.
RONNY’S TIP: Geelong by 13 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Geelong by 20 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Geelong by 17 points.

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GWS v FREMANTLE (Giants Stadium, Saturday 4:15pm)
The Dockers cannot be taken seriously until they start winning, let alone claiming big scalps, on the road. They’re barely a sure thing at home, so how could one possibly have confidence in their ability to defeat Greater Western Sydney on its home deck? The Giants have got their mojo back after their now traditional win down at Kardinia Park against Geelong, but Jake Stringer (hamstring) won’t play and Toby Greene (ankle) is under a cloud too. However, GWS could get back Stephen Coniglio (glute) and Toby Bedford (eye). Meanwhile, Fremantle’s already injury-ravaged side could be further tested with ruckman Sean Darcy (knee) needing to prove his fitness. Justin Longmuir’s team actually almost defeated the Giants in Sydney late last year, but there are too many problems in its game style currently for it to come close to causing an upset this time around.
RONNY’S TIP: GWS by 17 points.
ROCO’S TIP: GWS by 28 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Fremantle by 21 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v ESSENDON (Marvel Stadium, Saturday 7:35pm)
Credit where credit is due, the Bombers are finding ways to rack up the wins, albeit against bottom-six opposition, and are now probably exceeding expectations with a 5-3 record, having now won five of their last six games. But the fact that their percentage is barely above 90 still speaks volumes of the manner in which they’ve had to struggle to get past inferior opponents. There’ll be nowhere to hide for them this weekend against one of the league’s top sides. The Bulldogs almost achieved mission impossible by knocking off the Suns in Darwin last week, and they won their previous three games by an average of 64 points. The Dons actually caused a boilover last year by beating the Dogs by 29 points. The key to victory on that occasion was Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell nullifying Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore respectively. A repeat dose would need to occur for the Bombers to have any hope of victory.
RONNY’S TIP: Western Bulldogs by 22 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Western Bulldogs by 12 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Western Bulldogs by 9 points.

RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE (MCG, Sunday 1:10pm)
The Kangaroos are inching closer and closer to their second win of the season. After narrow losses to Port Adelaide and Essendon, the perennial battlers almost shocked the world by defeating reigning premier Brisbane last round, only to frustratingly be held to a draw. And while a share of the points is better than nothing, especially for a club in North’s position, victory is all the Kangaroos are craving now, and must surely pencil in their upcoming meeting with fellow bottom-three side Richmond as a win. There is absolutely no excuse for North to lose this one, despite how surprisingly competitive the Tigers have been this year with three wins already to their credit. Jayden Short (knee) is a good chance of bolstering Richmond’s line-up, but after coming so close to winning in their last three games, the Kangaroos just have to do everything in their power to capitalise on this golden opportunity for a victory.
RONNY’S TIP: North Melbourne by 15 points.
ROCO’S TIP: North Melbourne by 24 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: North Melbourne by 11 points.

BRISBANE v MELBOURNE (Gabba, Sunday 3:20pm)
Unless something drastic happens soon, it appears as though another season is headed for the scrapheap for the Demons and their dreams of pinching one more flag with this list are as good as dead. And the final nail will almost certainly be driven into their 2025 coffin this week when they come up against the Lions fresh from a shock draw with cellar dweller North Melbourne. Brilliant Brisbane defender Keidean Coleman could make his long-awaited return from a knee injury with Jarrod Berry (concussion) ruled out, as the Lions chase three consecutive wins against Melbourne for the first time in 11 years.
RONNY’S TIP: Brisbane by 42 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Brisbane by 30 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: Brisbane by 35 points.

WEST COAST v ST KILDA (Optus Stadium, Sunday 2:40pm)
This has all the hallmarks of a danger game for the Saints. The Eagles might be winless, but like North, they have come close in recent times to securing a victory against Essendon and Richmond in games that both ended in agonising two-point losses. They’re not far off. And if both Jeremy McGovern (concussion) and Oscar Allen (knee) return, that would certainly enhance their chances. St Kilda is another one of those teams that is hard to get a read on. With just one win from its past five games, after starting the year 3-1, it is anything but a guaranteed victor this weekend. The loss of Dougal Howard (hamstring) is a blow for the Saints and Mason Wood (concussion) is still no certainty to line up. They should be good enough to emerge with the four points, but it feels as though they’re going to be made to earn it.
RONNY’S TIP: St Kilda by 3 points.
ROCO’S TIP: West Coast by 8 points.
ROCKET’S TIP: St Kilda by 13 points.

SEASON TOTALS
ROCO 60
RONNY 53
ROCKET 52

*all times are local