AFL Round 18 betting tips, goalkicker picks & best odds

The 2025 AFL season rolls into Round 18 this week, and there are some cracking matchups as we enter the final stretch of the home-and-away season. Check out our best bets for all nine games, with odds from the top AFL betting sites.

Carlton v Brisbane

Thursday, July 10 – 7:30pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

Consecutive defeats to North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Collingwood have killed off Carlton’s campaign, and it doesn’t get any easier for them this week. The Brisbane Lions have bounced back with morale-boosting wins over Geelong and Port, and with their list nearing full strength at last, the reigning premiers should be too good.

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Gold Coast v Collingwood

Friday, July 11 – 7:40pm AEST – People First Stadium

The Gold Coast Suns have dug their way out of a slump with two wins in a row, although they were less than convincing for most of their clash with Essendon in Round 17. Collingwood are soaring atop the AFL ladder, and with Steele Sidebottom expected to return from illness, there is little reason to bet against them. The Suns at home are tempting, but the Magpies by 39 or less is good value at $2.40 with the best online bookmakers.

Western Bulldogs v Adelaide

Saturday, July 12 – 1:20pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

After four wins on the bounce, the Western Bulldogs are looking every bit a top-four contender. Now they host a similarly dangerous Adelaide side that boasts the second-best percentage in the AFL, although the Crows’ star-studded forward line has only passed 100 points once in the last month. Back the home side in what could be the game of the round.

GWS Giants v Geelong

Saturday, July 12 – 4:15pm AEST – ENGIE Stadium

The Giants are back in business after some indifferent mid-season form, and they are now looking to post a fourth consecutive win over Geelong. The Cats came back from the bye with a big win over Richmond, and there is no doubt they will be determined to overcome their GWS hoodoo. With star defender Sam Taylor missing for the Giants, there’s value in backing Shannon Neale to kick three or more goals at $4.10 with Picklebet.

Richmond v Essendon

Saturday, July 12 – 7:35pm AEST – Melbourne Cricket Ground

Essendon have not won since beating Richmond in Round 11, while the Tigers’ drought goes back even further than that. Both teams have a good look at their squads this year, and both will view this as a big chance to stop the rot. Sam Durham has been among the Bombers’ best in the past two weeks, and you can get decent odds for the star on-baller to have at least 25 touches again in this anti-blockbuster.

Fremantle v Hawthorn

Saturday, July 12 – 6:10pm AWST – Optus Stadium

Fremantle’s winning run came to an end in Sydney last time out, but they will fancy their chances back on home soil. Hawthorn have righted the ship with four wins in a row, and a victory in Perth would be a big statement leading into the finals. The top betting apps can hardly split the pair, but the home side to win by 39 or less looks a solid play.

Melbourne v North Melbourne

Sunday, July 13 – 1:10pm AEST – Melbourne Cricket Ground

While Melbourne have now lost their last five games, that run includes competitive efforts against Collingwood, Gold Coast and Adelaide. North Melbourne’s form remains choppy, but they pushed the Bulldogs for most of three quarters last Thursday night. The Roos won easily when these teams met in Round 2, but the Demons have improved since then and should be able to return the favour on Sunday.

St Kilda v Sydney

Sunday, July 13 – 3:15pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

St Kilda have managed only two wins in their past 12 games and come into this off a brutal month, yet they were competitive against Fremantle and Hawthorn in their last two. Now they cop a Sydney outfit that is looking dangerous again after regaining a host of stars, although fresh injuries to Joel Amartey and Tom Papley are a blow. There is a case for taking the Saints to snap their streak at home.

Port Adelaide v West Coast

Sunday, July 13 – 4:10pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

Port Adelaide have won their last three meetings with West Coast by an average margin of 58 points; however, and quite remarkably, all of those games were at Adelaide Oval. Still, the Eagles are limping towards the end of the season and haven’t cracked 60 points in a game since Round 12. Why not have a look at Willie Rioli to boot a few against his old team?

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