AFL R12 preview, match predictions & top betting tips

The 2024 AFL Premiership campaign rolls on this week as we reach the start of the mid-season bye rounds. Here are our free AFL betting tips and previews for all seven matches of round 12.

Port Adelaide Power vs Carlton Blues

Thursday, May 30 – 7pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

After winning their last three matches, Port Adelaide have worked their way up to third on the ladder. The Power enter as home favourites with AFL bookmakers for their top-eight clash with Carlton, as they have never lost a matchup between the sides at Adelaide Oval. While the Blues have some injury concerns, they still have plenty of quality to push the Power in a blockbuster clash to kick off round 12.

Collingwood Magpies vs Western Bulldogs

Friday, May 31 – 7:40pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

Sitting seventh on the ladder, Collingwood are unbeaten in their last eight matches — although that run includes two draws. Facing the tricky Western Bulldogs, the Magpies’ depth will be tested, as they have 15 players unavailable through injury. Despite sitting 11th on the ladder, the Dogs have the second-best percentage in the AFL and have shown that, at their best, they can match it with the top sides.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Adelaide Crows

Saturday, June 1 – 1:45pm AEST – MCG

Despite Hawthorn and Adelaide sitting in 14th and 12th respectively on the ladder, this should be an exciting battle between two of the form sides in the AFL. The Hawks have won three of their last four matches, while the Crows have lost just one of their past five and are fresh off a 99-point thumping of the Eagles last Sunday. Although both sides face an unlikely push for finals, expect this to be a thrilling matchup.

West Coast Eagles vs St Kilda Saints

Saturday, June 1 – 2:35pm AWST – Optus Stadium

Sitting inside the bottom four with just one win from their last seven games, the pressure is building each week for the Saints. Heading across to Perth, St Kilda enter as slight underdogs against the Eagles. Although they went down by 99 points to the Crows last Sunday, West Coast have won three of their past four games at home and should be a tough challenge for Ross Lyon’s side.

Geelong Cats vs Richmond Tigers

Saturday, June 1 – 7:30pm AEST – GMHBA Stadium

Having started the season 7-0, concerns are emerging for Geelong after four consecutive defeats. However, facing the 17th-placed Tigers, the Cats are expected to respond as the heaviest favourites of the weekend. With an extensive injury list, Richmond were impressive in a close loss to Essendon in round 11, but facing Geelong away is a different story.

Melbourne Demons vs Fremantle Dockers

Sunday, June 2 – 12:30pm ACST – TIO Traeger Park

After losing just one of their past five matches, ninth-placed Fremantle have put themselves firmly back in finals calculations. Heading across to Alice Springs, they enter as slight underdogs against the fourth-placed Demons, who returned to winning ways with a 38-point win over the Saints last Sunday. Expect an arm-wrestle between two defensively minded sides as they look to separate themselves from the pack.

Gold Coast Suns vs Essendon Bombers

Sunday, June 2 – 4pm AEST – People First Stadium

Continuing to exceed all expectations this season, Essendon sit second on the AFL ladder after their hard-fought Dreamtime win over Richmond. Despite this, they enter as underdogs in this clash with the 10th-placed Gold Coast Suns, who are undefeated at home this season. It’s another test to prove if the Bombers are the real deal, while the Suns continue their push for a first-ever finals appearance.

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