A massive weekend on The Huddle for the AFL fans with 7/9 winning best bets coming through.

It bodes well for our form coming into finals time, so don’t miss our betting tips for the run home. 

Shout outs are in order for Thilthorpe, Noble, Harley, the Baggers, The Wizard, Heeney and Ed Allan; who kept Bailey Smith under 30 for us.

And here we are at Round 22 and it’s going to be LARGE.

For the latest team news, analysis and expert insights, check out our expert AFL tips and predictions for Round 22 below.

Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne

Thursday, August 6, 7:30 pm AEST - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Despite the coach's claims, there's no doubt in my mind these Doggies went to Perth with a plan to try to suffocate the Dockers.

The plan kinda worked. Kinda. But ultimately they were undermanned and stood no real chance of taking down the AFL's best.

Here, they cop a must-win with a fellow Docklands resident in the Roos.

The Dogs are entrenched in the Wildcard window, despite having one of the poorer percentages of anyone inside the 10.

North Melbourne went to Tassie and fought the good fight, but like the Dogs, were not quite powerful enough for Nick Watson and his men.

The Roos are two games plus percentage away from a Wildcard berth.

A win for Bont's Dogs keeps them in the top six chase, a loss all-but guarantees playing through without a break.

The clash of the game might be Luke Davies-Uniacke v Finn O'Sullivan. Both dynamic talents.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne Kangaroos by 5 points.

Betting tip: Luke Parker 26+ disposals.

Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn Hawks

Friday, August 7, 7:40 pm AEST - Gabba, Brisbane

A clash of the contenders here in southeast Queensland.

The Hawks are rolling and feeling good after a Nick Watson-inspired win over the Roos in Launceston whilst Brisbane will be roaring after copping a hammering at the hands of the surging Blues. 

The Lions have displayed defensive woes for most of the season, even despite winning seven straight before the Blues debacle. It's something I truly believe they can rectify with an attitude adjustment and these Hawks will test my theory big time with their ball movement and sizzle.

Jarman Impey is airborne, he will need some attention from McKenna at half forward. Josh Dunkley will nullify Jai Newcombe where possible and Dayne Zorko's return is badly needed.

This'll be an epic. And the winner likely gets the huge prize of confidence going into the finals and likely, a top four berth. 

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 8 points.

Betting tip: Jai Newcombe under disposals (Josh Dunkley tag).

Melbourne Demons vs Fremantle Dockers

Saturday, August 8, 1:15 pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne

Speaking of enormous games, this is another cracker for us to consume.

Freo arrive at The 'G and the world will be watching. I'm not as convinced a win here is all that matters to prove their premiership credentials but it'll be handy. And preferred.

The Dees went to the Gold Coast under tricky circumstances and did the job. They've overcome some key injuries to Turner and Mihocek and remain right in the Top 6 hunt.

Some were wondering whether Melbourne's gloss had washed off a touch. Last week proved otherwise and a win here would really be something.

And Max Gawn v Luke Jackson - two ex-teammates - will be an amazing thing to see.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 21 points.

Betting tip: Josh Treacy 3+ goals.

Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power

Saturday, August 8, 4:15 pm AEST - SCG, Sydney

Sydney were challenged by the Saints for most of the contest before getting big results from its big guns and getting the four points.

Gulden, Heeney, Warner and Grundy all dominated and Curnow kicked his obligatory three goals up front. The stars came to play.

Injuries are a worry, with key roles needing to be replaced and Port Adelaide have got a reasonable record against these Swans but this should be a hassle-free victory on home soil.

Sydney need to lock up top two to ensure a home qualifying final and this will send them real close to doing so.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 41 points.

Betting tip: Sydney BWLW 40+.

Geelong Cats vs Essendon Bombers

Saturday, August 8, 4:35 pm AEST - GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Geelong went into a mammoth fortnight without Max Holmes and Jeremy Cameron and came out 2-0.

Of course they did. Their young forwards came to play against the Dees and Pies and the chase for top four is on. And the task gets much easier here with lowly Essendon in town to cop another beating.

They copped one at the hands of Adelaide under the lid last Sunday evening, losing by 12 goals.

Mason Redman attempted to tag Jordan Dawson so maybe he keeps that role against Bailey Smith whilst Zach Reid will be keen to bounce back after getting a touch up at the hands of Riley Thilthorpe.

For Geelong, it's a roll up and do the job type of afternoon. Percentage always matters as does form and confidence. Geelong gets a great chance to improve upon both.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 71 points.

Betting tip: Jay Polkinghorne 3+ goals.

Adelaide Crows vs Richmond Tigers

Saturday, August 8, 7:35 pm AEST - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Adelaide had to thump Essendon last week and did.

These same Crows face Richmond, off their third win this season, but will be looking for a similarly massive victory. Cal Ah Chee was back and looked excellent whilst The Thrill Seeker got going with his first dominant game this season (we called it). 

Dawson and Rankine are prominent around the footy and Dan Curtin went inside and did OK. I also loved seeing debutant Oscar Ryan and his creativity with ball in hand at half back. He looks a real keeper in that form.

For the Tigers, it's about turning up and working on playing winning footy, even if the wins are very unlikely to come.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 63 points.

Betting tip: Josh Rachele 3+ goals.

GWS Giants vs Gold Coast Suns

Sunday, August 9, 1:10 pm AEST - Corroboree Group Oval Manuka, Canberra

The Expansion Cup arrives without any fanfare and much interest given where both teams are at.

GWS are alive, only just. Gold Coast have been dead for some time, which was obvious to those watching them closely. The clearance game has been appalling and the connection of the group has slowly eroded since Round 10.

Hardwick has some work to do - and some decisions to make - moving into 2027, which looms as a monstrous season for the southeast Queenslanders.

The Giants should win, which means they probably won't…

Head-to-head prediction: GWS Giants by 24 points.

Betting tip: Lachie Ash 30+ disposals.

West Coast Eagles vs Collingwood Magpies

Sunday, August 9, 4:10 pm AEST - Optus Stadium, Perth

The Eagles kicked themselves out of victory last week, managing just eight goals from 26 scoring shots.

Jake Waterman and Harley Reid combined for 2.9 in a gloomy display. That issue trickled throughout the whole team as the energy was sapped each time an Eagle missed a chance.

If they can respond positively here, they can push the Pies.

Collingwood were jumped and hammered early against Geelong and might not wish to see the alternate warm-up ever again.

After paying out on Nick Daicos to win the Brownlow, I'd reckon seeing him go 35+ and maybe a goal or two is a nice way to go.

Head-to-head prediction: Collingwood Magpies by 10 points.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos 34+ disposals and 1+ goal.

St Kilda vs Carlton Blues

Sunday, August 9, 7:20 pm AEST - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

What an enormous clash.

This time last year not many would even bother to turn up to this game but given the Wildcard implications and the Josh Fraser freight train, this will be the hottest ticket in town across Round 22.

Jack Silvagni will not be there to take down his old mates after injuring the shoulder badly. His loss will be real.

Who the Blues send to Nasiah the Messiah will be of major interest because on paper no one seems capable - not that many are, though.

Lachie Cowan might be able to do so when he's forward but when he's at half back or on-ball… good luck.

Boxshall likely goes to Cripps, which has been a successful role for the Saints youngster in recent weeks.

The winner separates from the chasing pack. The winner charges toward Wildcard Weekend.

The losers can please themselves as things get real hard, real quick.

Head-to-head prediction: St Kilda by 1 point.

Betting tip: Tri Bet -24.5.