We landed 4 from 7 last week in a nice return to form on The Huddle. 

Jack Ginnivan, Nick Daicos and West Coast smashing Essendon were the highlights. 

We go again for Round 13, which has more byes, the Big Freeze and Carlton starting as favourites at the G.

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

Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats

Thursday, June 4, 7:30pm AEST – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Adelaide lands the perfect test to judge whether - and how far - their game has improved across the early part of 2026.

Last season, these Crows exploded in the second half of the season to win the minor premiership. This season, with a harder fixture, they’re yet to fully wind up and this looms as a golden opportunity to do so.

Big man Riley Thilthorpe misses with suspension, but Tex Walker can return alongside Darcy Fogarty. Both will need to kick goals against a very good aerial defence at Geelong.

Around the ball, Bailey Smith is in epic form whilst Max Holmes is doing his thing behind the ball and at centre ball ups. That’ll be Adelaide’s challenge.

As for Jeremy Cameron’s matchup, that looks a concern.

These two clashed to open Gather Round last season and we copped a blockbuster game. Adelaide led across Q1, Q2 and Q3 but Cameron and Dangerfield got rolling and took the game away. Both big guns kicked four and Geelong won by three goals.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 13 points.

Betting tip: Max Holmes 28+ disposals and Jeremy Cameron 3+ goals

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs

Friday, June 5, 7:40pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne

The Hawks and Dogs are The MCG is an excellent temperature test for both.

Aside from MCG specialists Melbourne, I doubt there’s a team that plays the big ground better than these Hawks. (Sorry Lions fans)

They spread the ground and use their superb skills to create opportunities for Gunston, Watson, Lewis and others.

Will Day’s arrival adds that special sauce around the seed whilst Karl Amon is in that All-Australian conversation at half back. And the co-captain James Sicily is back to his very best.

The Dogs have been able to regroup after the mass casualty list and getting a few back has helped. Ed Richards is back near his best whilst Ryley Sanders’ growth has been needed around the ball.

Aaron Naughton gets an opportunity to dominate aerially without Tommy Barrass on hand. 

At Docklands, I could give these Bulldogs a puncher’s chance but at The ‘G, give me the high-flying Hawks.

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

Betting tip: Hawks BWLW 1-39 points.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Fremantle Dockers

Saturday, June 6, 2:15pm AEST – Hands Oval, Bunbury

The Roos travel to WA for a fortnight of footy.

Barnstorming Fremantle await first in Bunbury. There’s a world where this type of game and environment sees the Dockers dip in enthusiasm, which can give the Kangas a look.

Xerri v Jackson will be amazing at contest and the Roos on-ballers will need to perform otherwise Logue, Corr and Comben will be up against it dealing with the in-form Amiss, Voss and Treacy.

The traders say Freo are four goal favourites and after 11 wins on the spin, that view is fair but I’d like to see these emerging Kangaroos go real close.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 11 points.

Betting tip: Shai Bolton 1+ goal and Murphy Reid 22+ disposals.

Gold Coast Suns vs Brisbane Lions

Saturday, June 6, 5:15pm AEST – People First Stadium, Gold Coast

The Lions have owned Gold Coast in these clashes but the Round 21 Q Clash last season showed the Suns can fight against big bro.

In that one, Rowell had 37, Anderson 33 and Noble 31 in an 11-goal win. A few weeks later order was restored in the semi-final when the Lion Kings won by 53.

Brisbane are nowhere near the side that won that semi and went onto win the whole thing but the talent remains. The question is around the desire, hunger and will to compete during the monotonous months of the season.

The Suns are in fifth place whilst the Lions are ninth. Both desperate for a win.

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns by 8 points.

Betting tip: TRI BET -19.5 points.

West Coast Eagles vs Port Adelaide Power

Saturday, June 6, 8:15pm AEST - Optus Stadium, Perth

The market says Port Adelaide will be winning. I say not so fast.

Firstly, I need to say I was wrong about West Coast. I had them as spoon favourites, maybe even morals, but they’ve won footy matches and you can see them building a squad.

Reid, Duursma, Shanahan, Lindsay and Tom McCarthy form a nice beginning to an emerging group who can hopefully carry the next great Eagles team.

The Power have star power so Zak Butters v Brady Hough will be crucial. And what the Eagles do with Jason Horne-Francis is key to the result.

Head-to-head prediction: Eagles by 10 points.

Betting tip: TRI BET -19.5.

Sydney Swans vs St Kilda

Sunday, June 7, 3:15pm AEST – SCG, Sydney

The Swans handled Richmond in a typical Swans way, booting 25 goals.

Curnow kicked eight, Heeney five and McLean (who usually does not even get a game) four in a dominating display.

The Saints will provide more resistance but it’s hard to imagine they can push these Swans. The upside in the Saints is fairly visible but it’s yet to come together for Ross Lyon’s men.

They must hang tough here or these Swans will blow them away like many before them.

Head-to-head prediction: Swans by 34 points.

Betting tip: Callum Mills 23+ disposals.

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues

Sunday, June 7, 7:20pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne

Despite the woes of both this looks a winner on the AFL schedule.

In fact, the more games like this the better with large TV audiences and plenty in attendance. Here’s hoping Essendon can hold up its end of the competitive bargain. 

The Blues are back - at least that’s what its fans will tell you. More run, more composure and a nicer balance of athletes across the board. Three in a row really should become four in a row.

For the Dons, who knows.

There was no spike with the interim coach Dean Solomon. The weather was grim and the performance not much better. For Dean Solomon’s sake of coaching this team long term, he’d better hope there’s a spike soon.

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Blues by 25 points.

Betting tip: Essendon +30.5 points.

Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons

Monday, June 8, 3:15pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne – Big Freeze

This will be a celebration of a life like few we’ve ever seen.

Neale Daniher meant so much to so many during and after his official AFL playing and coaching careers.

Neale’s fight was gigantic and he won. The disease claimed his life but he impacted millions of others along the way.

And both clubs will be out to honour that life.

The Dees have been a weapon of force at The MCG and winless everywhere else. The Pies are competitive and consistent but just lack some class ahead of the footy. Goals are not going to be easy to come by for this group.

And in a game where 14+ goals will likely be required, you’re more likely to see that from these Demons on the hallowed turf.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons by 18 points.

Betting tip: Brody Mihocek 2+ goals.