AFL Rd 11 preview, match predictions & top picks

The 2024 AFL Premiership season rolls on with a full slate of matches headlined by the traditional Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Richmond and Essendon on Saturday night. Below are our match previews and AFL betting tips for round 11.

Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans

Thursday, May 23 – 7:30pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

After their unexpected win over the Giants last Saturday, the Western Bulldogs have worked their way up to 11th on the ladder, with the second-best percentage in the AFL. However, they come in as clear underdogs with online bookmakers as they host the first-placed Sydney Swans, who have looked a class above this season. Expect another great team performance from the Swans, while the Dogs are out to prove they aren’t just flat-track bullies.

Fremantle Dockers vs Collingwood Magpies

Friday, May 24 – 6:10pm AWST – Optus Stadium

Unbeaten in their last seven matches, the Collingwood Magpies have climbed up to fifth and back into premiership contention. Heading across to Perth, they face a tough clash against the Fremantle Dockers, who have won three of their past four matches. Tipped to be a close match by top AFL bookmakers, it would be a statement performance for Justin Longmuir’s men if they got up, while it would be no surprise to see the Magpies in another close game.

Carlton Blues vs Gold Coast Suns

Saturday, May 25 – 1:45pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

After kicking their highest-ever score of 164 against the Cats last Thursday, the Gold Coast Suns have worked their way back into the eight for the first time since round two. However, despite having three wins from their last four, they come in as underdogs against the injury-hit Carlton Blues. With just one win from their past four, this is a must-win clash for the ‘Baggers, who can’t risk falling further behind the other contenders.

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide

Saturday, May 25 – 1:45pm AEST – Blundstone Arena

Following their miracle comeback against the Hawks last Sunday, the Port Adelaide Power have jumped a game clear of the logjam of clubs with six wins. Facing the last-placed North Melbourne, they have an excellent opportunity to strengthen their top-four credentials by gaining some much-needed percentage. With the Kangaroos conceding 119 points per game on average, expect the Power’s tall forwards to have a field day in Tasmania.

Geelong Cats vs GWS Giants

Saturday, May 25 – 4:35pm AEST – GMHBA Stadium

Sitting in first and third respectively after round seven, the Geelong Cats and GWS Giants have both lost their past three matches. At home, the Cats enter as favourites with top online bookmakers, yet they have not beaten a top-eight side this season. The Giants won in Geelong last season, but with an average of 58 points per game over their last three matches, major improvements are needed in attack.

Richmond Tigers vs Essendon Bombers

Saturday, May 25 – 7:40pm AEST – MCG

Unbeaten in their last six matches, the Essendon Bombers have made their way up to second on the ladder. In the marquee game of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Brad Scott’s men are expected to continue their great form as strong favourites against a depleted Richmond side. Coming off a 119-point loss last Saturday, the Tigers — who have just one win this season — look set to struggle again.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Brisbane Lions

Sunday, May 26 – 1:10pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

Finding form in their last three matches, the Brisbane Lions have worked their way up to 12th on the ladder. They head down to Melbourne as betting favourites against the dangerous Hawthorn Hawks, despite losing the past four matchups. With two wins and a one-point loss in their past three weeks, don’t be fooled by them sitting 15th on the ladder — Sam Mitchell’s men should keep this game close.

Melbourne Demons vs St Kilda Saints

Sunday, May 26 – 3:20pm AEST – MCG

After winning just one of their past six matches, the pressure is on Ross Lyon and the St Kilda Saints to turn their season around. At the MCG, they come in as underdogs against the Melbourne Demons, who are also under scrutiny after losing to the Eagles last Sunday. While the Dees are out of form, they are still just one game outside the top four and should have too much firepower for the Saints.

Adelaide Crows vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday, May 26 – 4:10pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

After securing their third win of the season against the Demons last round, the West Coast Eagles have emerged as a danger side, with wins over multiple finals contenders. Despite this, they head to Adelaide as strong outsiders against the Crows, who have lost just one of their last four matches. Number one draft pick Harley Reid is must-watch TV right now, while the Eagles are rapidly improving after a couple of horror seasons.

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