The depleted Bombers did the unthinkable last round by beating Melbourne. But can they back that performance up this week? Well, it's a tougher assignment against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. However, the Power are missing Chad Wingard, Hamish Hartlett, Jay Schulz, Alipate Carlile and Matt White so if the Dons bring the same energy as they did against the Dees, it could make for a very nervous evening for the Port Adelaide faithful.

The Bombers are coming; can Port hold them off? Photo: Getty Images

Dogs, Hawks in early-season blockbuster

The match of the round, and the most anticipated match of the season to date, takes place on Sunday when the reigning champs take on one of the contenders for their throne. The Dogs have been scintillating so far with a pair of 10-goal wins, but the Hawks proved last week that there is still plenty left in their tank by brushing aside flag fancies West Coast after losing to Geelong first up. Will the flat deck of Etihad Stadium give the speedy, ferocious Dogs the advantage? Or will Hawthorn's seasoned premiership campaigners send them back to the kennel with their tails between their legs? One thing's for sure – it's going to be one hell of a spectacle.

Jake Stringer of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal. Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Media

How will Richmond respond?

It's going to be fascinating to see how the Tigers respond against Adelaide after being put through the wringer this week for their final-quarter capitulation against Collingwood. Captain Trent Cotchin hasn't been missed by the media either with his leadership once again coming under scrutiny. The mood at Punt Road was reflected at the selection table with Damien Hardwick axing three players so it would be surprising if his players didn't come out breathing fire on Saturday.

Disappointment for Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin as the Magpies celebrate on Friday night. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

Plenty on the line in Western derby 43

Western derbies are always fiercely contested affairs but the 43rd instalment has an added element, especially for Fremantle. Since the AFL expanded to an 18-team competition, six losses has been the cut-off point for the double chance so the winless Dockers are going to find it nigh on impossible to finish in the top four if they start the year 0-3. But West Coast will be desperate to atone for their meek showing in last week's grand final rematch against Hawthorn and back-to-back losses to top-four teams from last year will be embarrassing given they see themselves as premiership contenders in 2016. Either way, there is going to be one big loser on Saturday night.

Matt Priddis chases down Fremantle's Nat Fyfe. Photo: Getty Images

North chasing 'Fabulous 15'

Having won their last 14 matches against Melbourne, North Melbourne will be aiming to extend one of footy's biggest winning streaks on Sunday when the two clubs meet again at Bellerive Oval. To put that in perspective, we have had five prime minister changes since Melbourne last beat North. But would you believe this isn't the Kangas' biggest period of dominance over the Dees? That was achieved between 1976-84 when they strung together 16 consecutive wins. Sunday will also be Melbourne's first game in Hobart since 1952.

Tom McDonald fends off a tackle by Brent Harvey. Photo: Getty Images

Howe will Jeremy go in Pies debut?

After an interrupted pre-season, new recruit Jeremy Howe will play his first game for Collingwood on Saturday against St Kilda. The former Demon will be pretty keen to repay his new club with a good performance given the mysterious circumstances surrounding his broken finger in February. Nathan Buckley wasn't impressed but a few speccies in the first quarter will go a long way to turning the coach's frown upside down.

Collingwood's Jeremy Howe is ready to go. Photo: Getty Images