Job change? ... John Inverarity might be perfect for Melbourne. Source: Stephen Harman / News Limited
Welcome to Drop Kick, the weekly AFL preview written by FOX FOOTY's resident expert that will take an irreverent look at the round ahead and gives you an insight into who's hot or not in FOX FOOTY Supercoach.
In the latest installment, North Melbourne must overcome their fear of water to triumph in Hobart while Chris Scott pens a new book about a magical journey around Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Melbourne might headhunt John Inverarity and Pat Howard to turn their season around and Adelaide and Port Adelaide meet at the Ramsgate for a pre-Showdown shandy.
Fremantle v Essendon, 8.40pm (EST) Friday at Patterson Stadium
Essendon are flying high early in the season. No pun intended. Friday's game against the Dockers could go one of two ways; they come together and win or the pressure gets too much and it's a big loss. Speaking of flying, Ross Lyon has got Fremantle playing some exciting football, a far cry from last year. Just a couple of years ago it was "no Sandilands, no Fremantle" but no longer. The Dockers have hardly missed the big fella. We all know Nathan Fyfe ($498,800) is an injury risk but judging by his first two weeks, jump on!
Tip: Fremantle by 29 points
North Melbourne v Sydney, 1.45pm (EST) Saturday at Blundstone Arena
Brad Scott and the Kangaroos are in massive trouble. They're playing in Hobart and enjoy the rain as much as the Wicked Witch of the West. The AFL's meteorologists better hope they get the forecast right, otherwise one half of the Cray brothers is coming for them. On the other hand, Sydney have had the easiest start to an AFL season since 1897 and it will bring them unstuck against a fired up North Melbourne. Look out for Aaron Mullett ($279,100) as a FOX FOOTY Supercoach star in the making. Jump on before the price rise.
Tip: North Melbourne by 10 points
Melbourne v West Coast, 2.30pm (EST) Saturday at MCG
Two teams 0-2 but from what we've seen one is unlucky and one couldn't fight its way out of a wet paper bag. Look for the Demons to show some signs of live in front of the faithful at the MCG (if they show up) but still cop a shellacking from West Coast. John Worsfold will be keen to get his team's campaign back on track with a win and healthy percentage boost. Perhaps Melbourne should hire John Inverarity and Pat Howard, I hear they work wonders. Jeremy Howe ($423,400) might be best known for his weekly Mark of the Year nominations but the Dees forward has topped 100 points in both games this season. He's a unique pick.
Tip: West Coast by 46 points
Greater Western Sydney v St Kilda, 4.40pm (EST) at Manuka Stadium
Could it happen? Could St Kilda be the new Port Adelaide? If the Saints lose to GWS Scott Watters won't lose his job like Matthew Primus did but his team can start planning its footy trip in September. The Giants were brave for three quarters against the Power last week and will want to put on a show at home. However, the likes of Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo and Nick Riewoldt will not lose three games on the trot. No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield ($199,500) topped 100 points in just his second game last week, he is expensive for a rookie but you know he's going to get plenty of it with the Giants.
Tip: St Kilda by 48 points
Geelong v Carlton, 7.40pm (EST) Saturday at Etihad Stadium
Mick Malthouse pinched himself on Sunday thinking the loss to Collingwood was a nightmare. It only got worse when he woke up on Monday to find his team were playing Geelong next. The Blues face an 0-3 start to a season they were expected to reach the finals. Meanwhile, Geelong coach Chris Scott has been allegedly penning a book; "Harry Potter and the Escape from Etihad Stadium". The Cats needed a miracle to come back from 41 points down and then rain started falling through the open roof and Scott had his answer. Looking at my crystal ball, I don't see the Cats giving up a lead at any stage during this game. Congrats to Sam Rowe ($115,900) on his debut and a handy 70 points. His dual position status makes him FOX FOOTY Supercoach gold.
Tip: Geelong by 13 points
Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions, 7.40pm (EST) Saturday at Metricon Stadium
Just when Michael Voss thought he'd figured out AFL coaching the Lions start 0-2. Brisbane were better against Adelaide and only some Patrick Dangerfield magic brought them undone. All the credits earned in the NAB Cup are gone and Voss will be under intense pressure if Gold Coast triumph in the Q Clash. The Suns were extinguished by the Swans in the rain last week but don't expect them to come back to life this Saturday. Daniel Rich ($485,800) illustrates the Lions problems. After lighting up the NAB Cup the midfielder has struggled with taggers so far in 2013.
Tip: Brisbane Lions by 32 points
Richmond v Western Bulldogs, 1.10pm (EST) Sunday at Etihad Stadium
No one likes to think it but Richmond could be heading back to the finals. I know, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The Bulldogs will be hard pressed to stop the Tigers' celebration train, despite a solid second half last week against Fremantle. Richmond beat the Bulldogs by 70 points last year but don't expect to see that happen again. Dale Morris will likely get the job on Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt and this battle could go a long way to deciding the match. Trent Cotchin ($622,100) will soon be in the same fantasy conversation as Gary Ablett and Scott Pendlebury so jump on before he is too expensive.
Tip: Richmond by 24 points
Collingwood v Hawthorn, 2.30pm (EST) Sunday at MCG
Hawthorn produced the best win of the season last weekend but a trip to the West usually means a loss the week after. Alastair Clarkson will be hoping his team can buck that trend. The can count themselves incredibly lucky. Collingwood have already lost Darren Jolly and captain Nick Maxwell to injury and are coming off a tough wet-weather slog against Carlton. I reckon Nathan Buckley would almost be happy to take the loss after beating Mick Malthouse and Carlton last week. These two teams will keep this one in the memory banks for later in the season. Hawthorn might have lost Clinton Young (trade) and Matthew Suckling (injury) but Grant Birchall ($506,400) is still churning out the fantasy points. He is a must have in the backline.
Tip: Hawthorn by 17 points
Port Adelaide v Adelaide, 4.40pm (EST) Sunday at AAMI Stadium
What were the odds, the Showdown is arguably the game of the round. Ken Hinkley has the Power surging - ok that pun was intended - and they'll push the Crows all the way on Sunday. It will be a true test for both teams as Port Adelaide have played two weaker teams and the Crows have been playing Jeykl and Hyde this season. Expect the match-hardened Crows to step up and overpower a talented but raw Power team. Ah, who am I kidding. This is the Showdown anything could happen. Anyone for a beer at the Ramsgate? Jake Neade ($115,900) is the lightest player in the AFL but is a heavyweight when it comes to fantasy rookies.
Tip: Adelaide by 5 points
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