We were STRONG on The Huddle last week.

Seven correct tips and seven correct bet suggestions. That’s how we like to do things around here.

Enough gloating, onto Round 7 - ANZAC Round, a weekend of commemoration and top tier footy.

 For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check our expert AFL tips and predictions for Round 7 below.

Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans

Thursday, April 23, 7:30pm AEST - Marvel Stadium

In the space of a fortnight, Western Bulldogs have fallen from premiership favourites to utter devastation. 

Sam Darcy is gone for 2026, James O’Donnell will miss time, as will Lobb, as will Libba. But you only need to look at Brisbane’s premiership wins to realise you need to overcome missing soldiers because injuries happen at the worst times.

Sydney arrive full of steam and full of life.

Grundy is chasing big Max for that ruck AA blazer whilst McInerney’s improvement has been steep and the defensive group is sound - for now. I still wish to hold my ground on declaring the Swans as genuine threats.

Here, though, they might steamroll the Dogs who could still be feeling the effects of losing Darcy for the season - and others for the short-term.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 23 points.

Betting tip: Rhylee West 2+ goals.

Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons

Friday, April 24, 7:40pm AEST - MCG

This fixture has become an enjoyable one, despite where the two teams might be at.

What we know six weeks in is the Dees are here for the show. In fact, they are the show at The MCG. Another big scalp on home soil on a Sunday afternoon last week.

And they should’ve learned a valuable lesson about looking ahead when they were upended by Essendon in Adelaide a fortnight back. There will be no looking past the Tigers this time round.

For Richmond, hanging tough and continuing to believe in the process is the key. Wins are not coming, beltings are instead. The club needs to keep grinding and working out which guys can play and which guys cannot.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons by 31 points.

Betting tip: Jack Steele 8+ tackles.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Gold Coast Suns

Saturday, April 25, 12:30pm AEST - UTAS Stadium, Launceston 

In some ways, it’s a shame this game is not at the home of footy.

In others, what a genuine test for Gold Coast. To go to a state where they’ve never won and do what they’ve never done. WIN.

The Hawks are going nicely enough despite getting real shaky last week against Port Adelaide. They’ll miss some leadership and stardom in this one.

For the Suns, it’s three weeks in a row now where they’ve been far from impressive. Importantly, they ensured last week was an ugly win rather than a really ugly loss.

The Suns need to shake themselves up and winning here would remind us all of the powerhouse we expected entering the season.

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns by 3 points.

Betting tip: Matt Rowell 10+ clearances.

Essendon Bombers vs Collingwood Magpies

Saturday, April 25, 3:20pm AEST - MCG

The biggest game on the regular season schedule is here.

The Bombers and Pies unite to commemorate and celebrate everything those brave souls did for us, so we can enjoy the game we all love.

And all of a sudden, they’ll pack out The ‘G with a real intrigue as to whether Essendon can pinch this and whether Collingwood really are on the pirate’s plank.

Nick Daicos will need attention. Sounds obvious but he’s been left alone more than he’s been tagged this season. Genuine madness.

Andy McGrath could do the job. Sam Durham, too. Just make sure someone is accountable for him for 120 minutes otherwise you’ll cop 31 and 1 like last season, or 27 and 1 like the year before, or 40 and 2 like in 2023.I could go on but I think we all get the picture. Stop Nick, I reckon you’ll win.

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

Betting tip: Zach Merrett 30+ disposals.

Port Adelaide vs Geelong Cats

Saturday, April 25, 6:35pm AEST - Adelaide Oval

The Power hung tough and probably should’ve punched victory at Marvel Stadium last week against the up-and-about Hawks.

Aside from a Georgiades miss and magical Nick Watson goals, the Power would’ve stolen one no one expected them to win.

Their rivals here, Geelong, are airborne after destroying the Dogs at GMHBA. Jeremy Cameron exploded into life with TEN SNAGS, whilst Bailey Smith and Max Holmes continue to pick up 60-odd disposals between them.

Geelong’s recent record in Adelaide is strong, so you’d doubt Port can repeat the dose and go as close as last week.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 23 points.

Betting tip: Shannon Neale 3+ goals.

Fremantle Dockers vs Carlton Blues

 Saturday, April 25, 8:15pm AEST - Optus Stadium

Things go from bad to worse to unthinkably horrible for the men in Navy Blue.

I feel sorry for the club and its fans as the season continues to unravel in various forms. Staggeringly, the one thing that barely got a mention after last week’s loss to the Pies was them giving up ANOTHER halftime lead.

Here, I doubt they’ll have that worry as Freo look to be rolling into the season nicely. At 5-1, with upside left in them, it’s borderline impossible to see Carlton making any type of headway in this one.

Good chance for Captain Cripps to get home, though. Otherwise, pain ahead.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle by 44 points.

Betting tip: Caleb Serong 27+ disposals and Jye AMISS 2+ goals.

St Kilda vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday, April 26, 1:10pm AEST - Marvel Stadium

Ross may have been prickly and difficult after last week’s loss, asking us to look at their improvement rather than their 2-4 scoreline.

Lose this and the only thing that will matter is the win-loss.

Thankfully, I can see this being a waltz in the park - or a waltz under the roof!

Darcy Wilson’s game is strong, Ro Marshall was at his best back into the middle and Jack Sinclair keeps on getting 30+ behind the footy.

The Saints still need Owens, Phillipou, Sharman and a few still in the VFL to come on to be any type of threat in coming seasons.

West Coast’s growth is there but it’s slow and painful. The young big men are talented but often get mauled whilst we love Duursma and Reid but also like the calmness of Lindsay as a half back.

Head-to-head prediction: St Kilda by 41 points.

Betting tip: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera 30+ disposals.

Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows

 Sunday, April 26, 3:15pm AEST - GABBA

This shapes as one to watch with Adelaide desperate to take a scalp and Brisbane all of a sudden needing a proper win themselves.

Adelaide’s on-ball group needs more but Berry has improved whilst Rachele has the tools. I did expect him to explode and not look back but it has been up then down for him at times. He will get there - mark my words.

Despite Adelaide’s more recent struggles, they’ve played the Lions close. The last five head-to-head have been two wins apiece and a draw.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 14 points.

Betting tip: Will Ashcroft 28+ disposals.

GWS Giants v North Melbourne Kangaroos

Sunday, April 26, 4:40pm AEST - Corroborree Group Oval, Canberra 

What a scalp and an announcement this could be for the Roo Boys.

Once upon a time this was North’s home away from home but now they’ll travel to Canberra as visitors but choc full of confidence.

GWS were soundly beaten by their Sydney rivals, so will be eager to avenge that but also keep pace with the clubs above. 2-5 is a major hole for Adam Kingsley’s men.

For Clarko’s crew, 5-2 and we are talking Top 6… 

Head-to-head prediction: GWS Giants by 4 points.

Betting tip: Brent Daniels 2+ goals.

Odds are subject to change.*