AFL Round 20 Tips 2026: Best Bets for Every Game
Round 20 is shaping as one of the biggest of the season, with finals positions on the line across almost every matchup.
Adelaide host Collingwood in a genuine top-four battle, Melbourne look to continue their outstanding record at the MCG, while the Sydney Derby could have huge implications in the race for the finals.
Here are the best bets for every AFL Round 20 game using the workbook projections and Round 20 match analysis.
Adelaide Crows vs Collingwood Magpies
Best Bet: Adelaide Crows Head-to-Head
Adelaide produced arguably their best win of the season by knocking off Sydney at the SCG and look to be building nicely towards September. Collingwood have won five straight themselves, so this should be a cracker, but the Crows at Adelaide Oval get the nod in what should be a tight contest.
Melbourne Demons vs Geelong Cats
Best Bet: Melbourne Demons Head-to-Head
Melbourne simply keep finding ways to win at the MCG and that home-ground advantage is hard to ignore. Geelong are dealing with some key injuries and while they are always dangerous in big games, the Demons look to have the edge on their home deck.
Fremantle Dockers vs West Coast Eagles
Best Bet: Fremantle Dockers -29.5
The Western Derby always has plenty of emotion, but Fremantle look a class above right now. West Coast have shown improvement over the second half of the season, although the Dockers should control territory for most of the afternoon and eventually pull away.
Carlton Blues vs Gold Coast Suns
Best Bet: Sam Walsh Over 25.5 Disposals
Neither side comes into this game with great form, but Sam Walsh has been consistently producing big numbers and has an excellent record against the Suns. Carlton should see plenty of the footy around stoppages, giving Walsh every chance to clear his disposal line.
Hawthorn Hawks vs Essendon Bombers
Best Bet: Hawthorn Hawks -27.5
Hawthorn continue to play a far more consistent brand of football than Essendon and should be able to expose the Bombers across the ground. Essendon will bring pressure early, but the Hawks have too much depth and class over four quarters.
GWS Giants vs Sydney Swans
Best Bet: Sydney Swans Head-to-Head
Sydney haven't looked quite as polished since the bye and this feels like a good opportunity for GWS to break through in the Sydney Derby, but last week's loss to the Bombers makes them unbackable against their bigger brother.
Western Bulldogs vs Richmond Tigers
Best Bet: Western Bulldogs -31.5
Richmond continue to compete hard, but the Bulldogs should dominate around stoppages and create enough repeat inside 50s to control the game. If the Dogs get on top early, they should cover the line comfortably.
Brisbane Lions vs Port Adelaide Power
Best Bet: Brisbane Lions -21.5
Brisbane have quickly worked their way back into premiership calculations after consecutive impressive wins and look difficult to beat at the Gabba. Port Adelaide have improved through the middle part of the season, but this is another big step up in class.
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs St Kilda Saints
Best Bet: St Kilda Saints Head-to-Head
North Melbourne continue to improve, but this is another important test against a side also fighting for a finals spot. St Kilda have generally had the better of this matchup in recent years and look capable of grinding out another close win.