AFL Round 17 Expert Tips & Predictions 2025

The AFL continues this week with Round 17 action, starting with the blockbuster between Geelong vs. Brisbane on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Sydney vs. Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn vs. Melbourne, and GWS vs. Fremantle.

Thursday 2/7/26

7:30pm Geelong vs. Brisbane @ GMHBA Stadium

Betting Tip: Geelong -14.5 @ $2.00

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Geelong comes off a bye, and they should be ready to continue their march up the AFL ladder against a tough Brisbane team.

The Lions showcased their best footy when beating Sydney last week, but it came at the Gabba, and beating quality opponents on the road has presented its challenges.

We like the way Geelong has progressed and Bailey Smith comes back into the side, and they should cover the -14.5 line at home.

Geelong by 22

Read our full Geelong vs. Brisbane match preview here.

Friday 3/7/26

7:40pm Sydney vs. Western Bulldogs @ SCG

Betting Tip: Sydney -19.5 @ $1.90

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Sydney suffered a setback last week when losing to Brisbane, but they have been good at bouncing back from losses this season.

They have played much better than the Bulldogs, who are gripping on to a top eight spot, and there is a significant class advantage to the Swans.

That’s reflected by the -19.5 line, which is worth including in AFL picks this week.

Sydney by 27

Read our full Sydney vs. Western Bulldogs match preview here.

8:10pm West Coast vs. Adelaide @ Optus Stadium

Betting Tip: Adelaide -28.5 @ $1.90

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Adelaide is the firm favourite to hand West Coast another loss, and the Crows are tough to bet against on Friday night.

They are looking to bounce back from a shock loss to Port Adelaide last week, and playing West Coast is the ideal tonic for such a loss.

The -28.5 line on offer at most betting sites is significant, but when the Eagles get down early, they often give up a big lead, and that’s what we see happening at Optus Stadium.

Adelaide by 40

Read our full West Coast vs. Adelaide match preview here.

Saturday 4/7/26

1:15pm Hawthorn vs. Melbourne @ University of Tasmania Stadium

Betting Tip: Hawthorn -17.5 @ $1.90

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One of our favourites bets is Hawthorn playing in Tasmania, and after scoring a quality win last week, they’re a team worth following.

There were concerns surrounding Hawthorn’s midfield, but it came up trumps in Round 16, and it’s good enough to handle what Melbourne will throw at it on Saturday afternoon.

Money has come for the -17.5 line, so take it before it moves.

Hawthorn by 21

Read our full Hawthorn vs. Melbourne match preview here.

1:35pm GWS vs. Fremantle @ Manuka Oval

Betting Tip: Fremantle -19.5 @ $1.90

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Fremantle showed why they’re at the top of the premiership when smashing Gold Coast last week, and a repeat of that effort could be on the cards.

We haven’t been impressed by what GWS has produced this season, and although they’re playing at home, we can’t find any positives.

Another easy win is likely for the Dockers, who are minor premiership favourites.

Fremantle by 28

Read our full GWS vs. Fremantle match preview here.

4:15pm Gold Coast vs. Collingwood @ People First Stadium

Betting Tip: Collingwood +8.5 @ $1.90

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Collingwood has played well over the last few weeks, and they’re on the move for a top eight spot.

A win over Gold Coast would help their cause, and given how poorly Gold Coast played against Fremantle, we’re surprised by the odds.

We have Collingwood as favourites, so we’re snapping up the +8.5 line.

Collingwood by 7

Read our full Gold Coast vs. Collingwood match preview here.

7:35pm Richmond vs. Carlton @ MCG

Betting Tip: Carlton -35.5 @ $1.90

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Carlton sits in 12th on the AFL ladder, but they’re playing better than their position suggests, and they should get past Richmond with ease.

The Tigers keep making errors and costly turnovers, and that’s something Carlton can capitalise on and produce a big victory on Saturday night.

We expect the Blues to win by 40+ points.

Carlton by 42

Read our full Richmond vs. Carlton match preview here.

Sunday 5/7/26

3:15pm Essendon vs. St Kilda @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: St Kilda -29.5 @ $1.90

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Essendon put up a good fight against North Melbourne, but they never looked like a winning chance, which should be the theme on Sunday.

St Kilda is good enough to put up a big score on the Bombers, as reflected in betting markets, and we have the Saints cruising past the home side.

The Bombers look destined for the wooden spoon, and another loss to St Kilda won’t help.

St Kilda by 39

Read our full Essendon vs. St Kilda match preview here.

4:40pm Port Adelaide vs. North Melbourne @ Adelaide Oval

Betting Tip: North Melbourne +17.5 @ $1.90

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Port Adelaide looked good when beating Adelaide last week, but we can’t turn down the odds for North Melbourne who have now won three in a row.

They are only one spot outside the top eight, which is a massive turnaround in form from the last few years, and they deserve credit.

Getting a +17.5 line is healthy, so include them in AFL picks.

North Melbourne by 5

Read our full Port Adelaide vs. North Melbourne match preview here.

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.