AFL Round 9 betting preview, top tips & best odds | May 8-11

The 2025 AFL Premiership season rolls on this weekend with nine exciting games across the country. Here are our top betting tips for every game of Round 9:

Fremantle vs Collingwood

Thursday, May 8 – 6:10pm AWST – Optus Stadium

Coming off arguably the worst performance of the season last Friday night, Fremantle face a tough test against Collingwood. Despite losing last Saturday, the Pies are the form side. But resting the experienced foursome of Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, Brody Mihocek and Scott Pendlebury, they aren’t as favoured as expected with top online bookmakers and this match has potential to serve an upset.

St Kilda vs Carlton

Friday, May 9 – 7:40pm AEST – MCG

Coming off a very impressive performance over the Dockers, St Kilda will be hoping to carry on their form against an inconsistent Carlton. The Blues were in-form, but a 60-point loss to Adelaide last Saturday raises concerns once again. In a tough match to pick, note that each of the last three meetings between these sides has had under 150 total points, so back this game to go under the total points line.

Melbourne vs Hawthorn

Saturday, May 10 – 1:20pm AEST – MCG

Looking to re-establish themselves as a premiership contender, this is a must-win clash for the Hawks. Melbourne have won three in a row, but they have come against weak opposition, with their early season form telling another story. Hawthorn are coming off consecutive 50+ point wins, so back them to clear the line in this clash.

Essendon vs Sydney

Saturday, May 10 – 4:15pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

Coming off a crucial win over the Giants last Sunday, the Swans are looking to turn their season around against the Bombers. Essendon have won four of their last five, but given these wins have come against three of the bottom four, they are yet to prove their quality. This is another tough match to pick, but given seven of the last 10 matchups have been decided by 10 points or less, back this game to be a close one.

Gold Coast vs Western Bulldogs

Saturday, May 10 – 7:05pm ACST – TIO Stadium

As the in-form side in the AFL right now, the Western Bulldogs have won their last three games by an average of 64 points. However, the Suns love playing in Darwin, winning their past six matches at the venue, including two 60+ point victories in 2024. The Bulldogs have all the form, but Gold Coast have the quality to match and offer great value with BetOnline to produce an upset in this game.

Port Adelaide vs Adelaide

Saturday, May 10 – 7:40pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

In the highly anticipated Showdown, Adelaide enter as clear favourites with BetOnline against their local rivals. The Crows are coming off a 60-point win over Carlton in Round 8, while Port lost by 90 to the Bulldogs. Recent matchups favour Adelaide and given the quality in their high-powered forward line, back them to cover the line in this clash.

Richmond vs West Coast

Sunday, May 11 – 1:10pm AEST – MCG

In a clash between two sides battling for the wooden spoon, the Eagles have a chance to secure their first win of the season. However, it remains unlikely. Richmond have shown much more in 2025 and with the home ground advantage, back them in to cover the line and secure the four points.

Geelong vs GWS Giants

Sunday, May 11 – 3:20pm AEST – GMHBA Stadium

With four wins from their last five games, the Cats host the Giants as clear favourites with BetOnline. However, GWS are seemingly the only side that can play in Geelong, winning their last four matchups at the venue. Their recent form is a bit of a worry, so an upset may be far-fetched, but back them to keep the contest close.

North Melbourne vs Brisbane

Sunday, May 11 – 4:40pm AEST – Ninja Stadium

Flying high at the top of the ladder, Brisbane should be confident of a result against the 17th-placed Kangaroos. North Melbourne have won just one of their last 13 matches in Hobart and just one game in 2025. So back the Lions to get the job done comfortably, boosting their percentage.

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