<p>Round 21 was a moving week for a few.</p> <p>Brisbane reminded any doubters about their place among the very best, whilst the Hawks fell in more ways than one.</p> <p>On the punt, big Tex’s delicious set shots for goal delivered for us, and we also got the cash with Noah Anderson (rinse and repeat), McCluggage 27+ into Logan Morris 2+ (the young man booted six). And on Sunday, we cleaned up with Clark 24+ disposals, Sheezel 28+ touches, and Shaun Mannagh 17+ of his own.</p> <p>Round 22 springs into life with the clash that will have the most say on the top four and top eight on the runway to September!&nbsp;</p> <p>Let’s dig in.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, news, odds, and betting tips for all this week’s action, check out my AFL round 22 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 Collingwood Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, August 7, 7:30pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>My view was that Hawthorn were a midfielder short of glory, even with Will Day in the mix.</p> <p>Now, with Day’s season sadly over, I give the Hawks next to no chance of winning a flag, but even some genuine query on them making the eight entirely.</p> <p>The Pies were exposed by a powerful and precocious reigning premier, with many of the consistent performers for Collingwood having a down day.</p> <p>Ned Long struggled, and young Charlie Dean was found out. Do the Pies look back toward veterans in those roles? Jeremy Howe’s presence is sorely needed in that back six.</p> <p>With the wounded Hawks, the Pies must deliver a win to ensure a top-four placing.</p> <p>A loss… and the Colliwobbles may have returned.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-collingwood-9456235">Pies by 22 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Josh Daicos 27+ disposals + Nick Daicos 27+ disposals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Essendon Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, August 8, 7:40pm AEST - GMHBA Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Geelong has a very soft run into September, which might be a blessing and a curse.&nbsp;</p> <p>You’d love to arrive having tackled and beaten some of the best, but whilst the rest desperately claw to a position inside the eight, these Cats should creep in without too much issue.</p> <p>Holmes and Bazlenka are amazing around the ball, and I doubt the Dons will have much to quell them. Gryan Miers has evolved into a midfielder, and Shaun Mannagh is starting to make a big difference around the ball.</p> <p>And, despite the chances of it happening dwindling slightly, we’re all on Jezza watch. 25 to go!!</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/geelong-cats-v-essendon-9456234">Cats by 63 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Shannon Neale 3+ goals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs St Kilda Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 9, 1:20pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Another winning opportunity for two teams that have spent most of the season on the receiving end of more accomplished squads.</p> <p>Rowan Marshall and Jack Steele have somewhat uncertain futures; they’ll be keen to lock into another opportunity to collect the four points.</p> <p>Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s season has been sublime. From strength to strength, and a guaranteed All-Australian blazer awaits.</p> <p>The Tigers cubs will be getting fatigued, and that looked the case last week on the Gold Coast. Their season as a whole has been really impressive.</p> <p>A sixth win for the Tigers would be a great result.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-st-kilda-9456236">Saints by 17 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jack Sinclair 26+ disposals &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Sydney Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 9, 4:15pm AEST - The Gabba</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Lions went to Melbourne, took down the Pies, and reminded anyone who doubted them.</p> <p>Rayner and Bailey had barely seen the ball at halftime last week, but both erupted when it mattered. Bailey had 17 disposals and kicked two whilst Rayner laid tackle after tackle on his way to 11 second-half touches and two goals of his own.</p> <p>The Swans will arrive with some confidence, especially behind the form of Brodie Grundy. A career-best 39 disposals in the slop last week as he wrestles Gawn and Darcy Cameron for that All-Australian position.</p> <p>Brisbane will be keen to jump the Swans and crush any hopes they have for an upset.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-sydney-swans-9456238">Lions by 14 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Eric Hipwood 2+ goals&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Gold Coast Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 7, 7:35pm AEST - Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues went to work in the west last week.</p> <p>A spirited opening half against the Dockers, despite being down soldiers. More of that is needed on the run home.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Suns are an inch away from securing their maiden finals appearance, thanks to a big month of results and a hammering of Richmond last week. A game where they only conceded two goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>Noah Anderson is marching toward a Brownlow podium, whilst Matt Rowell might also post 25+ votes on the Monday of Grand Final week.</p> <p>The Rising Suns should handle their business, despite playing at Damien Hardwick’s least favourite venue.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gold-coast-suns-9456239">Suns by 31 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Brayden Fiorini 22+ disposals &amp; Ben Long 2+ goals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Fremantle Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 9, 8:10pm AEST - Adelaide Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Power hung tough for half an hour at GMHBA Stadium before an onslaught from the Cats.</p> <p>In the end, another 88-point thumping and an awful ending to Ken Hinkley’s reign. The outlook for Josh Carr seems bleak.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dockers copped a real fright on home soil against the Blues. Josh Treacy’s form lines are trending up, too. Which is good news for Dockers fans.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/port-adelaide-v-fremantle-9456240">Freo by 28 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Josh Treacy 3+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs North Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 10, 1:40pm AEST - Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Greater Western Sydney saved their worst performance of the season for last Thursday night.&nbsp;</p> <p>With Adam Kingsley at the helm, you can be assured of a response - especially with Toby Greene back in. He owes them one.</p> <p>The Roos had chances against the Saints, but another loss goes on the loss tally. Finally, they kept a team to a low score but could only manage 69 points themselves.</p> <p>Looks like a real opportunity to feast for some grumpy Giants.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gws-giants-v-north-melbourne-9456244">Giants by 51 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Tom Green 32+ disposals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 10, 3:15pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs hand out ferocious beltings to any squad unwilling to step into the fight.</p> <p>They’ve got seven 10+ goal wins to their name, including the mauling of GWS last week.</p> <p>Handling their business against the Dees is non-negotiable. The past two MCG encounters have been one-way traffic for the Dees, but there is too much at stake for that to matter in this one.</p> <p>Marcus, big Tim, Aaron, Ed, and big Sammy all need to keep rolling to inch the Dogs closer to where they want to be.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-western-bulldogs-9456243">Dogs by 25 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Ed Richards 26+ disposals &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, August 10, 5:10pm AEST - Optus Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Weather permitting, this could be big.</p> <p>And by big, I mean a monster margin in favour of the almighty Crows.</p> <p>Adelaide is rolling. Sure, there might be a drop-off in intensity after the massive Adelaide Oval clash, but the Crows will smell blood early and likely kick 20+ goals.</p> <p>For the Eagles, it’s about trying to uncover consistent performers that can do it week in, week out.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-adelaide-crows-9456245">Crows by 75 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Darcy Fogarty 4+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFL 2025 Premiership Odds:</h2>