Welcome back, everyone! Round 6 of the AFL season is upon us. Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPNfootytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!
This round gets underway with a Thursday Night clash at Marvel Stadium, as the Bulldogs and Saints both look to get back on the winners' list. It's been a big week for the Bulldogs, but could a loss to the Saints be the end of Bevo?
On Friday night in Adelaide, the Bombers return to the venue where it went so horribly wrong just two weeks ago. Fresh off a good win they take on the Crows.
Is there anything better than a Saturday afternoon at the MCG? The Pies and Power kick off the Saturday slate; Collingwood is still chasing its first win in Melbourne for season 2024 and Port Adelaide are looking to make it three in a row.
This weekend is going to be big, and luckily we have your best interests in mind.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 4
Season total: 30
Certainty and why: The Eagles have not won back-to-back games since 2021. They're also winless in their last five derbies. The Dockers are winning this one.
Upset and why: The Blues had a rare slip up last week against the Crows, but they can bounce back this week when the Giants come to town. Prior to the recent defeat, Carlton was 15-2 in games since Round 14 last year. (Note: the Giants were favourites when Jake made this selection).
Tips for the week:
St Kilda vs. Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs. Essendon
Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide
Carlton vs. GWS
Brisbane vs. Geelong
West Coast vs. Fremantle
Sydney vs. Gold Coast
North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn
Matt Walsh
Last week: 5
Season total: 29
Certainty and why: This is a tough week to pick a certainty, but I'll go with Fremantle to beat West Coast. The Eagles spent a lot of emotional tickets last week beating Richmond, and the Dockers return home after two weeks on the road.
Upset and why: Can I see the Bulldogs coming out smarting after the week they've had? Yes. Will I tip them? No, I'm playing the percentages...
Tips for the week:
St Kilda vs. Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs. Essendon
Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide
Carlton vs. GWS
Brisbane vs. Geelong
West Coast vs. Fremantle
Sydney vs. Gold Coast
North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 4
Season total: 31
Certainty and why: I know it's the easy thing to do but while the Eagles will be uber-confident after last week's win, the Dockers have a far better system and should be contending for finals. They're winning the derby plain and simple.
Upset and why: This is a really difficult round with many 50-50 contests so I can see a lot of results going either way, but one upset I'm tipping is Port Adelaide over Collingwood. I can't trust the Magpies yet -- and we all know teams tend to struggle following a bye week -- and Port will well and truly be up for this. The Dogs will come out breathing fire against the Saints, too.
Tips for the week:
St Kilda vs. Western Bulldogs
Adelaide vs. Essendon
Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide
Carlton vs. GWS
Brisbane vs. Geelong
West Coast vs. Fremantle
Sydney vs. Gold Coast
North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn