Round 22 of the 2026 AFL season kicks off with a Thursday night clash between the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, before a blockbuster meeting between Brisbane and Hawthorn on Friday.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, ins and outs, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne
Team news: The Bulldogs have brought back Lachie Jacques, Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman, with Louis Emmett, Laitham Vandermeer, and Jedd Bussligner making way. For the Roos, Josh Goater and Bailey Scott go out for Riley Hardeman and the returning George Wardlaw.
ESPN tip: Bulldogs by 12 points
Pointsbet odds: Bulldogs $1.44, Kangaroos $2.75
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Brisbane vs. Hawthorn
Team news: The Lions have made three changes, with Darcy Gardiner, Dayne Zorko, and Daniel Annable coming in for Keidean Coleman (concussion), Hugh McCluggage who has retweaked his calf, and Bruce Reville (omitted). The Hawks have made four changes. Karl Amon, Sam Butler, Mitch Lewis, and Ned Reeves come in for Aidan Schubert (omitted), Bailey Macdonald (managed), Finn Maginness (omitted), and Ollie Greeves (omitted)c.
ESPN tip: Lions by 5 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.80, Hawks $2.00
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Melbourne vs. Fremantle
Team news: Blake Howes suffered a left arm injury in the win over the Suns and is set to miss at least a month. Paddy Cross also goes out. In come Kade Chandler, who recovered from a broken hand, and Dan Turner. The Dockers have managed their skipper Alex Pearce, with Brennan Cox coming back.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 8 points
Pointsbet odds: Demons $2.60, Dockers $1.48
Sydney vs. Port Adelaide
Team news: Several changes for Sydney; star ruckman Brodie Grundy will miss the Swans' clash with Port Adelaide following the birth of his first child. Lewis Melican, Sam Wicks, Jesse Dattoli, and Joel Hamling also come in for Will Edwards (leg), Dane Rampe (managed), James Rowbottom (hand), and Malcolm Rosas (omitted). There's just one change for the Power, with Jack Watkins (hamstring) going out, and Tom Anastasopoulos coming in.
ESPN tip: Swans by 28 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $1.13, Power $5.80
Geelong vs. Essendon
Team news: Sam De Koning comes into the Cats' side for Mitch Edwards, who is being managed. The Bombers have called up three; Jye Caldwell, Vigo Visentini, and Archie Perkins come in for Angus Clarke (concussion), Nick Bryan (Injured), and Harrison Jones (omitted).
ESPN tip: Cats by 57 points
Pointsbet odds: Cats $1.02, Bombers $18.00
Adelaide vs. Richmond
Team news: Richmond's Sam Cummings has had his first AFL season cut short by an ankle injury and Luke Trainor has copped a one-game suspension for striking West Coast's Jack Williams off the ball last week. For the Crows, the cavalry has arrived, with Rory Laird, James Peatling, Reilly O'Brien, and Sam Berry come in for James Borlase (hamstring), Luke Nankervis (chest), Lachlan McAndrew (managed), and Jake Soligo (managed).
ESPN tip: Crows by 39 points
Pointsbet odds: Crows $1.03, Tigers $15.00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
GWS vs. Gold Coast
Team news: In massive news for the Giants, Toby Greene has overcome a quad complaint and returns to face the Suns, as his side remains in the hunt for a wildcard spot. The Suns have made three changes, with youngster Zeke Uwland returning to the lineup as Jai Murray, Dylan Patterson, and Beau Addinsall are all managed. Sam Collins will play despite suffering a rib injury last weekend.
ESPN tip: Giants by 11 points
Pointsbet odds: Giants $1.38, Suns $3.05
West Coast vs. Collingwood
Team news: Collingwood have been forced into five changes for Sunday's clash after injuries sidelined Jeremy Howe, Harry Perryman, Pat Lipinski, Scott Pendlebury, and Jordan De Goey, with a host of youngsters being called upon. The Eagles have made three changes, including Liam Baker and Josh Lindsay. Sandy Brock, Ryan Maric and Harvey Johnston go out of the side.
ESPN tip: Magpies by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Eagles $3.50, Magpies $1.29
St Kilda vs. Carlton
Team news: The Saints were sweating on the fitness of a few stars; both Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Tom De Koning suffered minor hip injuries last week, and Jack Silvagni dislocated his shoulder. But all three have been named and will face the Blues in a critical contest. Cooper Sharman comes into the side at the expense of Tobie Travaglia as the only change. Carlton will go in unchanged
ESPN tip: Saints by 13 points
Pointsbet odds: Saints $2.10, Blues $1.74