An absolute classic is in prospect at the start of game week 20, as league leaders Collingwood take on the in-form Carlton.
The Magpies have a healthy gap to the chasing pack in the AFL table and the league leader’s shield is very much within their grasp at this late stage of the season.
Carlton meanwhile have won 5 of their last 6 games and have forced their way into the playoff mix, following a poor start to the season.
Points look guaranteed here, with Collingwood and Carlton great on the offensive but the hosts should win this one.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points – Over 165.5 | $1.90 | |
 | Winning Margin: Collingwood 1-12 | $5.00 |
 | Collingwood to win the match | $1.44 |
Collingwood: Ashley Johnson, Bobby Hill, Brayden Maynard, Brody Mihocek, Darcy Cameron, Darcy Moore, Harvey Harrison, Isaac Quaynor, Jack Crisp, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe, John Noble, Josh Daicos, Mason Cox, Nathan Murphy, Nick Daicos, Oleg Markov, Patrick Lipinski, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams, Tom Mitchell, W. Hoskin-Elliott.
Carlton: Adam Cerra, Adam Saad, Alex Cincotta, Blake Acres, Brodie Kemp, Charlie Curnow, David Cuningham, Harry McKay, Jack Martin, Jacob Weitering, Jordan Boyd, Lachie Fogarty, Marc Pittonet, Matthew Cottrell, Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman, Paddy Dow, Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty, Sam Walsh, Tom De Koning.
Top 8 chasing Geelong will be looking to keep pace with their divisional rivals, as they take on struggling Fremantle.
3 wins and a draw from their last 5 games have pushed Geelong into playoff contention and although they were undone by Brisbane last week, they were in the game for long periods.
For Fremantle however, the tide seems incapable of turning and they have only managed to register 7 wins all season, with their top 8 push all but done.
This should be one-way traffic, with Geelong likely to record a healthy home win.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Jeremy Cameron – First Goal scorer | $6.00 | |
| Geelong to win the match. | $1.11 |
| Total Points – Under 169.5 | $1.90 |
Geelong: Bradley Close, Gary Rohan, Isaac Smith, Jack Bowes, Jack Henry, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jed Bews, Jeremy Cameron, Max Holmes, Mitch Duncan, Sam De Koning, Tom Atkins, Tom Hawkins, Tom Stewart, Tyson Stengle, Zach Guthrie, Zach Tuohy.
Fremantle: Alex Pearce, Andrew Brayshaw, Brandon Walker, Brennan Cox, Caleb Serong, Ethan Hughes, Hayden Young, Jaeger O'Meara, Jordan Clark, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss, Lachlan Schultz, Liam Henry, Luke Jackson, Luke Ryan, Matthew Johnson, Michael Walters, Michael Frederick, Nat Fyfe, Neil Erasmus, Sam Switkowski, Sean Darcy.
The race for the top 8 is intensifying and none more so in the battle between the Western Bulldogs and the GWS Giants.
Sat in 5th, the Bulldogs have shown real resilience in recent weeks, and they look a good bet with many small betting sites to have a good crack in the playoffs this year.
GWS Giants meanwhile have a similar story to tell, with results improving markedly in recent weeks and their run of form has pushed them into the top 8 too, making this one too close to call but points do look guaranteed, whoever comes out on top.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points – Over 154.5 | $1.89 | |
| Winning Margin: Western Bulldogs 1-12 | $6.50 |
| 1st Quarter Total Points – Over 37.5 | $1.89 |
Western Bulldogs: Aaron Naughton, Adam Treloar, Alex Keath, Anthony Scott, Bailey Dale, Bailey Smith, Bailey Williams, Caleb Daniel, Cody Weightman, Jack Macrae, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Laitham Vandermeer, Liam Jones, Marcus Bontempelli, Mitch Hannan, Oskar Baker, Rhylee West, Rory Lobb, Taylor Duryea, Tim English, Tim O'Brien, Tom Liberatore.
Greater Western Sydney: Aaron Cadman, Callan Ward, Callum M Brown, Connor Idun, Daniel Lloyd, Finn Callaghan, H. Himmelberg, Harry Perryman, Jack Buckley, Jake Riccardi, Josh Kelly, Kieren Briggs, Lachie Ash, Lachie Whitfield, Lachlan Keeffe, Nick Haynes, Sam Taylor, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Bedford, Toby Greene, Tom Green, Xavier O'Halloran.
A change of manager looks to be doing the trick for Gold Coast but their sternest test yet comes in the form of local rivals Brisbane.
Whilst they are sat in 14th place, the top 8 push for the Gold Coast is far from over and a couple of wins would propel them into playoff contention.
Brisbane meanwhile continue to set the trend in 3rd place and they are already sculpting their side, with the playoffs looming large.
This should be a barnstormer, with both sides sure to be bang up for it and Brisbane’s quality in key areas could prove decisive.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Total Points – Over 167.5 | $1.90 | |
| Winning Margin: Brisbane 1-12 | $6.00 |
| Brisbane to win the match | $1.36 |
Gold Coast: Bailey Humphrey, Ben Ainsworth, Ben King, Ben Long, Brandon Ellis, Brayden Fiorini, Charlie Ballard, Darcy MacPherson, David Swallow, Hewego Paul Oea, Jack Lukosius, Jarrod Witts, Lachie Weller, Levi Casboult, Mac Andrew, Malcolm Rosas, Matthew Rowell, Nick Holman, Noah Anderson, Sam Collins, Sam Flanders, Wil Powell.
Brisbane: Brandon Starcevich, Cameron Rayner, Charlie Cameron, Conor McKenna , Darcy Wilmot, Deven Robertson, Eric Hipwood, Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage, Jack Payne, Jarrod Berry, Joe Daniher, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale, Lincoln McCarthy, Oscar McInerney, Ryan Lester, Zac Bailey.
Two sides with work to do if they are to fight their way into the top 8 face off, as Essendon host Sydney.
Recent form for hosts Essendon has been poor and a top 8 finish is now out of their hands, something that seemed inconceivable just a few weeks ago.
Sydney meanwhile have perked up a little in recent weeks but they too have a serious job on their hands if they are to crack the top 8.
This game will be huge in relation to the prospects of both sides this term and it may well be Sydney who have enough momentum to sneak over the line.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Sydney to win the match | $1.84 | |
| Total Points – Under 170.5 | $1.90 |
| Winning Margin: Sydney 1-12 | $5.00 |
Essendon: Andrew McGrath, Andrew Phillips, Archie Perkins, Ben Hobbs, B. Zerk-Thatcher, Darcy Parish, Dyson Heppell, Jake Kelly, Jake Stringer, Jayden Laverde, Jordan Ridley, Jye Caldwell, Kyle Langford, Mason Redman, Matt Guelfi, Nic Martin, Nick Bryan, Peter Wright, Sam Durham, Sam Weideman, Will Snelling, Zach Merrett.
Sydney: Braeden Campbell, Callum Mills, Dane Rampe, Errol Gulden, Harry Cunningham, Hayden McLean, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd, James Rowbottom, Joel Amartey, Lewis Melican, Logan McDonald, Nick Blakey, Oliver Florent, Robbie Fox, Ryan Clarke, Tom Papley.
The Adelaide Derby is the biggest fixture in game week 20, with Port Adelaide in particular under the pump heading into this one.
Whilst it won’t make pretty reading for Adelaide fans, they have endured a poor season and how they will be hoping to improve on their league position of 13th before the season’s end.
Port Adelaide meanwhile have lost their last two games, losing ground to Collingwood above them but they still sit 2nd – knowing they need a win here to solidify their top 4 place.
This one will be closer than the odds suggests, with derbies always being fiery affairs but it could be the perfect type of game of the Port Adelaide Suns to get back on track.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Port Adelaide to win the match | $1.44 | |
| Winning Margin: Port Adelaide 13-24 | $5.50 |
| Total Points – Over 173.5 | $1.95 |
Adelaide: Ben Keays, Brodie Smith, Chayce Jones, Darcy Fogarty, Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo, Jordan Dawson, Jordon Butts, Josh Rachele, Josh Worrell, Lachlan Murphy, Lachlan Sholl, Luke Pedlar, Max Michalanney, Mitchell Hinge, Nick Murray, Reilly O'Brien, Riley Thilthorpe, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker, Wayne Milera.
Port Adelaide: Aliir Aliir, Charlie Dixon, Connor Rozee, Dan Houston, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Dylan Williams, J. Horne-Francis, Jed McEntee, Jeremy Finlayson, Josh Sinn, Kane Farrell, Miles Bergman, Ollie Wines, Quinton Narkle, Ryan Burton, Sam Powell-Pepper, Scott Lycett, Todd Marshall, Travis Boak, Trent McKenzie, Willem Drew, Zak Butters.
Two sides in relative disarray face off, as Hawthorn take on St Kilda in what should be a crunching encounter.
Hawthorn have had a poor season, winning just 5 matches and they find themselves languishing down in 16th place – with just 5 wins to their name this term.
They face local rivals St Kilda, who too are in a poor run of form, losing 4 of their last 6 and only managing to beat the bottom two sides in their other games.
This will be a tight one and with home support backing them, Hawthorn could well spring a serious surprise.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Hawthorn to win the match | $2.10 | |
| Total Points – Under 160.5 | $1.55 |
| Mitch Lewis First Goal Scorer | $6.50 |
Hawthorn: Blake Hardwick, Cameron Mackenzie, Connor MacDonald, Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Jack Scrimshaw, Jacob Koschitzke, Jai Newcombe, James Blanck, James Worpel, Jarman Impey, Josh Weddle, Karl Amon, Lachie Bramble, Lloyd Meek, Luke Breust, Mitchell Lewis, Ned Reeves, Sam Frost, Seamus Mitchell, Tyler Brockman, Will Day.
St Kilda: Anthony Caminiti, Ben Paton, Brad Crouch, Bradley Hill, Callum Wilkie, Dan Butler, Dougal Howard, Jack Higgins, Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele, Jade Gresham, Jimmy Webster, Josh Battle, Liam Stocker, Marcus Windhager, Mason Wood, Mattaes Phillipou, Max King, Mitchito Owens, N. Wanganeen-Milera, Rowan Marshall, Ryan Byrnes.
Another of the most eagerly anticipated AFL fixtures in game week 20 pits Richmond against Melbourne.
The hosts Richmond have been charging up the table in recent weeks, winning 5 of their last 6 games and they are now firmly in the discussion for a top 8 finish at the end of the season.
Melbourne meanwhile continue to defy the naysayers in the top 4, chasing down the likes of Port Adelaide and Brisbane and they have their fate very much in their own hands this term.
This looks to be another one that is too close to call, with plenty of points out there to be scored, between two attacking sides.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| Melbourne to win the match | $1.50 | |
| Total Points – Over 167.5 | $1.85 |
| Winning Margin: Melbourne 1-12 | $6.00 |
Richmond: Daniel Rioli, Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Hugo Ralphsmith, Jack Graham, Jack Riewoldt, Jack Ross, Jayden Short, Judson Clarke, Kamdyn McIntosh, Liam Baker, Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Noah Balta, Samson Ryan, Tim Taranto, Toby Nankervis, Trent Cotchin.
Melbourne: Alex Neal-Bullen, Angus Brayshaw, Bayley Fritsch, Brodie Grundy, Christian Petracca, Christian Salem, Ed Langdon, Harrison Petty, Jack Viney, Jacob Van Rooyen, Jake Lever, James Jordon, Joel Smith, Judd McVee, Kade Chandler, Kysaiah Pickett, Lachie Hunter, Max Gawn, Michael Hibberd, Steven May, Tom Sparrow, Trent Rivers.
The bottom two sides in the 2023 AFL table face off in game week 20, as bottom side West Coast take on second bottom North Melbourne.
For West Coast, the end of the season cannot come soon enough – with just one win registered from 19 games but this does present a serious opportunity to put a W on the board.
The story is very similar for North Melbourne, who are in the midst of a 17 game losing streak and it will take something special to snap out of that.
Losing is a habit, which both of these sides are in and calling this basement dweller is no easy task but it should be a good watch.
| Bookmaker | Sam’s Tip | Odds |
| North Melbourne to win the match | $1.80 | |
| Total Points – Over 169.5 | $1.95 |
| Nick Larkey First Goal Scorer | $7.00 |
North Melbourne: Aidan Corr, Bailey Scott, Ben McKay, C. Coleman-Jones, Cameron Zurhaar, Eddie Ford, George Wardlaw, Griffin Logue, Harry Sheezel, Hugh Greenwood, Jack Ziebell, Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Liam Shiels, Luke McDonald, Nick Larkey, Paul Curtis, Phoenix Spicer, Tarryn Thomas, Todd Goldstein, Tom Powell, Will Phillips.
West Coast: Alex Witherden, Andrew Gaff, Bailey J. Williams, Brady Hough, Dom Sheed, Elijah Hewett, Elliot Yeo, Jack Darling, Jack Petruccelle, Jack Williams, Jayden Hunt, Liam Duggan, Luke Edwards, Luke Shuey, Noah Long, Oscar Allen, Reuben Ginbey, Rhett Bazzo, Ryan Maric, S. Petrevski-Seton, Thomas Barrass, Tim Kelly.
