AFL Round 9 Expert Tips & Predictions

The AFL continues this week with Round 9 action, starting with Fremantle vs. Hawthorn on Thursday night.

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

Thursday 7/5/26

8:10pm Fremantle vs. Hawthorn @ Optus Stadium

Betting Tip: Fremantle –3.5 @ $1.90

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Fremantle is playing with confidence after getting up late against the Western Bulldogs. It wasn’t their finest display, but they never looked worried despite trailing at the half.

It was a quality win from a team sitting second on the ladder, and now they look to hold off third-placed Hawthorn, which is also playing good footy.

It should be a barnstormer to open the round, and we’re leaning Fremantle’s way at home.

Fremantle by 10

Friday 8/5/26

7:30pm Brisbane vs. Carlton @ Gabba

Betting Tip: Brisbane –42.5 @ $1.90

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There was betting support for Carlton last week against St Kilda, but they didn’t put up a fight, and they’re not a team we want to follow.

Brisbane comes off a one-sided win against Essendon, and the Lions should continue their march up the AFL ladder with another easy win.

The –42.5 line is big, but this game could be over by half time.

Brisbane by 51

8:10pm Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs @ Adelaide Oval

Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs @ $1.88

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The Bulldogs looked to have an upset in their hands against Fremantle last week, but a poor third quarter worked against them. However, we like the way they fought back in the fourth quarter.

It was a much better effort, and although they’re not putting wins on the board, they’re playing well enough to beat Port, who suffered a heartbreaking loss to Adelaide last week.

As the market suggests, there will likely be little between them.

Western Bulldogs by 4

Saturday 9/5/26

1:15pm North Melbourne vs. Sydney @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: North Melbourne +28.5 @ $1.90

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We’re sticking with North Melbourne this week, and despite losing to Geelong in Round 8, stuck with the Cats for much of the game.

There has been improvement with the Kangaroos in 2026, and although covering spreads against Sydney isn’t easy, it’s not time to drop them from selections just yet.

Look for North Melbourne to measure up and play for the full 80 minutes.

Sydney by 20

4:15pm GWS vs. Essendon @ ENGIE Stadium

Betting Tip: Essendon +48.5 @ $1.90

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Essendon was one of the most disappointing teams last week, but with GWS not playing its best, the Bombers could keep it close.

The 48.5-point spread is another favourable line from bookmakers, and although we expect GWS to bounce back from a loss to Gold Coast, we don’t think they’re playing well enough to put Essendon to the sword.

It might be their last week to impress but include Essendon in AFL picks.

GWS by 39

7:10pm Gold Coast vs. St Kilda @ TIO Stadium

Betting Tip: Gold Coast -14.5 @ $1.90

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St Kilda did the job nicely last week, but there are some injury concerns, and Gold Coast is nearing a top-level performance.

Following a tough win over GWS, they could breakout for a big win against St Kilda. Gold Coast moves to fifth on the ladder with the win, and it’s eyeing a top four spot.

We expect the current line to move to around –17.5, so jump on the early value.

Gold Coast by 20

7:35pm Geelong vs. Collingwood @ MCG

Betting Tip: Geelong -11.5 @ $1.90

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Geelong is going about its business, and although not playing at the same level as last season, they’re working back to their best.

The Cats come off a win over North Melbourne, where they had to fight in the second half, and that test should do them some good.

Collingwood had a draw against Richmond, and the Magpies are playing well, but bouncing back from that heartbreaker could prove too difficult.

Geelong by 17

Sunday 10/5/26

1:10pm Melbourne vs. West Coast @ Marvel Stadium

Betting Tip: Melbourne –42.5 @ $1.90

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If West Coast can’t beat Richmond, we don’t have much hope for them for the rest of the season.

It was a dour performance from the struggling Eagles, and Melbourne should be licking its lips for a comfortable win at home on Sunday afternoon.

Conditions will be ideal for scoring, and Melbourne could put up a big score.

Melbourne by 51

3:15pm Richmond vs. Adelaide @ MCG

Betting Tip: Adelaide –35.5 @ $1.90

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Richmond might have scored a rare win last week, but it came against a poor West Coast outfit, and playing Adelaide will prove much harder.

The Crows showed their toughness when beating Port Adelaide by a point in a dramatic finish. They will only improve with that performance under their belts, which is why they’re -35.5-point favourites to win.

We’re taking the line before it moves.

Adelaide by 40

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.