HOT BULLDOGS READY FOR DATE WITH BAILEY SMITH

Star Geelong recruit Bailey Smith hasn't been afraid to speak his mind this season, even taking a subtle dig at his former club the Western Bulldogs when saying playing at the MCG was way better than at Ballarat.

The Bulldogs, coming off a 91-point win over Essendon, will have the chance to put Smith in his place when they take on the Cats at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday.

PROBLEMS AT PORT

Three of the eight heaviest losses - including the two biggest - in Ken Hinkley's 13-year stint as Port coach have come this season.

The 76-point drubbing from Geelong comes ahead of a testing road trip to Perth to face Fremantle, who upset GWS on the weekend.

PIES SUPPORT SUPERSTAR DAICOS

Craig McRae demanded a key group of Collingwood players support Nick Daicos when he is being tagged and they responded against Adelaide, helping the superstar rack up 28 disposals and seven clearances.

Expect more of the same from Daicos's teammates as the high-flying Pies seek to free up their premier match-winner in coming weeks, starting with Saturday night's clash with North Melbourne.

SYDNEY JUST CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

An already thin Sydney outfit will be without Joel Amartey (suspension), Justin McInerney (suspension) and Aaron Francis (concussion) when they face Melbourne.

Sitting 12th with a 4-6 season record, coach Dean Cox might be forced to roll the dice on underdone duo Callum Mills and Taylor Adams.

BIG TEST AHEAD FOR KANGAROOS ON THE HOP

Coaches are always at pains to insist improvement in AFL sides isn't linear, but North Melbourne's results have gradually progressed in a positive direction over the past month.

A huge test lies ahead for the Kangaroos, who next meet ladder leaders Collingwood after a morale-boosting win over Richmond.

CAN WEST COAST MAKE IT TWO ON THE TROT?

West Coast posted their first win of the season on Sunday when they upset St Kilda by 28 points in Perth, just a day after premiership Eagle Adam Selwood died at the age of 41.

Emotions were running high for West Coast players, and it remains to be seen how they will fare when they take on the Crows in Adelaide on Sunday.