Welcome back, everyone! Round 9 of the AFL 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!
All top eight teams play each other this weekend, making it a finals teaser for what's to come later in the season.
Round 9 gets underway with another Thursday Night blockbuster at the MCG, as the Blues look to bounce back from consecutive losses, when they take on the Dees. Could a third loss to a top team diminish Carlton's premiership credentials?
On Friday, the Cats host the Power. The last time Port won at GMHBA stadium was in 2007, a five-point thriller thanks to Domenic Cassisi.
On Sunday afternoon, the Lions and Crows square off. Both teams are rising after slow starts to the year, and this looms as a critical clash.
It's an exciting round of footy, and luckily we have your best interests in mind.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 5
Season total: 45
Certainty and why: The Suns are up and down like a yoyo, and after Sunday's shambolic Q-Clash performance, I'm expecting them to bounce back in style. The fact the play the Roos makes this pick a slam dunk!
Upset and why: Call me crazy, but I still believe in the Blues after back-to-back tough losses. For the Demons, this feels like a prime let down spot after handing the Cats their first loss of the season in dramatic fashion. Carlton by 10 points.
Tips for the week:
Carlton vs. Melbourne
Geelong vs. Port Adelaide
Fremantle vs. Sydney
Hawthorn vs. St Kilda
Essendon vs. GWS
Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast vs. North Melbourne
Collingwood vs. West Coast
Adelaide vs. Brisbane
Matt Walsh
Last week: 4
Season total: 43
Certainty and why: Facing the Cats at home, after they've just had a loss, is never a match-up you want to see.
Upset and why: An up-and-about Essendon at Marvel Stadium against the Giants seems like a fun upset to tip.
Tips for the week:
Carlton vs. Melbourne
Geelong vs. Port Adelaide
Fremantle vs. Sydney
Hawthorn vs. St Kilda
Essendon vs. GWS
Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast vs. North Melbourne
Collingwood vs. West Coast
Adelaide vs. Brisbane
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 5
Season total: 46
Certainty and why: The Magpies seem to have rediscovered the identity that made them a formidable outfit in 2023. They're missing a lot of key players, but so are the Eagles, and should be able to notch another win.
Upset and why: I think Michael Voss will have the Blues raring to rebound after back-to-back defeats. Also, am I brave enough to tip the Dockers? No, but I can see them handing the Swans their second defeat of the season.
Tips for the week:
Carlton vs. Melbourne
Geelong vs. Port Adelaide
Fremantle vs. Sydney
Hawthorn vs. St Kilda
Essendon vs. GWS
Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast vs. North Melbourne
Collingwood vs. West Coast
Adelaide vs. Brisbane