Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs @Adelaide Oval, Friday 7:20pm

Western Bulldogs have only won two of their last five games and need to arrest that poor run of form to get their push for the top eight back on track. A game against the second-place Crows is maybe not ideal, although Adelaide were far from frightening last week in only beating Carlton 89-77.

Adelaide also have a host of injuries, including Kyle Cheney, Mitch McGovern and Alex Keath. Western Bulldogs have there own problems, with Jake Stringer and Roarke Smith on the absent list.

Match Fact: The past eight encounters between these two sides have been split with four wins apiece.

Why Adelaide will win: Adelaide are the highest scoring team in the league, up against a side that have scored just four more points than the Brisbane Lions. With the likes of Eddie Betts (37.18 this season), Taylor Walker (34.21), Josh Jenkins (22.12) and Tom Lynch (20.15 this season), it’s hard to see how the Western Bulldogs could come out on top.

Our Tip: Adelaide by 13.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Greater Western Sydney Giants @University of Tasmania Stadium, Saturday 1:45pm

In Hawthorn’s last clash they came out on top against Collingwood winning 118-94. As for GWS they were held to the first draw of the season against Geelong 68-68.

Had GWS converted just one of their eight behinds they would be four points clear at the top of the ladder instead of two. Now only a win will allow them to keep top spot (assuming Adelaide beat the Bulldogs). For Hawthorn they are two wins off eighth spot with eight games remaining and, considering their vastly worse goal difference to that of St Kilda’s, it’s basically three. They need a win here out of pure desperation.

Both Jaeger O’Meara and Grant Birchall (knee) are out for Hawthorn amongst others. While hamstring injuries to Tendai M’Zungu and Nick Haynes mean they will be missing for GWS.

Match Fact: The last time these two teams played each other GWS beat Hawthorn 158-83. Hawthorn will no doubt be looking to turn the tables this time around.

Why Hawthorn will win: Hawthorn has been on a bit of a hot streak lately, winning five of their past eight games. This has helped them start to dream about reaching the top eight. A loss here, though, could end their hopes completely. It will be a cracker to watch.

Our Tip: Hawthorn by one.