AFL Round 12 betting preview, goalkicker tips & disposal picks

The 2025 AFL season rolls into the first of the mid-year bye rounds, with Carlton, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs all sitting out. That leaves us with seven matches on the slate this week, and BettingSite.com.au has picked out the best bets for each of them.

Brisbane v Essendon

Thursday, May 29 – 7:30pm AEST – The Gabba

With Essendon scrambling to put together a full lineup after losing another four players to injury, it is no surprise to see Brisbane installed as $1.08 favourites at the top online bookmakers. The Lions bounced back from a flat spot with a professional win over Hawthorn last week, and at home they should be far too good for the undermanned Bombers.

Collingwood v Hawthorn

Friday, May 30 – 7:40pm AEST – Melbourne Cricket Ground

Collingwood are flying atop of the AFL ladder and regain a host of top-end talent for Round 12. While it’s far too early to sound the alarm over Hawthorn, back-to-back losses against Gold Coast and Brisbane have critics wondering whether they are in the same class as the top teams. The Pies should get the job done, but don’t expect a blowout.

Gold Coast v Fremantle

Saturday, May 30 – 1:20pm AEST – People First Stadium

Sitting third on the AFL table with a game in hand, Gold Coast are starting to look more and more like the real deal. Fremantle have bounced back into the finals conversation with good wins over GWS and Port Adelaide, but the Suns at home are a different test altogether. The Dockers can make it a contest, but expect Gold Coast to get up.

GWS Giants v Richmond

Saturday, May 30 – 4:15pm AEST – ENGIE Stadium

GWS picked up a much-needed win over Carlton last weekend, and they will be eyeing this fixture as a potential percentage-booster. While Richmond have exceeded expectations in 2025, this is a rebuilding team riding a 10-match losing streak in away games. One bright spot for the Tigers has been Sam Banks, who offers solid value to pass 25 disposals for a fourth consecutive week.

Sydney v Adelaide

Saturday, May 30 – 7:35pm AEST – Sydney Cricket Ground

This is the sort of game Adelaide have to win if they want to be treated as genuine premiership contenders. Sydney are still missing a heap of first-team talent and lack their usual hard edge, as highlighted in their 53-point loss to Melbourne last Sunday. The Swans had no answer for Kysaiah Pickett, and with Josh Rachele also coming off a five-goal haul, the best AFL betting sites are paying good odds for the Crows forward to boot at least a couple of majors.

Melbourne v St Kilda

Sunday, June 1 – 3:20pm AEST – Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne have recovered from a horror start to win five of their last six games, while St Kilda are heading the other way after six losses in seven outings. The Saints’ lack of midfield depth is sure to be exposed by the Demons’ rejuvenated stars, with the likes of Christian Petracca and Kozzie Pickett firing of late. The big margin is in play, but Melbourne at the line is the safer pick at BlondeBet.

West Coast v Geelong

Sunday, June 1 – 7:20pm AEST – Optus Stadium

West Coast are coming off an emotional win last Sunday, but can they back it up against one of the AFL’s top dogs? Geelong saw off an in-form Western Bulldogs side in one of the games of the year last Thursday night, and the extra few days’ break should well and truly offset the long trip to WA. It’s a big line, but the Cats should be good enough to cover it.

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