Aside from the AFL not giving us any Mother’s Day footy (just a joke, Richmond fans), the last round of games was rock solid.

Scoring is maintaining as offensive footy rules over defensive slogs. We were inches away from success across our picks last week, so onto Round 10 we go with fresh learnings.

We’re getting closer to halfway through the 2026 season and the ladder is starting to reflect the true contenders.

From Grand Final rematches at the Gabba to MCG blockbusters between traditional rivals, there is plenty of footy to sink your teeth into this weekend.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our AFL Round 10 tips and predictions below.

Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats Prediction

Thursday, May 14, 7:30pm AEST - The Gabba, Brisbane

A stern test awaits for the classy Geelong Cats outfit, who smoked the Pies in front of 83,000 last week.

And as much as both teams will refute the storyline, a Grand Final rematch is always of added interest.

Smith and Holmes had 73 combined disposals, while Ollie Henry shone with four majors last outing. The challenge awaits them here, though, against a side that has had its measure in recent years – in the big matches.

 The Lions found fifth gear for a brief period against the Blues, before switching off and cruising, getting a fright as the Baggers found their groove.

We expect Josh Dunkley to look to take out Holmes or Smith whilst Oisin Mullin will be going Lachie Neale’s way.

Connor O’Sullivan vs Logan Morris will be about as fun as it gets, too.

Brisbane’s best remains the best but when you get it and how long you get it for remains a mystery.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 14 points.

Betting tip: Hugh McCluggage 5+ clearances into Tom Atkins 7+ tackles.

Sydney Swans vs Collingwood Magpies Prediction

Friday, May 15, 7:30pm AEST – SCG, Sydney

The Pies copped the handball-happy Cats last week, which eventually cut them up and allowed Geelong to post a large total.

No prizes for guessing what’s coming here with the ladder-leading Swans: the handball game.

We have queries on how that plan stacks up as the pressure rises, but at the SCG in mid-May, it will not be a problem for Sydney.

Scott Pendlebury stays home as he prepares for the AFL games record. The veteran Steele Sidebottom’s place in this team is becoming an issue, too; he’s been moved into a defensive role and has played some defensive forward.

Tough conversations await the Pies' brass.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 25 points.

Betting tip: Isaac Heeney 23+ disposals and 2+ goals.

Gold Coast Suns vs Port Adelaide Prediction

Friday, May 15, 8:10pm AEST – TIO Stadium, Darwin

The Suns remain up north where no one can touch them. Darwin is a sensational hunting ground for Gold Coast, who took care of the Saints last week despite an incredibly slow start.

The Suns' running backs all racked up plenty of the footy with Noble, Uwland and Rioli combining for 88 disposals. Port Adelaide are not easy beats, and they will rarely beat themselves.

Great traits to possess, but ultimately, they’re too reliant on Butters, Horne-Francis, and Georgiades.

Three superstars does not make a team – they lack depth and that’s why they’re 3-6 despite being the #3 defensive team in the competition.

On the Gold Coast, you’d tip the Suns confidently. Here in Darwin, you tip them as close enough to sure things.

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns by 34 points.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Suns -26.5.

Adelaide Crows vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Prediction

Saturday, May 16, 1:15pm AEST – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

This is a fascinating contest for both sides. The Roos are now at that stage where they can test the best but not beat the best… yet.

And Adelaide are still trying to claw back some of their 2025 form as injuries and off-field heartbreak play their part.

The Crows looked clunky last week; missed opportunities going forward, big guns out of form, and a clear lack of punch from the back half unless the ball was in Wayne Milera Jr’s hands.

At Marvel Stadium, we'd probably side with the Roos, but hopefully home cooking gives Adelaide just enough juice as they try to regain their A+ form.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 7 points.

Betting tip: Josh Rachele and Jordan Dawson combine for 3+ goals.

Melbourne Demons vs Hawthorn Hawks Prediction

Saturday, May 16, 4:15pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne

This might be the most exciting game of the weekend. Two MCG tenants, both excelling this season at their home ground.

The Hawks are three wins and a draw on home soil whilst the Dees have won all five at the ‘G and have scored heavily in doing so.

This will be Melbourne’s largest test.

The Hawks spread the ground and kick the ball probably as well as any team in the AFL.

We know the Dees are powerful offensively, but defensively they’ve got work to do. This has the chance to be the game of the round. We can only hope.

Head-to-head prediction: Hawthorn Hawks by 20 points.

Betting tip: Dylan Moore 17+ disposals and Kade Chandler 1+ goal.

Carlton Blues vs Western Bulldogs Prediction

Saturday, May 16, 7:35pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

The Blues found some life late against Brisbane last week and had opportunities to genuinely challenge the champs. Hopefully, as a group, they can take that forward and push these Dogs.

Those Dogs went to Adelaide and did just enough to get by Port Adelaide. Again, Marcus Bontempelli was superhuman.

Ryley Sanders’ game is not stylish but he’s prolific and worked fairly well off Zak Butters, too. Jacob Weitering will take the challenge against Naughton—that’ll be a pivotal match-up.

Head-to-head prediction: Western Bulldogs by 17 points.

Betting tip: Ryley Sanders 27+ disposals.

Essendon Bombers vs Fremantle Dockers Prediction

Sunday, May 17, 1:10pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne

Essendon restored some faith in their ability to compete after pushing GWS in western Sydney last week.

The game style still irks us, but competitiveness matters and if that’s how they feel they can compete, so be it. But it won’t be winning games that matter against the best!

For the Dockers, they sprung to life when it mattered and claimed victory over the Hawks; a win which likely means plenty when we discuss positions in the finals.

This is one they need to turn up for, handle, and win. There’s no issue about being up and down at this point in the season. Josh Treacy seems due a big bag of goals, too.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 27 points.

Betting tip: Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss to combine for 6+ goals.

St Kilda Saints vs Richmond Tigers Prediction

Sunday, May 17, 3:15pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

The Saints get back to Melbourne and get a look at the cellar dwellers of the AFL—Richmond. The Tigers have looked better the last couple of weeks, winning in Perth and pushing Adelaide for 70 minutes.

St Kilda jumped Gold Coast in Darwin but coughed up six unanswered goals and were never overly threatening in the second half. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s status will be key; without him, you’d give Richmond a sneaky hope, but with him, the Saints should roll.

Head-to-head prediction: St Kilda by 31 points.

Betting tip: Jack Higgins 3+ goals (against the old mob).

West Coast Eagles vs GWS Giants Prediction

Sunday, May 17, 6:15pm AEST – Optus Stadium, Perth

And we end the weekend with a clash between West Coast and GWS.

The Eagles kinda hung tough against the Dees but it seemed more like an indifferent level of concentration from Melbourne, rather than anything significant from the Eagles.

The Giants needed most of the game to overcome Essendon, which is worrying, but all you can do is win and they won.

In our view, they’re not a strong contender this season. There are too many holes and a few good players down on form.

We give West Coast a small chance here, but it’d be a story if they could upend Adam Kingsley’s men.

Head-to-head prediction: GWS Giants by 25 points.

Betting tip: Lachie Ash 30+ disposals (provided he plays defence).

Odds are subject to change.*