AFL Round 12 2026 Expert Tips & Predictions

The AFL continues this week with Round 12 action, starting with St Kilda vs. Hawthorn on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Carlton vs. Geelong, Brisbane vs. Fremantle, and Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood.

Thursday 28/5/26

7:30pm St Kilda vs. Hawthorn @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Hawthorn –12.5 @ $1.90

BET NOW

Hawthorn did enough to get past Adelaide last week in what was a close game, but they should have more room to move against St Kilda.

The Saints looked good earlier in the year, but we haven’t been impressed with their recent play, and with Hawthorn having made their way to 4th on the AFL ladder, they’re a tough team to beat.

The –12.5 line could move to around –15.5 on game day, so snap up the early line.

Hawthorn by 18

Friday 29/5/26

7:40pm Carlton vs. Geelong @ MCG

Betting Tip: Geelong –23.5 @ $1.90

BET NOW

Geelong had found a purple patch of form, and although Carton is having a mid-season resurgence, we don’t rate them as being close to the Cats.

With the Cats sitting in 3rd on the AFL ladder, there is a sizable class advantage to them, and we expect that to be shown on Friday night.

Bookmakers are giving Carlton too much credit for recent success, and punters should expect a one-sided affair at the MCG.

Geelong by 35

Saturday 30/5/26

1:15pm Sydney vs. Richmond @ SCG

Betting Tip: Sydney –60.5 @ $1.90

BET NOW

Sydney might have lost to Geelong last week, but they’ll get back to their winning ways against Richmond to start Super Saturday.

Richmond played well its last couple of games, including a win over Essendon, but the Tigers are overpowered by the Swans, and it should be a one-sided contest.

Covering –60.5 spreads isn’t easy, but Sydney should dominate from the outset.

Sydney by 65

4:15pm Brisbane vs. Fremantle @ Gabba

Betting Tip: Fremantle @ $2.15

BET NOW

It’s tough to know what to make of Brisbane this year, but after a poor showing last week, we’re taking the value odds with Fremantle.

We love what the Dockers have done, which has earned them the top spot on the ladder, and when their confidence levels are high, they’re a tough team to slow down.

The $2.15 odds are generous for a team coming into this game with superior form.

Fremantle by 12

7:35pm Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs –7.5 @ $1.90

BET NOW

The Bulldogs were too tough for Melbourne last Sunday, and that victory should have them in a good mindset.

Collingwood sits outside the top eight after mixed results recently, and although they can turn it on at any given moment, consistency is lacking.

Most of the early money is with the Bulldogs, so include them in AFL picks this week.

Western Bulldogs by 14

Sunday 31/5/26

3:15pm Melbourne vs. GWS @ TIO Park

Betting Tip: Melbourne –5.5 @ $1.90

BET NOW

Melbourne went close to completing the comeback against the Bulldogs last week, but they came up just short. It was a good performance despite not picking up the points, and they could have a big bounce back effort.

GWS comes off a historic win over Brisbane, where they scored 14 goals in the third quarter. However, there could be a come down from that performance, and playing in Alice Springs won’t help their cause.

Include Melbourne –5.5 in AFL multi picks this week.

Melbourne by 10

7:20pm West Coast vs. Essendon @ Optus Stadium

Betting Tip: Essendon +11.5 @ $1.90

BET NOW

Times are tough for Essendon supporters, but they get another winnable game on Sunday evening.

If they can’t put up a fight against teams like West Coast, there is no hope for them. We think they can give the Eagles a scare, and it’s not like the Eagles are a good team.

Getting a +11.5 start is enough to include the Bombers in AFL picks.

Essendon by 5

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.