Saints Out To Take One Of The Cats' Nine Lives

One of the games of the round takes place on Sunday when the in-form Saints tackle the undefeated Cats at Etihad Stadium. Surprisingly, St Kilda were still paying $2.65 on Friday despite having won 10 of their past 13 games at the venue. Geelong haven't lost yet this year, but their form has been far from convincing. They won comfortably against Fremantle and Hawthorn, teams who aren't expected to make the finals, and got out of jail twice against the winless Kangaroos and the up-and-coming Demons. Jack Steven returning is a huge boost for St Kilda as well.

Jack Steven is back for the Saints. Photo: Darrian Traynor

Sydney's Last Roll Of The Dice

Having made their worst start to a season since 1993, Sydney's finals chances are fading fast and their last roll of the dice comes on Saturday when they face cross-town rivals GWS at the SCG. The 0-4 Swans have brought back big guns Kurt Tippett, Isaac Heeney and Gary Rohan for their do-or-die Sydney derby. If they fail to win again, it would almost certainly be lights out for John Longmire's men this season. The Giants have never won at the Swans' home ground and will be looking to rectify that.

Brilliant Bob Reaches 300

Robert Murphy joins elite company on Saturday when he becomes just the seventh man to play 300 games for the Western Bulldogs when they take on the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium. One of the most loved players in the game, Murphy has built his reputation on exquisite skill, dash and leadership over the past 18 seasons. Despite being the oldest player in the game at 34 years of age, and coming off a knee reconstruction last year, Murphy hasn't lost his pace and has been one of his team's best players in the opening month. A two-time All-Australian, and one-time All-Australian captain, Murphy has defied his slight frame - he was 68 kilograms when drafted - to compile a magnificent career which he hopes will include a premiership by the end of the year.

Top Dog: Bob Murphy. Photo: Getty Images

West Coast's Premiership Credentials On The Line

If West Coast can't win at the MCG on Sunday, then we will know for sure that there is something seriously wrong with them. The Eagles' struggles at the home of football are well-documented, having won just five of their last 22 outings there. Their frailties at the ground were on show for all to see again in round three when a combination of horrendous goalkicking and wet weather saw them lose to the tenacious Tigers. A much simpler task awaits them this time around, though, in the form of the bottom-of-the-ladder Hawks. A loss to them, or a narrow win, would just about rule the Eagles out of the premiership race because to win a flag, you've got to do so by performing well at the MCG.

Hogan Back, Can Dees Burst Tigers' Bubble?

The Anzac Day round's newest tradition continues this year with the Richmond-Melbourne clash taking place on Anzac Day eve. And it promises to be a cracking match. The unbeaten Tigers have a full head of steam having made their best start to a season since 1995, while the Dees are desperate to get back in the winner's circle after losing two matches they really should have won. Jesse Hogan returns for Melbourne which is a huge inclusion. The Dees are undefeated in this fixture and are aiming to beat Richmond four times in a row for the first time since 2006.

Demons Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts. Photo: Getty Images

Anzac Day 2017

It's the most solemn day on the Australian calendar and the biggest day in the AFL's home-and-away season - Anzac Day. Over the last 22 years, Essendon and Collingwood have worked hand-in-hand with the league to make Anzac Day the centrepiece of the footy year (grand final day aside). In many ways, footy takes a back seat on April 25 as we all take the time to remember the sacrifices that our cherished Diggers made in numerous wars to ensure we enjoy the freedoms we have today. But there will be a game played on Tuesday, too. And it's a crucial one - especially for Collingwood. The 1-3 Magpies, and their under-fire coach Nathan Buckley, are in desperate need of a win to keep their faint finals hopes alive. The Pies comfortably lead the Anzac Day head-to-head 13-8-1.