AFL Round 17 betting predictions, free tips & goalkicker picks

With the bye weeks completed, the AFL 2025 season returns to regular programming for Round 17. There are nine games this week, including an MCG blockbuster on Friday night, and below are BettingSite.com.au’s best bets for all of them.

North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs

Thursday, July 3 – 7:30pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

Expect this clash to be heavily one-sided as the Bulldogs look to boost their percentage. Keep an eye on key forward Sam Darcy, who has 11 goals in his last three games for the Doggies. The 208cm target kicked seven against North Melbourne last year, so back him to have another big game.

Carlton vs Collingwood

Friday, July 4 – 7:20pm AEST – MCG

Coming off a pair of disappointing defeats, Carlton face their biggest rivals at a terrible time. Collingwood sit on top of the AFL ladder and are on a run of seven straight wins, so expect them to continue piling on the Blues’ misery.

West Coast vs GWS Giants

Friday, July – 6:20pm AWST – Optus Stadium

Sitting outside the top eight on percentage, the Giants have a great chance to boost their finals push when they face last-placed West Coast. While the Eagles were admirable in defeat against the Magpies last Saturday, they have just one win for the year and should struggle once again.

Essendon vs Gold Coast

Saturday, July 5 – 12:35pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

While Gold Coast finally broke their run of defeats last Saturday against Melbourne, there are still many questions around their form. However, it should be a simple task against an injury-hit Essendon side. The Bombers have lost their last four and, with a very young side, shouldn’t have the quality to match the Suns.

Geelong vs Richmond

Saturday, July 5 – 4:15pm AEST – GMHBA Stadium

Sticking with the trend of one-sided matchups, Geelong enter as the biggest favourites of the weekend at $1.02 with top AFL bookies. With the Cats expected to kick a big score, expect Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron to have a big day.

Brisbane vs Port Adelaide

Saturday, July 5 – 7:35pm AEST – Gabba

Looking to hold onto a top-two spot, the Lions enter as strong favourites against Port Adelaide. While the visitors have won three of their last four, their away form is a concern, with just two of their wins coming away from Adelaide. Brisbane are coming off a dominant win in Geelong and should be far too strong.

St Kilda vs Hawthorn

Saturday, July 5 – 7:40pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

On a run of three straight wins, the Hawks continue their top-four hunt against a struggling St Kilda. The Saints have won just one of their last seven, losing their past three home games by an average of 42 points. Hawthorn’s forward line is full of exciting talent, so back them for another percentage-boosting win.

Sydney vs Fremantle

Sunday, July 6 – 1:10pm AEST – SCG

After winning their last six games, the Dockers should head to Sydney full of confidence. However, the Swans are back at full fitness and are a much better side than their ladder position of 12th suggests. If Sydney can sort out their poor kicking, they will be right in this contest, but Fremantle as the underdogs offer too much value to ignore.

Adelaide vs Melbourne

Sunday, July 6 – 2:50pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

With wins in four of their last five games, expect Adelaide to continue their top-four push when they host Melbourne. The Crows have one of the most dominant forward lines in the AFL, while the Demons’ defence is struggling. With the home-ground advantage, this could be an excellent percentage-booster for Adelaide.

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