What a weekend of footy we just witnessed! We’re already into Round 10 of the 2026 season; the race for the flag is truly starting to sizzle.

I’ve had my head in the stats and eyes on the Sherrin all week to bring you my list of the best players to watch and value betting tips for Round 10.

From teams finding their goal-kicking boots to midfielders primed to feast on defensive lapses; there are some massive narratives building this week.

Whether you're looking for a ball-magnet ready to explode or a scoreboard surge, I've got you covered with another edition of Kate's Bolters.

For the inside lane on the best AFL bets, check out my Round 10 analysis and betting tips below.

AFL’s Best Players to Watch in Round 10

Melbourne Demons - Total Goals Over

If you’re looking for a side to hit the scoreboard this week, back the Dees to go big at the home of football.

Melbourne have been a scoring juggernaut this season, averaging 15.1 goals per game.

The line is currently set at 11.5 goals, and while Hawthorn’s defence has been solid this year, the absence of Tom Barrass is a massive blow that should disrupt their aerial intercepting game.

I think the Dees back their talls and comfortably clear that goal line.

Betting tip: Melbourne Total Goals Over 11.5.

Fremantle Dockers Midfielders vs Essendon

Essendon are currently giving up the most disposals in the competition to opposition midfielders, which is music to the ears of Freo’s mids – who are at the top of their game.

You can look at combining Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Shai Bolton into a nice little same game multi just to hit their 2026 season averages.

They should find plenty of the footy under the roof as the Bombers struggle to stem the flow through the middle.

Betting tip: Brayshaw, Serong and Bolton to hit season disposal averages.

Will Ashcroft - Brisbane Lions

While the spotlight often shines on the older heads, keep your eyes on the dual Norm Smith Medallist in the Grand Final rematch.

Geelong’s Oisin Mullin is the best tagger in the business, but he can only take one player at a time.

My gut feel is that Mullin goes to either Lachie Neale or Hugh McCluggage, leaving Will Ashcroft with more room to move.

Ashcroft loves this matchup; he is averaging 29 disposals in his last five games against the Cats and is primed for another big day at the Gabba.

Betting tip: Will Ashcroft 25+ disposals.

Daniel Rioli - Gold Coast Suns

The move to the Suns has revitalised Daniel Rioli, and he seems to have a particular affinity for the conditions at TIO Stadium.

Over his last three games in Darwin, Rioli is averaging 24.3 disposals and showed he is in peak form with 28 touches against the Saints last week.

He is starting to find the footy with ease as he drives the Suns forward from the back half.

I like him to comfortably clear 23+ disposals in a same-game multi or take the 24+ outright for some better value.

Betting tip: Daniel Rioli 24+ disposals.

Odds are subject to change. *