Welcome to the Round 5 edition of Kate’s Bolters!

Gather Round is finally here and with all 18 clubs descending on Adelaide, it’s a footy fans paradise.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the AFL season so far to find the value for footy fans and punters alike.

Whether they’re an under-the-radar-performer, or a bona-fide gun, you’ll find the best AFL players to watch in Kate’s Bolters.

For the inside lane on players to watch every round, check out our expert AFL Round 5 analysis by Kate McCarthy below. 

Kate’s Bolters - AFL’s Best Players to Watch in Round 5

Murphy Reid - Fremantle Dockers

A great matchup for the young Freo side this week against the Pies on Friday night.

Collingwood have been rocks and diamonds so far this season and are showing signs of faltering after a disappointing performance against the Lions at the Gabba last week.

Here’s a fun stat, so far this season, we’ve seen the Pies concede the most disposals to general forwards in the comp, averaging 23 per game.

Great value for a 23+ this week for the 2025 Rising Star Murphy Reid.

I think Freo will control the game from start to finish against the more experienced Collingwood side. And that Murphy Reid is set for a big game in this one.

Betting tip: Murphy Road 23+ disposals.

Max Gawn - Melbourne Demons

The Dees take on the wounded Bombers at Gather Round, with plenty of fans, (myself included) expecting Melbourne to rack up a massive score in this one.

Love Big Maxy for any time goal this week against the Dons. Great value here.

Melbourne have been kicking some big scores this year and will be full of confidence after toppling the Gold Coast.

I think Max will get well on top in his matchup with the inexperienced Essendon rucky Lachie Blakiston.

Maxy’s in for a big one at Gather Round.

Betting tip: Max Gawn Anytime goal scorer.

Oscar Allen - Brisbane Lions

Brissy Lions key forward Oscar Allen is starting to find his groove at the Lion’s Den. He slotted three goals last week against the Pies and looked at home in the maroon, blue and gold.

I’ve got a good feeling about him slotting a few in this one, and I think he’s starting to put together a big year for the back-to-back reigning premiers (even though they still can’t get a run on Adelaide Oval).

I’m expecting Oscar Allen to go from strength to strength in this one and slot another three+ goals for Brisbane.

Betting tip: Oscar Allen 3+ goals.

Small Forwards - Geelong Cats

I’m looking at a potential scoreboard blitz at Norwood Oval when Geelong take on West Coast.

Despite their pair of early season wins, West Coast still concede the most goals in the AFL. Their defence was decimated last week by the Swans who scored an absurd 163.

I think the small brigade of Shaun Mannagh, Jack Martin and Ollie Dempsey pushing forward are a great shout to hit the scoreboard.

I’d be looking to have all three in a Same Game Multi.

Betting tip: SGM - Shaun Mannagh, Jack Martin & Ollie Dempsey to score anytime.

Odds are subject to change.*