A lean old week for The Huddle last week. 4/7 for Round 15 with Saints, GWS and Gold Coast letting us down.

Beauty is, we move on to Round 16 this week with a chance at redemption – with four teams on a bye this week, we’ll be trying our best to keep a clean sheet.

For the latest team news, analysis and expert insights, check out our expert AFL tips and predictions for Round 16 below.

Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans

Thursday, June 25, 7:30 pm AEST – GABBA, Brisbane

The Lions and Swans collide in a rekindling of the 2024 Grand Final.

Hopefully for Swans fans, the result is far less dramatic and on current form, the red and white army should go in full of confidence. Problem is, you can never be too sure of yourself against Brisbane. They can turn the dial whenever needed, despite some querying their credentials for the remainder of this season.

The Lions’ prime defensive system is based on skinny side pressing toward the ball carrier or receiver. That’s why I have some reservations about the forward handball game the Swans have dominated this season.

Josh Dunkley v Isaac Heeney looms large, as does James Jordon v Lachie Neale.

Tom McCartin’s status is crucial to keeping this defensive group sound and stable whilst you’d expect some attention from a half forward against the speedy lizard, Nick Blakey.

Here’s hoping both bring their best and we see an absolute classic.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 4 points.

Betting tip: Brisbane Lions H2H.

Hawthorn Hawks vs GWS Giants

Friday, June 26, 7:40 pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne

The Hawks were superb in eventually staving off the Suns on the Coast.

Gold Coast, despite their woes in the last month, had been 11-3 across the past two seasons at People First Stadium so the Hawks win was for sure no fluke.

Jai Newcombe has taken his game to an elite level since becoming captain whilst Tom Barrass’ resumption was immediately impressive.

From a Greater Western Sydney perspective, where are we at?

Not that far removed from booting 14 goals in 30 minutes against the Lions, the Giants have been fairly awful since. And this one will be no easier at The ‘G.

Head-to-head prediction: Hawthorn Hawks by 23 points.  

Betting tip: Jai Newcombe 26+ disposals.

Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles

Saturday, June 27, 1:15 pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Five on the bounce with another one on the way – surely?

The Blues went to western Sydney with a plan and executed it perfectly with the perfect ability to chip the ball around when needed whilst always having the goal-scoring answer in that game.

The Eagles have been fairly solid across the season, winning more games than I had expected and growing along the way. Big losses are still at risk but the core of Shanahan, Duursma, Reid, McCarthy and the injured Ginbey have all Eagles fans excited.

The Blues go in as raging, unbackable favourites – which has not always been their preferred position – and should be doing the job in style. Further enhancing Josh Fraser’s chances for the full-time role.

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Blues by 31 points.

Betting tip: Brodie Kemp 3+ goals.

Collingwood Magpies vs Richmond Tigers

Saturday, June 27, 4:15 pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne

Unfortunately, this looms as one of the more vanilla and unexciting clashes between two of Melbourne’s big clubs.

The Pies did enough but inspired few with a win over Port Adelaide last week. Jordan De Goey (26 and 3 goals) and Nick Daicos 40 and 1 goal) carried the Pies.

Richmond were unbelievably dull and threatened little against the Kangaroos at The ‘G last Sunday.

Here’s hoping the game is up and down with more transition than stoppage and some goals along the way. But don’t go holding your breath.

Head-to-head prediction: Collingwood Magpies by 28 points.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos 33+ disposals and 2+ goals.

Port Adelaide Power vs Adelaide Crows

Saturday, June 27, 7:35 pm AEST – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Showdowns always mean a little more and almost always bring some drama.

But for Adelaide, this is a Showdown where they simply need to handle their business. The Crows season is growing nicely. There is upside in the group with individuals still yet to hit full stride.

Fogarty, Thilthorpe, Worrell, Keane, Rankine and a few others can all go to another level which is incredibly positive for the Crows and their fans.

For the Power, things turned from bad to worse on Saturday night at the MCG.

They lost Jack Lukosius, Ewan Mackinlay and Esava Ratugolea in the third term with Esava unfortunately gone long term.

There’s a real chance Port’s season drops right off the cliff but this might well be their last hurrah in regards to making a splash on the season.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 28 points.

Betting tip: Taylor Walker 3+ goals.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers

Sunday, June 28, 3:15 pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

The Kangaroos have won their past couple but certainly not in emphatic fashion.

But in our game, winning is winning and no one will pick apart a club that keeps winning. And this looms as another one the Roos simply must take.

I usually write more when previewing these games… but this barely deserves a title!

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne Kangaroos by 31 points.

Betting tip: Luke Parker 25+ disposals.

Fremantle Dockers vs Gold Coast Suns

Sunday, June 28, 5:10 pm AEST – Optus Stadium, Perth

Can Gold Coast head across to Optus Stadium and fire a shot?

The Dockers are the dominant team in the competition and will feel like they owe the Suns one after they got rolled by them in last season’s Elimination Final.

Problem is, since that moment, Gold Coast’s form has spiralled out of control whilst Fremantle are an all-conquering juggernaut with 13 wins on the spin.

The Suns midfield needs to get rolling or get moved along. Rowell, Anderson, Petracca and Miller are among the worst in the competition for every meaningful clearance category.

Hard to believe but the numbers are the numbers.

This could reignite the year for Gold Coast but are they on the same page, are they willing to engage against the best team in the AFL?

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 20 points.

Betting tip: Murphy Reid 24+ disposals.

Bye: Western Bulldogs, Geelong Cats, St Kilda, Melbourne Demons.