Revenge is a dish best served gold (and blue and white)
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Josh Dunkley celebrates. Photo: Getty Images
West Coast coach Adam Simpson might have attempted to downplay the revenge factor during the week, but make no mistake - last year's elimination final loss to the Bulldogs at Domain Stadium would still be burning the Eagles. The two teams return to the scene of the crime on Friday night and great memories will come flooding back for the Dogs as that famous match served as the launching pad for their incredible premiership. Amazingly, the Doggies will be aiming to beat West Coast three times in a row for the first time in 31 years of rivalry. Jack Redpath returns to the Bulldogs line-up for the first time since undergoing a knee reconstruction late last season.
All 18 clubs to honour Lou Richards
The life and career of Lou Richards will be remembered this round. Photo: Supplied.
It's been a very sad week for the footy world with the one-and-only Lou Richards passing away at the age of 94. Not only was 'Louie the Lip' a magnificent player for Collingwood, captaining them to the 1953 premiership, but he was the first true multimedia megastar in the game. Whether it be on TV, on radio or in print, he never struggled to entertain the masses. Lou was a true giant of the great game and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has announced that players from all 18 clubs will wear black armbands this weekend in honour of the footy legend. A very fitting tribute indeed.
History made In China
Rodney Eade, Tom Lynch, Travis Boak and Ken Hinkley in Shanghai. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images
Given Lou Richards played such a huge role in helping the game become the multi-billion dollar behemoth that it is today, it's perhaps appropriate that in the week of his sad passing, the AFL will play its first ever game for premiership points in China. Port Adelaide and Gold Coast will meet in the historic encounter at Shanghai's Jiangwan Stadium and despite concerns over smog, 30-degree temperatures and travel arrangements, it promises to be a memorable moment in the 121-year history of the VFL/AFL. Whether the locals take a keen interest in the match is another issue altogether!
History and form against the Lions
Brisbane Lions face a big task to beat Hawthorn in Tasmania. Photo: Getty Images
After making a horrendous start to the season, Hawthorn have managed to right the ship somewhat by winning two of their past three games. Conversely, it's been all downhill for their next opponent Brisbane who have lost six in a row after winning their season opener against Gold Coast. Hawthorn head back to their home away from home Launceston this week where they were spanked last time by St Kilda to the tune of 75 points. It was their first loss there in 20 matches, but the good news is they haven't lost consecutive matches at the ground since 2010. Their opponents Brisbane have only won one game in Tasmania in their history and that came all the way back in 2009 against the Hawks. Alastair Clarkson's men have won 10 of their last 11 meetings with the Lions by an average of 51 points and they'll be hoping to continue that trend in Liam Shiels' 150th match.
Baby Pendlebury Could Make Or Break Collingwood's Season
Football is not the only thing on Scott Pendlebury's mind this weekend. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images
With their season hanging by a thread, Collingwood are in desperate need of new life being breathed into their floundering campaign. Scott Pendlebury would appear to be the ideal man for that job, but unfortunately for the Magpies, the only new life that their skipper will be worried about on Saturday is the baby that his wife is due to give birth to. Pendlebury has made it clear that if his wife goes into labour during the Pies' game against the Giants in Sydney, he would leave Spotless Stadium and head home to be by her side. That scenario would throw under-fire coach Nathan Buckley's game plan into chaos, but one thing in their favour is that they are one of only two teams to have not tasted defeat against GWS. The match will also be GWS young gun Lachie Whitfield's first since his six-month suspension for breaching the illicit drug code ended.
Timely Milestones For Kelly, Vince
James Kelly during Bombers training. Photo: Darrian Traynor
It's one thing to reach a significant playing milestone, but it's quite another to do so while playing against your former club. Amazingly, there will be two instances of this on the weekend when Essendon veteran James Kelly plays his 300th game and Melbourne midfielder Bernie Vince runs out for his 200th. Kelly will become the 79th player in history to rack up the triple ton against Geelong - the club he played in three premierships with. And Vince will play game No.200 against the Crows whom he played 129 matches with.