What a weekend of footy we have ahead of us. We’ve only just recovered from the drama of Round 6, but the 2026 season is about to hit its emotional peak with the ANZAC Day fixtures.

I’ve been diving deep into the data, cross-referencing the matchups, and keeping a very close eye on the injury room to find where the real value lies for punters each week.

 From the hallowed turf of the MCG to the storied stands of the Adelaide Oval, there are some huge opportunities building across the league right now.

Whether you are looking for a reliable captain to lead your fantasy side or a high-value roughy ready to cause an upset, I've got you covered.

For the inside lane on the players and teams set to dominate the headlines, check out my expert Round 7 analysis below.

AFL’s Best Players to Watch in Round 7

Essendon’s Bombers at the Line

If you’re looking at the line for the big dance on Saturday, the Bombers getting +16.5 points looks like a massive opportunity. While the Pies enter as favourites, they have struggled to put up match-winning scores consistently this season.

On the flip side, Essendon has found a new gear over the last few weeks. Since the midpoint of their Round 4 clash, the Dons have looked far more organised and competitive than they did during that shaky opening month.

With a nearly three-goal head start, we think the Bombers are primed to keep this ANZAC Day tradition very tight.

Betting tip: Essendon +16.5 at the line.

Jeremy Cameron & Shannon Neale - Geelong Cats

It’s no secret that Port Adelaide’s defence is currently facing a tall timber crisis. The Power have looked vulnerable this season, struggling to defend both athletic key forwards and craftier scrappers.

This is music to the ears of Jezza Cameron, who is coming off a staggering 10-goal match and is clearly feeling himself right now.

Partnered with Shannon Neale, who is rapidly becoming one of the most difficult matchups in the league due to his size and mobility, the Cats should have a field day.

Good chance that these two lead the Cats to a potential cricket score here.

Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale 3+ goals each.

Jack Steele - St Kilda

The Richmond midfield is currently the most generous group in the competition when it comes to giving up footy. The Tigers currently rank dead last for disposals conceded to opposition midfielders, making the Saints' on-ballers a gold mine for value.

St Kilda skipper Jack Steele is the man to watch here. He’s averaging 24.8 disposals this season, but his ceiling is much higher against a leaking Richmond unit.

He has cleared 26+ touches in three of his last five outings, and given the Tigers' defensive lapses through the corridor, I wouldn't be surprised if he goes even bigger this Sunday.

Betting tip: Jack Steele 26+ disposals.

The ANZAC Medal Race

When the lights are brightest, the stars usually shine. Nick Daicos is currently sitting at $3.00 to win the ANZAC Medal, which is a massive price for a player who has made a habit of tearing big games apart.

However, if you are looking for a genuine roughy to spice up your Saturday, you could do worse than Archie Roberts.

Roberts has been in white-hot form, averaging a ridiculous 37.3 disposals over his last three games. If he maintains that form on the big stage, he is a massive chance to snag the medal and silence the doubters and the Daicos’.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos to win the ANZAC Medal.

Odds are subject to change. *