AFL Round 21 2026: Expert Tips & Predictions for Every Match

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The AFL continues this week with Round 21 action, starting with Collingwood vs. Geelong on Thursday night.

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

Thursday 30/7/26

7:30pm Collingwood vs. Geelong @ MCG

Betting Tip: Collingwood @ $1.96

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Collingwood dismantled Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval last week, and the Magpies are storming towards the AFL Finals.

They are enjoying a good winning run, and although beating Geelong isn’t easy, especially after they defeated the Demons, we have them scoring a win as the $1.96 underdogs.

A close game is expected at the MCG, and it should be the most exciting game of the round.

Collingwood by 4

Read our full Collingwood vs. Geelong match preview here.

Friday 31/7/26

8:10pm Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs @ Optus Stadium

Betting Tip: Fremantle -32.5 @ $1.90

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Fremantle continues to be the best team in the competition, and they should account for the Bulldogs without much trouble on Friday night.

The Dockers were far too good for West Coast last week, as expected, and although the Bulldogs are a tougher opponent, there isn’t much that phases the Dockers.

They will turn on the jets in the second half to cover the -32.5 spread.

Fremantle by 41

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

Saturday 1/8/26

1:05pm St Kilda vs. Sydney @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: St Kilda +13.5 @ $1.90

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We expected a bounce back win from both St Kilda and Sydney last week, and they didn’t disappoint with wins over North Melbourne and GWS respectively.

Sydney hasn’t shown us enough to suggest that they can cover a -13.5 spread against the Saints, so we’re backing the home team to keep it close.

There is an upset brewing, so take the +13.5 line for insurance.

St Kilda by 10

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

1:35pm Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne @ University of Tasmania Stadium

Betting Tip: Hawthorn -34.5 @ $1.90

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Hawthorn looks to avenge its most recent loss at the University of Tasmania Stadium, and the Kangaroos are an ideal opponent.

The Hawks have looked good since, including a big win over the Bombers last week, and although the margin will be closer this week, we have the Hawks covering the -34.5 spread with ease.

The Roos’ form has dipped over the last few weeks, so we can’t bet on them with any confidence.

Hawthorn by 40

Read our full Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne match preview here.

6:35pm Port Adelaide vs. GWS @ Adelaide Oval

Betting Tip: GWS @ $1.93

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It’s tough to make a case for Port Adelaide or GWS, but we’ve landed on the GIANTS for this contest.

They had a good chance to show something against Sydney last week, but they could muster much as the +9.5 underdogs. However, they have had a better season than Port Adelaide, so that counts for something.

It won’t be a popular betting game this week, but our money is with GWS, which could shorten throughout the week.

GWS by 7

Read our full Port Adelaide vs. GWS match preview here.

7:40pm Carlton vs. Brisbane @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Brisbane -24.5 @ $1.90

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We like the way Carlton is playing, but Brisbane’s form has improved in the run to the finals, and they should be too good on Saturday night.

Despite looking only average at the mid-way point, the Lions have turned things around, and the defending champions could go back-to-back.

They should have too much class for the Blues, so take the -24.5 line and include them in AFL picks this week.

Brisbane by 33

Read our full Carlton vs. Brisbane match preview here.

Sunday 2/8/26

1:10pm Richmond vs. West Coast @ MCG

Betting Tip: Richmond @ $1.88

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Despite sitting in a familiar position of last on the AFL ladder, we’re picking Richmond to beat West Coast on Sunday.

There isn’t much reason to bet on either team, but Richmond can play well against the struggling sides like West Coast.

Tread with caution but include Richmond in AFL picks this week.

Richmond by 6

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

3:15pm Gold Coast vs. Melbourne @ People First Stadium

Betting Tip: Melbourne -3.5 @ $1.90

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Melbourne comes off a disappointing loss to Geelong last week, but it was a solid effort in defeat.

The 117-97 loss shouldn’t deter the Demons much, and they come up against a struggling Gold Coast outfit, which has slipped to 14th on the ladder.

Melbourne has the class to score a comfortable win on the road and covering a -3.5 line shouldn’t be difficult.

Melbourne by 18

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

4:40pm Essendon vs. Adelaide @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Adelaide -45.5 @ $1.90

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Adelaide looks to bounce back from a home loss to Collingwood, and it was one of their worst performances this season.

However, the Crows have always been good at bouncing back from a loss, and playing Essendon won’t present them with a challenge.

The Bombers came back down to earth last week, and another one-sided result looms.

Adelaide by 55

Read our full Essendon vs. Adelaide match preview here.

Not happy with your current bookie? See how the best AFL betting sites stack up, or browse the best betting apps. Joining a new bookie this week? The Neds code has the sign-up details.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl Curnow 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.