Taking a look back at last week - we managed to notch quite a few handy tips at the Huddle.

The game wasn’t too flash to watch - but Jack Ross managed to get us and Richmond on the board and Luke Ryan 8+ marks against Saints landed as expected.

Other winners were Jason Horne-Francis for a couple of sausage rolls and Kade Chandler collecting 19 disposals.

We roll onto Round 12 much like Geelong Cats; back in form and ready to go.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our expert AFL tips and predictions for Round 12 below.

St Kilda vs Hawthorn Hawks

Thursday, May 28, 7:30pm AEST - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

The Saints were admirable in the west last week but came up empty against the rampaging Dockers.

Max Hall was again excellent, but the Saints probably missed Jack Higgins’ class around goal.

They slip back into Melbourne with a clash against the Hawks awaiting. 

Marvel Stadium seems a key factor here as I’d give Ross Lyon’s men another goal or so at the venue with a lid.

The Hawks had Adelaide’s measure last week until they didn’t and the Crows came storming back into the contest.

Swingman hero Blake Hardwick saved the day with four majors in a superb display.

The Hawks are clinging onto fourth position whilst the Saints are just outside the wildcard seedings.

This contest looms as a large one.

Head-to-head prediction: St Kilda by 5 points.

Betting Tip: Jack Ginnivan 17+ disposals and 1+ goal.

Carlton Blues vs Geelong Cats

Friday, May 29, 7:40pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne

Geelong stamped a level of authority maybe not seen across 2026 with a convincing win over Sydney.

Yes, the game was in Geelong, but the game plan was strong, the adjustments were key and the result emphatic. 

And you know the drill. Since Michael Voss departed, the Blues look a new squad. Speedier and slicker with ball in hand, even poised in big moments. 

But this’ll be a real test for the brand new Navy Blues. Probably not one they can pass at this stage.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 24 points.

Betting Tip: Shannon Neale 3+ goals.

Sydney Swans vs Richmond Tigers

Saturday, May 30, 1:15pm AEST - SCG, Sydney

The Swans copped a punch to the face down in Geelong last week but will likely deliver one back here, unfortunately for Richmond.

Richmond have been admirable; scrapping for a win last week despite their gigantic injury list. They’ve shown heart in recent weeks and their youngsters look to be building confidence as the season goes on.

But that could all be reversed this weekend; the Swans have had their egos damaged and are unlikely to show any mercy towards the visiting Tiger cubs.

Swans will be back to their running handball game and will probably throw up a large score with Amartey, Curnow, Heeney and McDonald all on the end of electric supply.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 55 points.

Betting Tip: Justin McInerney 2+ goals

Brisbane Lions vs Fremantle Dockers

Saturday, May 30, 4:15pm AEST - Gabba, Brisbane

Can anyone explain Q3 in western Sydney last week? Nope, nor can I. And I’m not sure I’ll even try.

When you’ve got possession of the last two premiership cups, you’ve earned more than a little trust, so we’ll take these Lions on trust and expect a rebound performance this week.

Maybe the only person furious with the Lions efforts other than Chris Fagan was all of Fremantle.

Now they’ll anticipate a pride of Lions breathing fire. Fortunately, these Dockers look the real deal to my eye.

Depth, speed, skill and quality across every line. This shapes as a beauty; strong match of the round contender if Brisbane respond as we expect them to.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 10 points.

Betting tip: Logan Morris 3+ goals and Will Ashcroft 27+ disposals.

Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Magpies

Saturday, May 30, 7:35pm AEST - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

The Dogs began well and clung on against the Dees last Sunday.

Ed Richards got rolling and some of the Dogs role players performed well.

For the Pies, the job was celebrate Pendles and win the game. They did both but they did lose Jamie Elliott in the process. Their ailing forward line just lost its major piece.

The Dogs speed will challenge the Pies as will the ball movement against a group whose defensive profile is not what it once was. And now Darcy Moore will also miss more time.

Head-to-head prediction: Western Bulldogs by 13 points.

Betting tip: Nick Daicos 34+ disposals

Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants

Sunday, May 31, 3:15pm AEST - TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs

The Dees were admirable but defeated last Sunday away from The Mecca against the boys from The Kennel.

They overcame numerous deficits but the Dogs did just enough to scrape past them. At 7-4, things still look quite nice for Steven King’s men.

Speaking of looking good, we need new adjectives to describe what GWS did to Brisbane in Q3 last week.

The Giants wrote themselves into the record books, scoring 14 goals within an 86-point burst in the premiership stanza. The defending champs simply had no answers.

Melbourne at 3pm on Sundays has been a recipe for disaster for any type of opposition but those wins have been at The MCG. Here, we head to Alice Springs.

And from experience, it’s not much fun playing the Dees in The Alice… 

Head-to-head prediction: GWS Giants by 11 points.

Betting tip: Clayton Oliver under his disposal line (I reckon Steve King runs a tag via the ex-Dee)

West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers

Sunday, May 31, 7:20pm AEST - Optus Stadium, Perth

And what do we have here to end Round 12… 

What we have is another disaster waiting to happen for these ailing Bombers. Injuries last week to Durham, McGrath, Caldwell and a loss to the Tigers just adds diesel to the Brad Scott coaching fire.

And here, in all honesty, I cannot see Essendon having enough in their arsenal to win.

A fortnight ago, we saw GWS begin well then get run right over by the Eagles in WA.

The crowd is turning up, Harley Reid is often igniting them and it’s becoming harder and harder for opponents to just rock up and win.

Head-to-head prediction: West Coast Eagles by 23 points.

Betting tip: West Coast -12.5

Bye: Adelaide, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast.