{"id":85304,"date":"2026-04-22T11:36:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T01:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=85304"},"modified":"2026-05-06T09:34:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T23:34:56","slug":"2026-afl-round-7-tips-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/04\/2026-afl-round-7-tips-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 AFL Round 7 Tips & Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A couple of top eight clashes headline ANZAC Round, starting on Thursday with the wounded Dogs in action against the top of the table Swans.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hawks and Suns follow on Saturday to\u00a0kick off\u00a0a huge four-game ANZAC Day slate, followed by the traditional afternoon blockbuster between the Bombers and Collingwood at the MCG.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After falling to Melbourne last week, the Lions head back to the Gabba on Sunday to take on a Crows outfit desperate to build on last week\u2019s narrow win against St Kilda and potentially ensure a spot back in the top eight. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Western Bulldogs<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Sydney Swans<\/div>\n
Thursday 23rd April 2026 7:30 PM (Marvel Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Swans to Win & Over the Total <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

A once promising season at the Kennel has quickly been derailed with two key injuries to Sam Darcy and the engine that is Tom Liberatore.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0no\u00a0<\/span>sterner<\/span>\u00a0test in the game right now than the ladder leading Swans, a team that just\u00a0<\/span>toweled<\/span>\u00a0up rivals GWS by 41 points last Friday night. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Question marks\u00a0<\/span>remain<\/span>\u00a0of Sydney\u2019s defensive structure, but what they\u00a0<\/span>lack in<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>solidarity down back, they more than make up for with\u00a0<\/span>a long list<\/span>\u00a0of firepower in the front half of the ground. With the Dogs\u2019 back line also suspect, a high-scoring Swans win\u00a0<\/span>looks<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a likely outcome<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Dogs vs Swans<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
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\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Richmond<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Melbourne <\/div>\n
Friday 24th April 2026 7:40 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Melbourne to Cover <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

Could be a very one-sided ANZAC Eve clash with the Tigers\u00a0<\/span>in<\/span>\u00a0all sorts. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Wayward goal kicking was at the top of the list last week in a 75-point loss to North\u00a0<\/span>Melbourne<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0fair to wonder if\u00a0<\/span>there\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0growing pressure internally on Adam\u00a0<\/span>Yze<\/span>\u00a0to turn the ship arou<\/span>nd. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Dees have been the surprise story of the season so far \u2013 the biggest notch in their belt coming last week when they held on to knock off Brisbane by two points. The Pickett b<\/span>oy<\/span>s and\u00a0<\/span>Jacob van Rooyen have really brought to life the Dees\u2019 attack in recent weeks, while Max Gawn is in career-best form. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In front of a big crowd, things might be about to get worse for the struggling Tigers.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Tigers vs Dees<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Hawthorn<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Gold Coast Suns<\/div>\n
Saturday 25th April 2026 12:30 PM (UTAS Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Over 179.5 Total Points <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

A fitting matchup between two sides that required all four quarters to put away lesser opponents last week. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Hawks survived a scare against Port thanks to Mitch Georgiades\u2019 wayward kicking<\/span>\u00a0in the final seconds<\/span>, while the Suns fought back against a feisty Bombers outfit with Christian Petracca back in the fold.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Beating the Hawks in\u00a0<\/span>Tassie<\/span>\u00a0is something the Suns have yet to\u00a0<\/span>accomplish<\/span>\u00a0in six tries,\u00a0<\/span>but\u00a0<\/span>they\u2019ll<\/span>\u00a0be playing with confidence given\u00a0<\/span>they\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0won three in a row over the brown and gold dating back to 2023.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The battle through the middle of the ground should make for good viewing, but\u00a0<\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>telling<\/span>\u00a0that the Suns have now allowed 100+ points to their last three opponents. The wind in\u00a0<\/span>Tassie<\/span>\u00a0can wreak havoc at the best\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0times, but\u00a0<\/span>with the last two meetings between this pair falling Over the Total,\u00a0<\/span>that\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0the way\u00a0<\/span>I\u2019m<\/span>\u00a0leaning.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Hawks vs Suns<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Essendon<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Collingwood<\/div>\n
Saturday 25th April 2026 3:20 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Essendon to Cover (+18.5) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

ANZAC Day wins have been far and few between for members of the sash, but one could argue this is the best the Dons have looked heading into one of the biggest games of the season for quite some time.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A blowout, Gather Round win over the Dees was backed up with a promising nine-point defeat to Gold Coast last week<\/span>, another afternoon that saw Nate Caddy and Archie Roberts with their hands all over the footy. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brad Scott has moved the magnets and brought new life to Essendon\u2019s attack, which is more than you can say for a Collingwood outfit that has played in the worst two games of the season over the last fortnight. Injuries to\u00a0<\/span>Jordan de Goey and Jordan Ridley are worth\u00a0<\/span>monitoring<\/span>\u00a0on both sides, but with the Bombers\u00a0<\/span>seemingly trending<\/span>\u00a0up, they are a definite bet with a three-goal head start.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Bombers vs Pies<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Port Adelaide<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Geelong Cats<\/div>\n
Saturday 25th April 2026 6:35 PM (Adelaide Oval)<\/div>\n
Tip: Geelong to Cover (-27.5) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

Things\u00a0<\/span>don\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0get any easier for Port following an\u00a0<\/span>honourable<\/span>\u00a0loss to the Hawks last week. The Power had their chances to put the game away in the final term but had no answer for Hawthorn\u2019s late surge, led by Nick Watson and Mitch Lewis. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jeremy Cameron kicked 10 goals last week on<\/span>\u00a0the Bulldogs and are loaded with just as many options up forward as the Hawks. For all of Port\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>good work<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0hard to look past the fact the Cats have won three in a row over the Power by 12 goals or more.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Power vs Cats<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Fremantle<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Carlton<\/div>\n
Saturday 25th April 2026 8:15 PM (Optus Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Fremantle to Cover (-36.5) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

The Dockers head home in search of six straight against a Carlton team capitulating in\u00a0<\/span>more ways than one<\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Freo\u00a0<\/span>isn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0racking up big scores like\u00a0<\/span>you\u2019d<\/span>\u00a0expect from a flag contender, but with 27 scoring shots last week in the Derby, you\u00a0<\/span>could argue the scoreline flattered West Coast a little.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pressure and winning the ruck battle has been at the forefront of the Dockers\u2019 success so far, while the Blues are still hitting the skids after the three-quarter siren wi<\/span>th another blown loss to Collingwood last week. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Individual efforts from Sam Walsh and Mitch McGovern were encouraging last week, but with so much happening off the field,\u00a0<\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0hard t<\/span>o imagine\u00a0<\/span>where<\/span>\u00a0the Blues\u2019 heads are at.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Dockers vs Blues<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
St Kilda<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
West Coast Eagles<\/div>\n
Sunday 26th April 2026 1:10 PM (Marvel Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: West Coast to Cover (+39.5) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

Is the pressure mounting at\u00a0<\/span>Moorabin<\/span>? You\u00a0<\/span>wouldn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0know it based on Ross Lyon\u2019s press conference last week, but\u00a0<\/span>siting<\/span>\u00a013<\/span><\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0with only two victories from their last five games, this is simply must-win territory for the Saints to start the Sunday slate. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately,\u00a0<\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0hard to feel good about\u00a0<\/span>wha<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>hte<\/span>\u00a0Saints are serving up \u2013 even if they did only fall by a point in a thriller to the Crows last week. On the other side, the Eagles were smashed by the\u00a0<\/span>Dockers, but<\/span>\u00a0stil<\/span>l managed to win the inside 50 count. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Neither side has proven capable of playing a full four quarters this year, but when you consider West Coast\u2019s only win last season came against the Saints,\u00a0<\/span>there\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0a case to be made for the Eagles here with a bit of a head start.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Saints vs Eagles<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Brisbane Lions<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Adelaide Crows<\/div>\n
Sunday 26th April 2026 3:15 PM (Gabba)<\/div>\n
Tip: Lions 40+ @ $3.05 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

Hard to imagine the Lions lost any admirers last week in a two-point loss to Melbourne. The reigning premiers reminded everyone that they are still the team to beat when erasing a late three-goal deficit,\u00a0just timing their run a little too late with the Pickett boys getting the better of them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Adelaide, the Crows rose to the occasion following a tough week for the Dawson family as Tex Walker and Ben Keays delivered with their captain on the sideline. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The emotional highs\u00a0of that game spurred Adelaide over the line, but the same questions of Matthew Nicks\u2019 back line remain after surrendering a handy four-goal lead to the Saints.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The general thought is that the Lions still have a gear to\u00a0go\u00a0and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0hard to imagine them losing two in a row following a long road trip that saw them play in the Barossa during\u00a0Gather Round before venturing to Melbourne last week.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u00a0have to\u00a0rewind all the way back to 2018 to find Adelaide\u2019s last win over the Lions at the Gabba, so with Oscar Allen and Loga<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Lions vs Crows<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
GWS Giants<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
North Melbourne<\/div>\n
Sunday 26th April 2026 4:40 PM (Manuka Oval)<\/div>\n
Tip: Giants 1-39 @ $2.20 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

Interesting market with the Giants installed as short-priced\u00a0<\/span>favourites<\/span>\u00a0back at Manuka Oval.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>Roos<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are in the thick of the Wild Card picture with wins over easy beats like Richmond and Carlton to their name, but their recent\u00a0<\/span>track record<\/span>\u00a0against the Giants inspires little confidence given their last win came\u00a0<\/span>way back<\/span>\u00a0in the shortened 2020 season.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The G<\/span>iants have some big ins on the injury front with Aaron Cadman and Stephen Coniglio returning to the side, while Jesse Hogan is expected back from a corked leg. With their season quickly slipping,\u00a0<\/span>I think the bookies<\/span>\u00a0have this one right.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Giants vs Roos<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A couple of top eight clashes headline ANZAC Round, starting on Thursday with the wounded Dogs in action against the top of the table Swans.   The Hawks and Suns follow on Saturday to\u00a0kick off\u00a0a huge four-game ANZAC Day slate, followed by the traditional afternoon blockbuster between the Bombers and Collingwood at the MCG.\u00a0 After falling to Melbourne last week, the Lions head back to the Gabba on Sunday to take on a Crows outfit desperate to build on last week\u2019s narrow win against St Kilda and potentially ensure a spot back in the top eight.  Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":85305,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,10157],"tags":[],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-85304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-australian-rules","category-afl-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"22\/04\/2026","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85304\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85304"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=85304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}