Hawthorn won a thriller by four points over Essendon last time the old rivals clashed last year. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

ADELAIDE v RICHMOND (Adelaide Oval, Thursday 7.20pm local time)
This writer has been a little harsh on Adelaide this year, but after its brilliant victory over GWS last week, the time has come for the Crows to be taken seriously as a finals contender. The Crows had been pushing and pushing for a big result like that for a while, and to finally breakthrough in the manner they did will give them huge belief. Adelaide is now in the enviable position of having basically a full list to choose from, bar Tom Lynch (calf) and Tom Doedee (knee), and has the luxury of leaving Bryce Gibbs and Sam Jacobs out of the side. In stark contrast, the Tigers’ injury list gets worse and worse, with captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Shane Edwards both forced out due to hamstring complaints. They join Alex Rance (knee), Jack Riewoldt (knee), David Astbury (hamstring), Kane Lambert (achilles), Toby Nankervis (adductor), Jayden Short (elbow) and Jack Ross (ankle) on the sidelines. Back-to-back thumpings from North Melbourne and Geelong might suggest that personnel issues are starting to take their toll on the Tigers, and they look headed for three losses in a row for the first time in over two years.
RONNY’S TIP: Adelaide by 23 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Adelaide by 16 points.

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN (Marvel Stadium, Friday 7.50pm local time)
What a huge match between traditional rivals this promises to be. Both the Bombers and Hawks are 5-6 and have an uphill battle to keep their finals hopes alive. It’s been an ordinary six-week block for Essendon with an unconvincing win over Fremantle and a victory over bottom-placed Carlton to show for it. However, the Bombers could receive a huge boost this week with Jake Stringer (hamstring), Dylan Shiel (hamstring) and Orazio Fantasia (quad) all potentially returning from injury. The Hawks haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire either with just three wins in their last eight games. Adding to their woes is the loss of Chad Wingard (hamstring) with another soft-tissue injury. However, Hawthorn has won nine of its last 11 against Essendon and the Bombers haven’t beaten the Hawks at this venue in 10 years. Hawthorn might just deliver the knockout blow to Essendon’s season.
RONNY’S TIP: Hawthorn by 14 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Essendon by 2 points.

GOLD COAST v ST KILDA (Townsville, Saturday 1.45pm local time)
If travelling to China in their last game wasn’t exotic enough for the Saints, they’re off to Townsville this week for another far-flung adventure. Where to next, the Bahamas? In fairness, flying up to far north Queensland will seem like a trip up the road after their journey to Shanghai in round 11, but it’s fair to say they’ll be looking forward to their next game in the familiar surrounds of Melbourne. The Riverside Stadium will become the 48th VFL/AFL venue to be used in a game for premiership points, but unfortunately for the Townsville folk, they’re getting a couple of teams in very poor form to do battle for the first time in their fair city. The Suns have lost their last eight games, while the Saints have only won one of their last six and are struggling to stay in touch with the top eight. St Kilda once again loses captain Jarryn Geary, this time to a broken leg, but should regain Blake Acres, Daniel McKenzie and Jonathon Marsh, who all fell ill during that disastrous China trip, which culminated in a 70-point loss to Port Adelaide. But the Suns’ injury list is massive, and it’s not something such a raw and young team can adequately deal with, as evidenced by their most recent performances.
RONNY’S TIP: St Kilda by 22 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Gold Coast by 6 points.

FREMANTLE v PORT ADELAIDE (Optus Stadium, Saturday 2.35pm local time)
This is another “eight-pointer”, with both Port Adelaide and Fremantle heading into the clash with 6-5 win-loss records, sitting in eighth and ninth spot on the ladder respectively. Following a pair of last-gasp Michael Walters kicks for goal, it looks as though the Dockers are back in business after losing their previous three games, while the Power are full of beans thanks to their huge win over St Kilda last start. However, Freo has suffered a massive double blow with star defender Alex Pearce (ankle) and big man Rory Lobb (foot) both ruled out for the rest of the season. The Dockers will be hoping to regain Stephen Hill (quad) for his first game of the year, though. Meanwhile, the Power could regain Tom Rockliff (hamstring), but don’t seem likely to bring back Charlie Dixon, Ollie Wines or Hamish Hartlett just yet. Given they don’t have a bad record in Perth, with four wins from their last nine games there, the Power should feel confident about getting the job done.
RONNY’S TIP: Port Adelaide by 7 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Fremantle by 10 points.

CARLTON v WESTERN BULLDOGS (Marvel Stadium, Saturday 7.25pm local time)
What a difference a week, and a coaching change, can make. The Blues resembled Fitzroy in their final few weeks under Brendon Bolton, but with David Teague in charge last week, the shackles were clearly broken and, led by the inspirational Patrick Cripps, they were able to take down Brisbane. And given their only other win this year came against the Bulldogs, they shouldn’t have any fears coming up against them for a second time this week. The potential return of Marc Murphy (ribs) will only serve as a further boost to the rejuvenated Blues. However, the battling Doggies could get some timely returns of their own with Hayden Crozier (toe), Taylor Duryea (hip), Dale Morris (knee) and Mitch Wallis (ankle) all in the mix. The Dogs have had extra time off, but the Blues are riding a wave of momentum and should be good enough to make it a double against Luke Beveridge’s men.
RONNY’S TIP: Carlton by 11 points.
ROCO’S TIP: Western Bulldogs by 22 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v GWS (Blundstone Arena, Sunday 3.20pm local time)
The Kangaroos are another team enjoying a coaching change honeymoon, winning all three games since Brad Scott announced he was departing the club – two of which were achieved under caretaker Rhyce Shaw. However, GWS on the rebound is a different proposition to an injury-hit Richmond and struggling Gold Coast. The Kangaroos do have a great record in Hobart, but the Giants are one of only three teams to beat them down there. North will also have to make do without Shaun Higgins, who underwent surgery on an AC joint injury sustained against the Suns, but should regain Jamie Macmillan (calf). GWS will lose Nick Haynes (ankle), but will almost certainly regain the services of Toby Greene (knee). As Tex Perkins from The Cruel Sea once sang, “The honeymoon is over, baby,” and the Giants should return to the winners’ list.
RONNY’S TIP: GWS by 14 points.
ROCO’S TIP: GWS by 8 points.

RONNY’S SEASON TOTAL: 63
ROCO’S SEASON TOTAL: 68