Drop Kick: we want action not injury

Back in action ... Lance Franklin is excited about the weekend. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

What did Big Tex, Possum and and KB say to the doctor?

Too soon? Well all week we've been talking about injuries and we're sick of it.

Seriously, is it too early to be thinking about holidays because just about every team is banged up after just five rounds.

There's nothing that makes you forget your troubles than Friday and more importantly a weekend full of AFL action.

Have your say on the weekend's games and give us your tips by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

Collingwood Magpies v St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium, 7.30pm (EST) Friday

The Saints just got back from a very unsatisfying trip overseas and Scott Watters might be able to use jet lag or DVT as an excuse if his team cop a hiding. Collingwood didn't travel anywhere – just for something new - but will feel pretty bad after spending the Anzac Day long weekend licking their wounds after being shown up by Essendon. It doesn't happen very often but both teams will be keen to get back to work and earn their next holiday. Collingwood are equal second on the injury ladder with 11 players on the sidelines - the Saints only have three - but will still have too much firepower.

Tip: Magpies by 32 points

Essendon Bombers v GWS Giants at Etihad Stadium, 1.45pm (EST) Saturday

Did you know the long lost fifth member of that great Irish band The Corrs will make his debut this weekend. Yes, Irish-born Aiden Corr will run out for the Giants this Saturday. We've heard that boy band wannabe Stephen Coniglio was very jealous. So can the Giants rely on the luck of the Irish? No. Setanta O'hAlpin is injured. What fans can trust is facts. GWS have never beaten Essendon and with nine players on the sidelines, including co-captain Phil Davis, don't expect them to break their duck here. James Hird would usually call for a percentage boost against the Giants but it’s already 176 per cent; that's just mean.

Tip: Bombers by 54 points (after the first quarter)

North Melbourne Kangaroos v Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, 2.10pm (EST) Saturday

The Power are quickly becoming the season 2013 Cinderella story and they will go to a whole new level if they beat the Kangaroos. North Melbourne will also go to a whole new level if they lose. For a long time the Kangas have avoided the media blow-torch, but don’t expect that to continue next week if Brad Scott's men can’t get the four points. These two teams are pretty even on the injury ladder with five and four respectively but they are poles apart on the ladder than matters. That said, we wouldn't expect ladder position to have any impact on the result in Tasmania.

Tip: Kangaroos by 14 points

Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn Hawks at AAMI Park, 4.40pm (EST) Saturday

At the start of the year you may have looked at this game and thought "blockbuster" after the 2012 preliminary final. Don't expect any fireworks this time around. Want to know why? Yep, you guessed it: injuries. The Crows will be missing Taylor Walker and the Hawks lost Cyril Rioli, two of the most exciting players in the AFL. The game will be sadly lacking for another reason. Hawthorn are red-hot despite a shocking performance last weekend, while Adelaide are struggling after a breakout season under Brenton Sanderson last year.

Tip: Hawks by 28 points.

Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle Dockers at Metricon Stadium, 7.40pm (EST) Saturday

This is a major danger game for the Dockers. They pulled out a gusty win over Richmond last Friday and now have to travel to Queensland, the longest trip in the AFL for the boys from the west. By contrast, the Suns are up and about after a strong win over GWS. Adding some spice to the clash is Gary Ablett's dislike of tagger Ryan Crowley. This could go one of two ways: Ablett runs hot and single-handedly destroys the Dockers or Crowley - as he often does - steps up and blankets the opposition superstar. The Docker have 11 players on the sidelines and this factor could be decisive at the final siren.

Tip: Suns by 4 points

Richmond Tigers v Geelong Cats at MCG, 7.40pm (EST) Saturday

The Tigers need a big scalp to finally announce themselves as finals contenders. They've failed against Collingwood and Fremantle in the past two weeks and scalps don't come much bigger than Geelong. Not only do the Cats sit undefeated after five weeks but they also have the biggest casualty ward, which is an outstanding achievement. After Jack Riewoldt had his manliness questioned during the week, expect him to light up the MCG on Saturday night. The Cats are without Jared Rivers so a lot will be asked of Harry Taylor.

Tip: Tigers by 7 points

Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions at SCG, 1.10pm (EST) Sunday

Jarrad McVeigh has long been one of the most underrated players in the AFL. The follicle-impaired midfielder plays his 200th game on Sunday and that’s all the inspiration the Swans should need. The Swans won’t want to drop another game at the SCG, either. Meanwhile, Brisbane will be on a high after beating Melbourne last weekend. Mind you, not that high because it wasn’t the prettiest win. Michael Voss is coaching for his life this season but a win over the reigning premiers might be a step too far for his fledgling team.

Tip: Swans by 34 points

Carlton Blues v Melbourne Demons at MCG, 3.20pm (EST) Sunday

The Waite is finally over for Carlton. Jarrod Waite, the forward the Blues think can turn their season around, will take the field this weekend. How long he stays there is another matter. You wouldn’t expect Carlton to have any difficulty getting past Melbourne at the MCG. Mick Malthouse’s gameplan seems to be taking hold at Visy Park after a strong win over Adelaide, and the Blues could be inside the top eight by Sunday night. Melbourne will be without Jack Watts and Mark Jamar but coach Mark Neeld will just want to see a competitive performance.

Tip: Blues by 49 points

West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium, 4.40pm (EST) Sunday

We think John Worsfold might be taking his job too seriously. Geelong are good but are the Eagles trying to mimic the Cats of 2006? We know Mark Thompson almost lost his job before winning the 2007 premiership and there are a lot of similarities in West Coast's 2013 season so far. The Bulldogs might just fancy their chances on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles haven't won a game at home this season and are coming off a devastating loss to Port Adelaide after they held a 41-point lead in the third quarter. Look out for Josh Kennedy: he's kicked 10 and seven goals in his past two games against the Dogs.

Tip: Eagles by 21 points

View the original article here