Richmond defender Noah Balta was jeered by Hawthorn fans as he returned to AFL action for the first time since being sentenced for assault.

Sydney defender Lewis Melican could spend at least two weeks on the sidelines after he caught GWS opponent Toby Bedford across the face with a swinging arm.

Alastair Clarkson and fellow Hawthorn greats helped celebrate the club's AFL/VFL centenary before Jack Gunston kicked three goals in a big win over Richmond.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley admits Jake Stringer could spend more time on the bench to build fitness after the star forward played through illness against Sydney.

Sydney have bounced back from consecutive AFL losses to defeat GWS in their qualifying final rematch and hold onto local bragging rights.

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is optimistic Elliot Yeo will be able to return this season despite the star midfielder needing to undergo ankle surgery.

A three-goal haul from captain Jordan Dawson has helped Adelaide trounce Carlton by 60 points at Adelaide Oval.

No.1 ruckman Tim English was a dominant force for the Western Bulldogs in their huge win over Port Adelaide, as Marcus Bontempelli also shone in Ballarat.

Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek is raring to go toe-to-toe with Richmond captain Toby Nankervis in their clash at the MCG.

Looking to end an early-season form slump with a derby win, GWS forward Darcy Jones is listing Brisbane's premiership campaign last season as inspiration.

Gold Coast's form has ensured a mouth-watering QClash with the defending AFL premiers, but Brisbane coach Chris Fagan isn't getting swept up in the romance.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said he will question himself hard after his team were beaten badly by St Kilda.

Brisbane have recalled Jack Payne and Conor McKenna among three changes for the Lions' massive clash against Gold Coast, who are unchanged.

Geelong coach Chris Scott says he could find no weaknesses when he examined Collingwood ahead of their Saturday night blockbuster at the MCG.

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick says his players must embrace the hostility of the Brisbane crowd when they play the Lions on Sunday.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has defended James Sicily's form and backed his own decision to send Tom Barrass forward late in the 50-point win over West Coast.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley is calling for patience as key forwards Aaron Cadman and Jake Stringer look to build their scoreboard contributions in the Sydney derby.

AFL premiership coach Luke Beveridge has called on the league to throw out the existing classifiable offences matrix in favour of a simplified system.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge won't buy into speculation Jamarra Ugle-Hagan might not be seen at AFL level again after the forward took leave from the club.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has hit out at the three-game suspension to Paul Curtis, while also backing his call to play Harry Sheezel in defence.