2025 AFL Round 20 Betting Predictions
It's rivalry round around the AFL this week and it starts with the Hawks up against the Blues on Thursday night footy.
Hawthorn (5th) vs Carlton (12th)
The Hawks are flying high this season with 12 wins and sitting comfortably in 5th spot on the ladder. They’re coming off a strong 38-point win over Port Adelaide at York Park, where they booted 13 goals. Jack Gunston and Jarman Impey both kicked 3, while Dylan Moore racked up 32 disposals. Their recent form is solid too — winning 4 of their last 5 games and currently riding a one-game winning streak. They’ve been tough to beat at home with a 7-1 record, while their away form is evenly split at 5-5. Overall, they’re 12-6 on the season. Stat-wise, the Hawks are a tough unit — ranked 5th in the league for disposals and 3rd for tackles, showing they’re both clean with the ball and fierce without it. They’ll take on the Blues this week with momentum on their side.
The Blues haven’t had the smoothest run this season, sitting 12th on the ladder with a 7-11 record. That said, they pulled off a solid 8-point win over Melbourne at the MCG last round, kicking 12 goals, with Charlie Curnow snagging 3 and Ashton Moir slotting 4. It was a much-needed win, snapping a rough patch where they’d dropped 4 of their last 5 games. They’ve struggled to get results both home (4-6) and away (3-5), and goal-kicking has been a real issue — they’re ranked 14th in the league for goals. Still, there are some bright spots: the Blues are ranked 5th in the AFL for clearances and 4th for tackles, showing they can win the ball and apply pressure. They'll be hoping to build on last week’s win as they face a red-hot Hawks side. It will be an emotional game for the Blues as well with Sam Docherty playing his last AFL game.
Stadium Record
Hawthorn are 7-3 in their last 10 games at MCG. Carlton are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Hawks hold a 6-4 record.
Best Bet
The Blues will hopefully stand up for Docherty but the Hawks will be tough to beat, especially down back. So I like the chances of the Under, which is 6-0 in the Hawks last 6 at the 'G.
Same Game Multi
I think the Blues will swing Docherty forward at some stage and he's kicked a goal in 2 of his last 4 games. Amon has beaten 20 disposals in his last 4 games and averages 26 touches in his last 3 home games at the MCG.
Under 159.5 / Sam Docherty Anytime Goalscorer / Karl Amon 20+ Disposals = $5.25
Essendon (14th) vs Western Bulldogs (9th)
The Bombers are doing it tough this season, sitting 14th on the ladder with just 6 wins and currently stuck in a 7-game losing streak. Their latest hit came in a 48-point loss to the Giants at Docklands. They've struggled both home (4-4) and away (2-7), and their recent form paints a rough picture with five straight losses. Offensively, they're finding it hard to make an impact — ranked dead last in the AFL for goals kicked, inside 50s, and clearances. But it’s not all doom and gloom: they do lead the league in disposals, showing they can control the footy when they get going. This week, they’ll try to turn things around against the Bulldogs, but they'll need a big lift across the board to get back on track.
The Bulldogs are sitting just outside the top eight in 9th place with a 10-8 record, but they’ll be looking to bounce back after two straight losses. Last week they went down to the Lions at the Gabba by 10 points, despite a strong showing from Bailey Dale with 33 disposals and Rhylee West booting 4 goals. They’ve won 3 of their last 5 and have been fairly consistent both home and away, holding a 5-4 record in each. Stat-wise, the Bulldogs are a powerhouse in attack — ranked 1st in the AFL for clearances and goals kicked, 2nd for disposals, and 3rd for inside 50s. Tackling is one weak spot (ranked 14th), but they’re still one of the most dangerous teams with ball in hand. They’ll fancy their chances this week against a struggling Bombers outfit.
Stadium Record
Essendon are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue. The Bulldogs are 8-2 in their last 10 games at Marvel.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Bulldogs have won 8 games against the Bombers.
Best Bet
The Dogs usually play in high scoring games at Marvel and the Over is 4-0 in their last 4.
GWS Giants (6th) vs Sydney Swans (10th)
The Giants are absolutely flying right now, riding a 5-game winning streak and sitting 6th on the ladder with a solid 12-6 record. They smashed the Bombers by 48 points last round at Docklands, kicking 16 goals in a dominant performance. Jake Stringer chipped in with 3 goals, while Tom Green and Finn Callaghan were everywhere, racking up 30 and 33 disposals respectively. They’ve been strong both home (5-3) and away (7-3), and their recent form makes them one of the hottest teams in the comp. Offensively, they’re dangerous — ranked 4th in the AFL for both disposals and goals kicked. Clearances are a weak spot (15th), but they’re finding ways to win regardless. They’ll be full of confidence heading into a big clash against the Swans.
The Swans are building some solid momentum, coming into this week’s clash against the Giants on a 3-game winning streak and sitting 10th on the ladder with a 9-9 record. They got the job done last round at the SCG, beating North Melbourne by 31 points and kicking 12 goals. Isaac Heeney was a standout, putting on a show with 5 goals and 34 disposals. They’ve won 4 of their last 5 and have been slightly better on the road (5-4) than at home (4-5). While they’ve struggled with disposals this season (ranked 14th), they’re ranked 5th in clearances — showing they can win the contest when it matters. The Swans are hitting form at the right time and will be fired up for a big Sydney derby against the in-form Giants.
Stadium Record
GWS are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Sydney are 5-3 at this venue since 2010.
Head to Head Record
The Swans are 5-0 against the Giants in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
The Swans are right back into the finals race and if Heeney has another blinder, they should be able to get close. They are also 7-0 ATS when they play the Giants as the away side.
Gold Coast Suns (8th) vs Brisbane Lions (2nd)
The Suns are holding onto 8th spot on the ladder with an 11-6 record, but they’ll be looking to bounce back after a heavy 61-point loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval. It was a rough day where they managed just 46 points, though Matthew Rowell did his best with 30 disposals. Despite that hiccup, their recent form is decent at 3-2 over the last five, and they’ve been particularly strong at home with a 6-1 record. Away from home, they’re 5-5. Stat-wise, the Suns shine in key areas — ranked 2nd for clearances and inside 50s, and 5th for goals kicked. Disposals are a weak spot (15th), but when they win the ball, they make it count. They’ll be keen to bounce back strong against the Lions in what should be a fiery Queensland clash.
The Lions are in red-hot form, sitting 2nd on the ladder with a 13-4 record and riding a 4-game winning streak. They edged out the Bulldogs by 10 points last round at the Gabba, slotting 12 goals, with young gun Will Ashcroft chipping in with 3 majors. They’ve won 4 of their last 5 and have been rock-solid away from home with a 7-1-1 record, while also holding their own at the Gabba (6-3). Statistically, the Lions are a powerhouse — ranked 1st in the AFL for inside 50s, 3rd for disposals, and 4th for clearances. Tackling is their biggest weakness (17th), but they more than make up for it with ball movement and forward pressure. They head into this Queensland derby against the Suns with momentum and plenty of firepower.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 7-3 in their last 10 games at this venue. Brisbane are 11-7 at this venue since 2010.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Lions are 9-1 against the Suns.
Best Bet
The Under has a strong 4-0 record in the Q-Clash and this should be another tough battle.
Fremantle (7th) vs West Coast Eagles (18th)
The Dockers are sitting nicely in 7th spot with a 12-6 record and have hit a good patch of form, winning 4 of their last 5 and currently on a 2-game winning streak. They pulled off a thrilling 1-point win over Collingwood at the MCG in Round 19, kicking 12 goals. Patrick Voss had a day out with 6 goals, while Caleb Serong dominated with 37 disposals. They've been strong both home (6-2) and away (6-4) this season. While they do struggle with disposals (ranked 16th in the AFL), they’ve found ways to win and are peaking at the right time. The Dockers will be fired up for this week’s Western Derby clash against the Eagles.
It’s been a brutal season for the Eagles, who sit last on the ladder with just one win from 18 games and are currently stuck in an 8-game losing streak. They were smashed by 49 points at home last round by the Tigers at Perth Stadium, with Liam Duggan the standout, picking up 31 disposals. Their home form has been rough (1-8) and it’s even worse on the road (0-9). Statistically, they’re struggling across the board — ranked last in the AFL for clearances and disposals, near the bottom for goals kicked, inside 50s, and tackles too. It's been a tough slog all year, and things won’t get any easier as they head into the Western Derby against a red-hot Dockers outfit.
Stadium Record
Fremantle are 8-2 in their last 10 games at Optus Stadium. West Coast are 1-8 (1 draw) in their last 10 games at Optus Stadium.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Dockers hold a 4-1 record against the Eagles.
Best Bet
The Over is 5-0 in the Derby and offers a bit more value compared to the head to head.
North Melbourne (17th) vs Geelong Cats (4th)
The Kangaroos have had a tough season so far, sitting 17th on the ladder with just 4 wins and 13 losses, and they’re on a 4-game losing streak. Their last outing was a 31-point loss to the Swans at the SCG, where they struggled to get on the scoreboard, managing just 53 points. They’ve been poor both home (2-1-6) and away (2-7), and their main weakness is getting the ball inside 50, ranking 17th in the AFL. The one bright spot is their clearance work — they’re ranked 3rd in the league for winning the contest. Still, they’ll have their work cut out for them against the Cats this week.
The Cats are flying high this season, sitting 4th on the ladder with a 12-6 record and coming off a solid 31-point win over St Kilda at Kardinia Park, where they kicked 17 goals. Jeremy Cameron was on fire with 5 goals, Max Holmes piled on 32 disposals, and Shaun Mannagh chipped in with 3 goals. They’ve been tough to beat at home with a 7-2 record and are holding their own away (5-4). The Cats are strong all over the ground — ranked 2nd in the AFL for goals kicked and tackling, and 5th for inside 50s. After snapping a two-game losing streak, they’ll be confident heading into this one against the struggling Kangaroos.
Stadium Record
North Melbourne are 2-8 in their last 10 games at Marvel. Geelong are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Cats are 18-5 against the Kangaroos since 2010.
Best Bet
Geelong will likely win this but I also like the Over as it's saluted in 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Adelaide Crows (3rd) vs Port Adelaide (11th)
The Crows are flying high in 3rd place on the ladder with a 13-5 record and have been on a roll lately, winning 4 of their last 5 games. They crushed the Suns by 61 points at Adelaide Oval last time out, kicking 16 goals with Alex Neal-Bullen starring—he notched 3 goals and racked up 31 disposals. They’re tough to beat at home with an 8-1 record and decent on the road too (5-4). The Crows are strong where it counts, ranking 3rd in the AFL for goals kicked, 4th for inside 50 entries, and 5th for tackling. They’ll be confident heading into their match against the Power.
The Power are sitting 11th on the ladder with an 8-10 record and coming off a tough 38-point loss to the Hawks at York Park, where they managed just 49 points. They've been a bit up and down lately, winning 2 of their last 5 games, and they’re on a one-game losing streak. Their home form is decent at 6-4, but they’ve struggled away with a 2-6 record. Scoring goals has been a problem this season, with the Power ranked 14th in the AFL for goals kicked. They’ll need to find some more firepower if they want to challenge the in-form Crows this week.
Stadium Record
Adelaide are 9-1 in their last 10 games at Adelaide Oval. Port Adelaide are 5-4 (1 draws) in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Port can't make the finals so this will be like their GF and they're 4-0 ATS in night games at home. This should be another close showdown.
Richmond (16th) vs Collingwood (1st)
The Tigers are struggling this season, sitting 16th on the ladder with a 5-13 record, but they’ve managed to build a bit of momentum with back-to-back wins. Their last game was a big 49-point win over the Eagles at Perth Stadium, where they kicked 16 goals. Tim Taranto was impressive with 3 goals and 30 disposals, Jacob Hopper piled on 33 disposals, and Rhyan Mansell also kicked 3 goals. Despite this, they’ve been poor on the road (1-8) and have a lot of weaknesses, ranking near the bottom of the AFL in clearances, disposals, goals kicked, inside 50s, and tackling. They’ll be hoping to keep the good form going as they face the Magpies this week.
The Magpies are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder with a 14-4 record, but they’re looking to bounce back after a narrow 1-point loss to the Dockers at the MCG. They’ve been solid away from home with a 6-2 record and strong at home too (8-2). Nick Daicos was a standout last game, racking up 43 disposals. The Magpies are tough to beat thanks to their attacking firepower — ranked 5th in the AFL for goals kicked—and their relentless pressure, leading the league in tackling. They’ll be fired up to end their two-game losing streak when they take on the Tigers this week.
Stadium Record
Richmond are 1-4 in their last 5 games at this venue. In their last 10 games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Collingwood hold a 8-2 record.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Magpies have won 3 games against the Tigers.
Best Bet
After a few losses, the Pies will be desperate for a good performance and the Tigers are coming back from a Perth trip. Pies to do it easily.
St Kilda (15th) vs Melbourne (13th)
The Saints have had a rough season so far, sitting 15th on the ladder with just 5 wins and 13 losses, and they’re currently on a 6-game losing streak. They went down to the Cats by 31 points at Kardinia Park last time out, managing 82 points while the Cats scored 113. Jack Sinclair and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera were busy with 33 and 36 disposals, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to turn things around. Their home form hasn’t been great (3-7), and they’ve struggled even more away from home (2-6). One of their main issues has been getting the ball inside 50, where they rank 14th in the AFL. The Saints will be desperate to snap their losing streak when they take on the Demons this week.
The Demons have had a tough season, sitting 13th on the ladder with a 6-12 record and coming off a narrow 8-point loss to the Blues at the MCG. Kysaiah Pickett was a bright spot last game, kicking 5 goals, but overall they’ve struggled lately, winning just 1 of their last 5 games. Their home form is shaky at 4-6, and they’ve found it even harder on the road with a 2-6 record. The Demons have some clear weaknesses too — they’re ranked 14th in the AFL for clearances and 16th for tackling. They’ll be looking to bounce back quickly when they take on the Saints this week.
Stadium Record
St Kilda are 3-7 in their last 10 games at Marvel. Melbourne are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Demons are 6-4 against the Saints.
Best Bet
The Saints are 4-0 against the Over at Marvel and hopefully both sides enjoy the friendly scoring conditions under the roof.
