AFL - Season 1 / Year 2016

The reigning premiers have battled injury and illness in 2016 and won't want take the embattled Bombers lightly who have surprised some teams this year.

The Cats and Kangaroos are right in the mix for the 2016 flag, making this a fierce finals-like contest. Brian Taylor leads the call.

The Tigers have won the only other meeting against the Suns at the MCG and will need to do it again to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

The local Sydney Battle of the Bridge has never been such a high stakes affair, as both clubs face off for local bragging rights and top four claims.

It's the biggest Queen's Birthday Monday clash in over 10 years with both teams knocking on the door of the eight.

Major challengers North Melbourne take on reigning premier Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium in what shapes as a preview to the 2016 finals.

Two of the 2016 flag contenders face off at Etihad Stadium with the Bulldogs aiming to topple the Cats for the first time in seven years. Brian Taylor leads the call.

With the Swans fancied as a premiership contender and the Demons on the up in 2016, this match shapes as a fierce contest at the SCG.

The gallant Bombers host the fast-paced Giants at Etihad Stadium in an important match for the visitors if they are to maintain their claims on a coveted top four spot.

Thursday Night Football is back for 2016 with a high class line-up as the electrifying Crows host top-four aspirant North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval.

The resurgent Magpies host the embattled Dockers at the MCG as Collingwood clings to their 2016 finals hopes. Bruce McAvaney and Dennis Cometti lead the call.

The finals-bound Giants host a reinvigorated Blues outfit at Spotless Stadium as they aim for a coveted top four finish in the home and away season and the double chance.

With the Saints on the up, and the Cats stumbling after a lightning start to the year, this encounter could go down to the wire again after last year's epic draw.

With Port harbouring finals ambitions, and the Hawks shooting for a coveted top four spot, it's a high stakes game at the Adelaide Oval.

Two premiership contenders take to the big stage on Thursday Night Football as the Hawks aim to turn the tables on the Swans after their narrow loss to them in Round 9.

The Bulldogs are aiming to break a run of nine losses to the Cats in this high stakes encounter at Simonds Stadium as both clubs aim for a top four finish in the run up to the finals.

As the Giants head towards their first ever finals appearance, they host the Tigers at Startrack Oval in Canberra with a win here keeping them in touch with a top four chance.

The Kangaroos have won the last five clashes against the Saints and need this win to stay in touch with the rest of the top eight finals contenders. Can the Saints cause an upset?

Memories from intense battles against the Swans at Domain Stadium will be front of mind for the Dockers as they aim to write another chapter in this compelling modern-day rivalry.