The Cats sit one game clear at the top of the ladder but face a stern test against the much improved Blues outfit who look a genuine top 4 contender in 2011.
St Kilda will be desperate to break their three game losing streak when they take on Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints season is quickly getting away from them with just 1 win and a draw for the year to date, and it appears their high flying form of recent years may have deserted them for 2011.
However a win over the Dees in easily achievable, with Melbourne sinking to a disappointing loss last week, and they again have been hit by injury with three key players out with this week and Lynden Dunn suspended.
Port Adelaide is chasing just their second victory of the year when they host Fremantle at Footy Park, and with Freo in poor form they have every chance on getting back on the winners list.
The Power have made just one change to the team to the outfit that was thrashed at the SCG in Round 8, while the Dockers have been stung to two straight losses including a defeat to their arch rivals the Eagles last week.
North Melbourne travel north to the Gabba to play Brisbane, and for both teams they will see the contest as a winnable game.
The Lions are stuck at the bottom of the ladder without a win for the season, and with the return of Jonathan Brown they appear capable of finally breaking their 2011 duck.
However the Roos looked impressive in Round 8 with a comprehensive victory and a win on the road is a must if they harbour any dreams of finals action this year.
"Dreamtime at the G" takes centre stage Saturday night with Richmond and Essendon meeting at the home of football.
The Dons look to be too strong across the park for the Tigers, and most expect them claim their 6th win of the year.
Sunday sees Collingwood host the Crows at Docklands.
The Pies will be looking to get straight back into winning form after a narrow loss in Round 8, so the Crows task looks almost impossible.
However the two sides have had plenty of close contests in recent season, and Darren Jolly is a key out for the premiers.
Despite that Collingwood would appear to have too many stars and should win easily.
Sydney and Hawthorn face up in what could be the closest match of the round.
Both teams are looking good for finals action this season, and with Franklin and Goodes returning to their best this game is shaping as a classic encounter at the SCG.
The Final match of Round 9 has the Bulldogs travelling to Subiaco to play West Coast.
Last season most teams would pencil in a win against the Eagle - but 2011 is different.
The Eagles have surprised many by coming from the wooden spoon last year to 7th spot after 8 rounds, and with their home ground advantage they have every chance of beating the Bulldogs.
AFL broadcast schedule - Round 9
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