Round 7 Aussie Rules Football (AFL) is here! My last article on the Gather Round didn’t go so hot as I finished 1-3 on the spread picks. Heading into Round 5, I had come off a strong 4-1 week. Let’s try to get back to 4-1 rather than the 1-3. Lessons learned, and we’re moving on to a big Round 7. Let’s take a look at the 2026 AFL Round 7 best bets and picks!
If you’re wondering if you need an offshore book to bet on Aussie Rules Football, you don’t! You can get lines right at DraftKings and FanDuel. This isn’t rugby for those unfamiliar with the odd-shaped football, bigger-sized football, lack of pads, and massive field. For a complete breakdown of Aussie Rules football, check out this page.
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2026 AFL Round 7 Best Bets, Picks, and Predictions
Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney Swans (-30.5) At Marvel Stadium
When: Thursday, 4/23/26 at 5:30 AM Eastern
Sydney sits atop the ladder at 5-1. They have elite scoring and are averaging 115 points per game. They also have a stingy defense. They looked sharp in Gather Round with a 32-point win over Gold Coast, led by Isaac Heeney’s midfield masterclass. They followed that up with a big win over the Giants last week.
The Bulldogs started the season strongly but have shown vulnerability since losing a key player in Tim English. Their recent form includes some narrow results and a lower ladder position.
Marvel Stadium favors Sydney’s slick ball movement and contested-ball winners like Chad Warner and Errol Gulden. Historically, Sydney has owned recent matchups against the Dogs in Melbourne. Expect the Swans to control the stoppages and pull away in the second half. This is shaping up to be a blowout.
AFL Round 7 picks for this match: Sydney Swans (-30.5)
Essendon vs. Collingwood (-17.5) At MGC
When: Saturday, 4/25/26 at 1:20 AM Eastern
This Anzac Day blockbuster is always tight. The Bombers snapped a long losing streak with a massive 45-point Gather Round thrashing of Melbourne. They showed renewed confidence under Brad Scott and standout performances from Zach Merrett and young gun Archie Roberts. They lost last week, but held their own against Gold Coast.
Collingwood, meanwhile, struggled in Gather Round in a low-scoring loss to Fremantle. Following that, they barely beat Carlton last week. They sit outside the top eight with an inconsistent rhythm despite the Daicos brothers’ brilliance.
The MCG has been Essendon’s fortress on Anzac Day in recent years. Their improved forward pressure should exploit Collingwood’s patchy defense. I see a classic low-scoring, physical scrap where Essendon’s momentum edges it in the final term. I would even sprinkle a little on the +200 moneyline.
AFL Round 7 picks for this match: Essendon +17.5
Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats (-26.5) At Adelaide Oval
When: Saturday, 4/25/26 at 4:35 AM Eastern
Port Adelaide has been a home powerhouse at Adelaide Oval. They sit in solid mid-table contention with strong recent scoring form and a dangerous forward line.
Geelong has been up and down with some solid wins mixed with blowouts. They also travel poorly to South Australia historically. Port’s contested-ball strength, especially around the stoppages, and home-ground advantage should overwhelm Geelong’s aging list in the second half.
I don’t expect Port to dominate. However, I do think they’ll keep this one close by capitalizing on Geelong turnovers.
AFL Round 7 picks for this match: Port Adelaide +26.5
Fremantle (-36.5) vs Carlton At Optus Stadium
When: Saturday, 4/11/26 at 2:15 AM Eastern
Fremantle sits at 5-1, second on the ladder. They are one of the best teams of 2026, with a rock-solid defense and midfield led by Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, and Shai Bolton. Their Gather Round grind against Collingwood proved their ability to win ugly. They followed that up with a big win over West Coast.
Carlton has been inconsistent this year and struggles when on the road against top sides, particularly in the West. Optus Stadium’s wide spaces suit Fremantle’s pressure game, and recent H2H favors the Dockers at home. Carlton may kick a few early, but Freo’s superior fitness and structure should take over after half-time for a comfortable victory.
AFL Round 7 picks for this match: Fremantle -36.5
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