AFL Round 20 Expert Tips & Predictions 2026

The AFL continues this week with Round 20 action, starting with Adelaide vs. Collingwood on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Melbourne vs. Geelong, GWS vs. Sydney, and North Melbourne vs. St Kilda.

Thursday 23/7/26

7:30pm Adelaide vs. Collingwood @ Adelaide Oval

Betting Tip: Adelaide –14.5 @ $1.90

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We got the chocolates with Adelaide last week when beating Sydney, and there is every reason to keep backing the Crows.

They look like premiership contenders after beating the Swans in Sydney, and coming back to the Adelaide Oval against the Magpies is a good situation for them.

Collingwood is playing well recently, but the pressure of Adelaide should be too much, so take the line before it moves during the week.

Adelaide by 20

Friday 24/7/26

7:40pm Melbourne vs. Geelong @ MCG

Betting Tip: Melbourne @ $1.88

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Geelong is still outside of the top eight despite beating St Kilda last week, and although that was an impressive outing, St Kilda made it easy for them.

Melbourne comes off a tough win over North Melbourne, and they’re sitting inside the top eight in sixth. It’s a precarious spot to be in, but it’s better than being on the outside looking in with a handful of weeks to go.

We like Melbourne to beat Geelong, in what should be a tight contest.

Melbourne by 4

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

Betting Tip: Fremantle –42.5 @ $1.90

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Fremantle failed to cover the spread against Port Adelaide last week, but they still won by 28 points in a comfortable outing.

They should have no problem putting up a big score on the West Coast Eagles, who have shown toughness recently, but it’s unlikely to matter against the surging Dockers.

We have the Dockers covering the –42.5 spread, in what could be a massive scoreline.

Fremantle by 55

Saturday 25/7/26

1:05pm Carlton vs. Gold Coast @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Carlton –5.5 @ $1.90

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Carlton couldn’t quite muster enough to beat Collingwood last week, but it was a close game for the most part.

It bodes well against a Gold Coast team struggling with consistency, and with the finals looking like a lost hope for the SUNS, we’re backing Carlton.

The –5.5 line is generous enough to include them in our AFL picks this week.

Carlton by 10

4:15pm Hawthorn vs. Essendon @ MCG

Betting Tip: Essendon +53.5 @ $1.90

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We might be jumping back on the Essendon ship one week too late, but beating GWS should be a good form guide.

The Bombers gave their fans something to cheer for with a massive upset win as +39.5 underdogs, and that same level of enthusiasm should be enough to keep the score close enough to cover the +53.5 spread from bookmakers.

Hawthorn comes off a big win over Richmond, but they could be in for more of a defensive battle on Saturday afternoon.

Hawthorn by 40

4:35pm GWS vs. Sydney @ ENGIE Stadium

Betting Tip: Sydney –9.5 @ $1.90

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We expect Sydney to struggle last week after a tough game against Fremantle, but they should be better this time around against GWS.

The GIANTS looked terrible when losing to Essendon on Sunday, and their confidence levels couldn’t get any lower. It’s an unforgivable loss, and we don’t want to back them this week.

The Swans should be far too good and cover the –9.5 spread.

Sydney by 18

7:40pm Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs –41.5 @ $1.90

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The Bulldogs scored as $2 underdogs against Gold Coast last week, and they should be far too good for Richmond as –41.5 favourites.

Richmond didn’t fire a shot against Hawthorn last week, in what was another disappointing effort, and they could be more focused on post-season activities.

Take the Bulldogs to cover the sizable spread.

Western Bulldogs by 51

Sunday 26/7/26

1:10pm Brisbane vs. Port Adelaide @ The Gabba

Betting Tip: Brisbane –38.5 @ $1.90

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Brisbane has turned its form around with some good performances, and an easy win over Port Adelaide is expected on Sunday.

They should have too much scoring power for the Power to handle, and playing at The Gabba only adds to their appeal.

They sit in fourth on the AFL ladder, and they’re looking to put pressure on the top three teams with a one-sided win over Port.

Brisbane by 44

3:15pm North Melbourne vs. St Kilda @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: St Kilda –12.5 @ $1.90

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St Kilda was bitterly disappointing when losing last week to Geelong, and their pressure was lacking big time.

However, after such a bad game, we expect them to bounce back against the Kangaroos, who suffered a loss to Melbourne.

The –12.5 line is generous, so include the Saints in your AFL bets.

St Kilda by 24

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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.