AFL R7 preview, match predictions & free betting tips

The traditional ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon headlines this week’s AFL action. See our preview and tips for every game in round seven, with AFL odds courtesy of Bet365.

Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons

Wednesday, April 24 – 7:25pm AEST – MCG

With both sides coming off the bye, the Melbourne Demons are clear favourites for this ANZAC Day Eve clash with the Tigers. Richmond have struggled in recent weeks as their injury toll mounts, which suggests the Demons will get back to winning ways after their pre-bye loss to the Lions. Simon Goodwin’s men have won the past four matchups between the sides, so expect them to cover the long handicap.

Essendon Bombers vs Collingwood Magpies

Thursday, April 25 – 3:20pm AEST – MCG

The Collingwood Magpies returned to their best last Saturday as they beat the Power by 42 points at the MCG. In arguably the biggest game of the home-and-away season, they face an inconsistent Essendon side that has found a way to win in recent weeks. ANZAC Day matches are historically close, but given the defending premiers have now won three in a row, they’ll be hard to beat as betting favourites.

GWS Giants vs Brisbane Lions

Thursday, April 25 – 7:30pm AEST – Manuka Oval

After suffering their first loss of the season last Saturday, the GWS Giants have fallen from the top of the ladder for the first time all year. Playing in Canberra, they come in as slight underdogs with star forwards Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan both facing suspension. But after scoring just four goals in their loss to the Cats in round six, Brisbane will need to put in a much-improved performance if they are going to challenge one of the premiership favourites.

Port Adelaide Power vs St Kilda Saints

Friday, April 26 – 7:10pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide were dealt a reality check last Saturday as the Magpies ran over them. At home this round, they are backed by top AFL bookmakers to return to winning form as they face a St Kilda side with just two wins so far. While the Saints will look to turn this match into an arm-wrestle, their midfield should struggle against the star-studded Power.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Adelaide Crows

Saturday, April 27 – 1:45pm AEST – Blundstone Arena

The Crows came agonisingly close to back-to-back wins, falling three points shy against the Bombers last Friday night. Heading down to Tasmania, they are favoured to beat the winless Kangaroos. With a percentage of 57 while conceding worse than 120 points per game, North Melbourne have rarely been close this season and look unlikely to spring an upset in Hobart.

Geelong Cats vs Carlton Blues

Saturday, April 27 – 4:35pm AEST – MCG

The only unbeaten side remaining in the AFL, the Geelong Cats have surprised many after they missed the eight in 2023. Facing a Carlton Blues outfit that beat the Giants by 19 points last Saturday, this should be an excellent clash between two of the top sides. A rare home game for the Cats at the MCG should favour the Blues, but given Geelong’s faultless start and their non-existent injury list, this match could go either way.

Fremantle Dockers vs Western Bulldogs

Saturday, April 27 – 5:30pm AWST – Optus Stadium

After starting the season 3-0, the Dockers have now lost their past three matches — including an embarrassing 37-point loss to the Eagles last Saturday. Back at home, they welcome the inconsistent Western Bulldogs, who also sit 3-3 but are fresh off an impressive 60-point win over the Saints. The Dockers come in as slight favourites, but with major concerns around their forward line, they may struggle to kick a winning score.

Gold Coast Suns vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday, April 28 – 1pm AEST – People First Stadium

With many calling the Eagles the worst team in the AFL, consecutive wins over the past two weeks have surprised many. Despite this, they head to the Gold Coast as major underdogs with AFL betting sites, even though the home side lost by 53 points to the Swans last Sunday. The Suns have all the potential to compete with the best, but given they are facing a confident Eagles side, this should be closer than expected.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Sydney Swans

Sunday, April 28 – 4pm AEST – MCG

After a couple of shaky performances before their bye, the Sydney Swans responded well with a comfortable win over the Suns last Sunday. On the road, they face a Hawks side that secured its first win of the season last round. As a team with premiership aspirations, the Swans should be too good, although it is worth noting their recent struggles at the MCG.

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