Michelangelo Rucci’s look at Round 6 in the AFL

Michelangelo Rucci looks at the script for five games in the AFL’S Round 6

MOCK BUSTER

W Bulldogs v Carlton, Etihad Stadium

Friday

CARLTON - the team that has not won a game this season - plays a stand-alone, national telecast game for the third time in six weeks. What did the AFL says about clubs needing to earn their place on the big stage?

This is not the prototype of a “blockbuster” when it is 14th v 16th with just one win in the count across 10 matches for both Carlton and the disappointing Western Bulldogs. At least with an indoor game in the Melbourne Docklands, the goal umpires will not need to fear being cold - while watching two of the AFL’s lowest-scoring teams (Carlton average 66 points; the Bulldogs, 71). The most accumulative goals scored in the past three games between these clubs is 21 ... so plan for few commercial breaks.

BLOCK BUSTER

Geelong v Sydney, Kardinia Park

Saturday

NO Lance Franklin (heel). No Daniel Hannebery (groin). And now it is Sydney’s turn to handle the heat with the Swans’ backs against the wall. The Swans should have no concern with entering one of the last traditional VFL venues that offers a significant advantage to the home team. Sydney has won its past two games at Kardinia Park - by 46 points last season and 38 the year before. But who will score the goals for the Swans who - even with Franklin - appear one key forward short of being a menacing team? Franklin scored just one goal in last year’s win at Geelong, so Swans coach John Longmire might be able to create a blessing with the need to work to multiple options in attack.

SHOCK BUSTER

Fremantle v West Coast, Perth Stadium

THEY have gone completely mad in Perth. Bonkers. Insane ... and disrespectful. Until the WA Football Commission intervened there was to be no trophy for the derby, the first at the new Perth Stadium – and hosted by Fremantle. And no medal for the best player, although West Coast vowed to privately award the Ross Glendinning Medal - the traditional prize for the best player in the Western Derby - in the Eagles’ changerooms and only for an Eagle player.

Clearly, Fremantle is making a statement off the field on how the Derby should be presented and badged. But to wipe away the current trophy and Glendinning Medal – under the excuse that the match no longer has a commercial sponsor - while not offering an alternative was a mad (and foolish) play by the Dockers. So the Eagles have something extra to take to the field after winning the Derby stakes at the old Subiaco Oval 26-20, including the last five.

MYTH BUSTER

Essendon v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium

Sunday

ESSENDON, a premiership contender? Melbourne, a top-four candidate? Some big predictions from the pre-season are not holding up as the Bombers and the Demons each carry a 2-3 win-loss record.

Why can’t Essendon - with such a loaded attack - consistently deliver big scores after breaking the watershed 100-point barrier just once this season (against Port Adelaide)? It is not all about Joe Daniher’s kicking.

Has Melbourne replaced Richmond as the team that cannot handle favouritism - and torments every tipster?

The past four games between these clubs have been split 2-2 with three matches decided by one, nine and 13 points.

ENERGY BUSTER

Collingwood v Richmond, MCG

Sunday

HOW does Collingwood back up, four days after a telling win against Essendon – and how do the Magpies measure against Richmond, the AFL champs?

While both teams will have their physical fitness levels tested, the bigger challenge in this Victorian derby is the tactical battle between two teams being admired for their ability to impose themselves in a game.

Brownlow Medallists Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin have set the agenda in recent clashes with the Magpies. Add in the strong-bodied Dion Prestia to this Richmond midfield mix and the Tigers are looking at a hat-trick of wins against Collingwood for the first time since 2002.