Adam Bourke: Well, old mate, for a split second I actually felt sorry you.

Luke West: What do you mean?

AB: Essendon in the headlines for all the wrong reasons - again. This time COVID-19. It must be tough supporting the Bombers. Don't worry, my sympathy lasted as long as the Crows' resistance against the Suns last weekend.

LW: We've definitely been through a bit over the past eight years us Bomber fans, so we're certainly well versed in facing adversity.

At least in this scenario we've only got two players unavailable - Conor McKenna and James Stewart - and it's only for a couple of weeks as opposed to the season-long ASADA bans in 2016 that wiped out the seasons for 12 players still on the list that year.

Disappointing we missed the chance to go 3-0 against the Demons last Sunday, but at least we'll be fresh for the Blues on Saturday night.

Had this penciled in as a certain four points until the Blues came out and knocked over the Cats in Geelong last week. What a turn-up that was. How's your footy tipping going?

AB: My tipping is as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Woeful.

This week is no easier. Sydney and the Bulldogs, GWS versus the Pies, Port and the Eagles, Bombers versus the Blues, Demons and the Cats and the Roos-Hawks clash all 50-50 games.

Port Adelaide look the real deal to me. This week is their biggest test so far and, if they take care of the Eagles, they're looking good for the top four.

LW: I'm going about as good as a chocolate teapot with my tipping, but that's what I've found the most enjoyable aspect of the AFL re-start - the unpredictability.

Didn't have Port Adelaide in my top eight a couple of weeks ago, but already regretting that. The Power have had two good wins over Adelaide and Fremantle since the re-start and their belting of the Gold Coast way back in round one all of a sudden is carrying a bit more weight than first anticipated.

The Suns certainly have a spring in their step and that's great for footy... and Matt Rowell to Ben King could become part of the sporting vernacular like "caught Marsh, bowled Lillee" in years to come.

AB: Rowell has been outstanding, but I hope everyone doesn't get too carried away. Just let the kid play. Comparisons to Voss, Selwood etc can be made down the track.

Patrick Cripps, Marcus Bontempelli, Brodie Grundy and Lachie Neale are lined up against the wall and you have the first pick to start a team to play for you. Who are you picking?

LW: Pains me to say it because he wears navy blue, but I'd take Patty Cripps. Absolute jet and contested ball beast. The Bombers will certainly have to keep him under control on Saturday night at the G.

You've got the next pick of the schoolyard draft. Who are you taking out of the other three?

AB: At the risk of you calling me biased - Grundy. So consistent and just as influential as a midfielder. Just ahead of Bont.

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