<p>Round 19 was an excellent weekend for us last week! With six of our nine best bets getting up, we’re finishing strongly here at The Huddle.</p> <p>In what was, largely speaking, a grim weekend of footy, we needed the winners and we got them.</p> <p>Now, we dive into Round 20… A weekend full of spicy crosstown derbies that should liven up the run home.</p> <p>Here’s what I’m thinking ahead of another big round of footy.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest analysis, news, odds, and betting tips for all this week’s action, check out my AFL round 20 tips and predictions below, or follow me <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/feed/profile/view/56/ist_ambassador_deeplink_action">on the feed</a> and see them there!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, July 24, 7:30pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Will Day is back. Hawks fans rejoice!</p> <p>Hawthorn’s best player returns to the fold. What boost ahead of the big push before September!</p> <p>I’d play him as the sub in the same way Freo used Hayden Young last week. But, having him back is unbelievably exciting for footy fans.</p> <p>The Hawks will also have decisions to make on their tall forwards. Four does not go into three, so one of Lewis, Chol, Gunston or young gun Clasher Dear will miss out.</p> <p>The Blues secured a desperately needed win last week, and although a win here is improbable, more growth from younger players is what Blues fans are seeking.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-carlton-9409461">Hawks by 31 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> James Sicily 20+ disposals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Western Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 25, 7:20pm AEST - Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs are, in part, on a hiding to nothing here because a thumping win is expected. But another thumping win over a struggling team will do nothing for the non-believers.</p> <p>They were gallant yet never truly threatening in Brisbane last week.</p> <p>I’m watching Ryley Sanders. Highly touted out of the draft, his growth might be a nice barometer for where this group can get to moving forward.</p> <p>And Sam Darcy has been kept in check the past couple of weeks. I sense a breakout game here against the undermanned Dons' defence.</p> <p>Zach Merrett is unlikely to cop the tag, so he’s a big play for SGM players.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-western-bulldogs-9409462">Dogs by 50 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM - Zach Merrett 28 disposals + Sam Darcy 4+ goals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Sydney Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, July 25, 7:50pm AEST - ENGIE Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A Sydney Showdown on a Friday night is an excellent showcase piece.</p> <p>And when the Swans are seemingly back on track, this looks no walk in the park for the surging Giants.</p> <p>Isaac Heeney demands a tag. The problem is, the best tagger in the game is his teammate.</p> <p>I’d expect Jordon to go to Finn Callaghan, which will be fascinating to see how the young superstar handles the attention.</p> <p>Tom Green vs James Rowbottom will be outstanding at the contest, whilst Kieren Briggs faces a tall task against Brodie Grundy, who has claims on being the best ruckman in the game at the moment.</p> <p>The Swans' season is likely over, but playing spoiler against the cross-town rival would be a sweet late-season moment.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gws-giants-v-sydney-swans-9409473">Giants by 18 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jesse Hogan 3+ goals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Brisbane Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 26, 1:20pm AEST - People First Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I give the Suns a pass for last week.</p> <p>Sure, they got blown away and were totally uncompetitive, but coming off the big Friday night win over the Pies, I was not totally surprised.</p> <p>This, though, is no free pass. Facing up to Big Brother from down the motorway and winning a Q Clash is the task. The Lions have owned this matchup, winning six of the past seven.</p> <p>And earlier this season, Brisbane reminded the Suns just who the premiership champion is and just who the baby brother is.</p> <p>Rowell, Anderson, Flanders, Fiorini, and Witts need to bounce back around the ball. They were embarrassed last time.</p> <p>Game of the weekend, folks.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-brisbane-lions-9409475">Suns by 3 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Sam Flanders 24+ disposals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs West Coast Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 26, 4:15pm AEST - Optus Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Not much to see here… even though we have a Western Derby.</p> <p>The Eagles were abysmal against Richmond. Aside from Harley Reid, there is very, very little to be excited about.</p> <p>The Dockers are the talk of the town after getting over the Pies at the G.</p> <p>They are rolling, and we should expect that to continue. It’d be nice for them to get Treacy and Amiss back into rich form, whilst big Patrick Voss will be eager to keep upending the doubters. I am no longer a doubter!</p> <p>Hayden Young will play a full game, and how they use him will be fascinating. I like him as a midfielder who rolls back to assist Jordan Clark in ball use between the arcs. However, they use him, it’ll work.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/fremantle-v-west-coast-eagles-9409476">Freo by 63 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Andrew Brayshaw 28+ disposals &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Geelong Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 26, 7:35pm AEST - Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Geelong - and Jeremy Cameron - get another chance to kick a big score and keep the percentage rising.</p> <p>They were in fourth gear in the win over the Saints last week, as was Cameron, who kicked five goals but barely broke a sweat.</p> <p>The Roos’ season is quickly spiralling. Richmond has moved past them on the ladder, and despite the Tigers' growth, no one expected that to be the case.</p> <p>Worrying times - again - for the men of Arden Street.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-geelong-cats-9409477">Cats by 44 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Shaun Mannagh 2+ goals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Port Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, July 26, 8:10pm AEST - Adelaide Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A big Showdown beckons, despite Port Adelaide’s fall.</p> <p>They always are. Forget the ladder and forget recent form. Both sides get amped for this one.</p> <p>The Crows are surging toward a greater goal, so taking care of business here is a must for their top two prospects.</p> <p>Speaking of prospects, Dan Curtin keeps on emerging as a serious weapon on the wing. I have Levi Ashcroft ahead in Rising Star rankings, but Curtin is closing in.</p> <p>Behind the ball, Adelaide is rock solid. Its forward line is arguably the best the game has to offer, but the midfield group still leaves me wondering. I doubt they’ll be tested here, but bigger tests are on the way.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-port-adelaide-9409483">Crows by 31 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Darcy Fogarty 3+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Collingwood Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 27, 2:10pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The young Tigers might be keen on the ultimate upset here, but the Pies will also be eager to get back on the winners' list and get back to their best form.</p> <p>The key stats - aside from the scoreboard - all read well for the Pies, but they were unlike themselves in late-game scenarios, and their team defence broke down.</p> <p>There are bodies to return but also decisions to make around the ball. Long or Mitchell? Josh or Nick to half back?</p> <p>They’re in great shape, but the world (some parts of it at least) will want to see them win convincingly here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-collingwood-9409484">Pies by 40 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM - Josh Daicos 28+ disposals + Nick Daicos 28+ disposals &amp; anytime goal &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, July 27, 3:15pm AEST - Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The round ends with the least inspiring game.</p> <p>Sorry Saints and Dees fans - but the truth hurts.</p> <p>St Kilda’s season is almost secondary to the re-signing of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who is now showing us all he can be an amazing midfielder as well as a game-breaking half-back.</p> <p>The Dees will feel immense pressure with a loss here. And they did go down to the Saints in Alice Springs not too many weeks ago.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-melbourne-9409485">Saints by 4 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jack Sinclair 26+ disposals&nbsp;</p>