Joe Daniher v Liam Jones

Carlton defender Liam Jones will get first crack at Joe Daniher. The Coleman Medal leader has kicked 53 goals this year, including 12 goals in the last three weeks. Jones has had an excellent season since returning to the side in round 12. But last week Geelong’s Tom Hawkins was able to get off the chain and kick six goals.

Essendon small forwards v Sam Docherty

Sam Docherty was brilliant when these two sides met in round three. Carlton likes to use a spare behind the ball to help the defence and set up the attack. The man entrusted with that role is often Docherty. The Bombers small forwards (Orazio Fantasia, Josh Green and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti) will need to ensure they are active in the forward area to ensure Docherty can’t afford to zone off and when he does get the ball, he’s under pressure.

Dons midfield v Bryce Gibbs

Like Docherty, Bryve Gibbs was a key contributor in the round three match. He’s a classy ball user but has been quiet when sides have sent run-with players to him in the last fortnight. The Dons could use Ben Howlett in this role but their preferred option has been to go head to head and back in their midfield, which features Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson, to beat the collective output of Gibbs, Marc Murphy and co.

Mark Baguley v Matthew Wright

Matthew Wright has kicked 26 goals this year. The former Crow has kicked at least one goal in each of his last nine matches, but was held goalless by Mark Baguley when these two sides met earlier this season. Baguley has been in excellent form and generally takes the most dangerous opposition small forward.