Round 6 of the AFL season gets underway Thursday night with Brisbane hosting Collingwood at the Gabba. Then, on Monday afternoon, it's the traditional Geelong-Hawthorn Eastern Monday clash.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
Brisbane vs. Collingwood
Team news: Kai Lohmann could be in the frame to return for the home side after sitting out the Round 5 win after tweaking his troublesome ankle, while Tom Doedee is nearing his comeback from an ACL injury, but may require at least another game in the VFL to build his fitness base. For the Pies, Harry Perryman is reportedly battling an ankle injury and is in a tight race to be fit for Thursday night's clash, but the club expects Jordan De Goey to be fit to play after pulling up sore from the Round 4 win over Carlton.
ESPN tip: Lions by 15 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.50, Magpies $2.60
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
North Melbourne vs. Carlton
Team news: Carlton key forward Harry McKay will miss with concussion, while Brodie Kemp tore his Achilles. They join Sam Docherty (omitted) as outs, for Lewis Young, Blake Acres, and Elijah Hollands. For the Roos, George Wardlaw returns for Riley Hardeman.
ESPN tip: Blues by 19 points
Pointsbet odds: Kangaroos $2.85, Blues $1.42
West Coast vs. Essendon
Team news: Jeremy McGovern, Matt Flynn, Tim Kelly, and Elijah Hewett come in this week, for Sandy Brock (omitted), Clay Hall (omitted), Oscar Allen (managed), and Bailey Williams (omitted). Unfortunately for the Bombers, ruckman Nick Bryan suffered a torn ACL, and will be replaced by Peter Wright.
ESPN tip: Bombers by 34 points
Pointsbet odds: Eagles $4.00, Bombers $1.25
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Melbourne vs. Fremantle
Team news: The Demons have swung the axe after their poor start to the season, with Jacob van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsh dropped along with Jack Henderson. Koltyn Tholstrup, Tom Fullarton, and Daniel Turner come in. For the Dockers, Oscar McDonald makes a return to senior footy, in for the suspended Patrick Voss.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 22 points
Pointsbet odds: Demons $2.65, Dockers $1.48
Adelaide vs. GWS
Team news: For the Crows, Nick Murray comes in to help the under pressure backline, and Sam Berry makes a return, in for James Peatling (suspended) and Lachie Sholl. The Giants lose Jesse Hogan as Xavier O'Halloran comes in.
ESPN tip: Crows by 2 points
Pointsbet odds: Crows $1.80, Giants $2.00
Richmond vs. Gold Coast
Team news: Noah Balta is going to play this week for the Tigers, after Adem Yze said the club had 'punished' him enough. He joins Sam Lalor and Samson Ryan as ins, with Jacob bauer, Tyler Sonsie, and Jacob Blight going out. For the Suns, Connor Budarick replaces Sam Clohesy.
ESPN tip: Suns by 45 points
Pointsbet odds: Tigers $8.00, Suns $1.08
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Sydney vs. Port Adelaide
Team news: Justin Mclnerney reclaims his position for Sydney after serving his Suspension, while also adding Lewis Melican and Aaron Francis, with the loss of Joel Amartey's injury and the omissions of Peter Ladhams as well as Angus Sheldrick. For Post Adelaide Joe Berry makes way for the return of Darcy Byrne-Jones.
ESPN tip: Swans by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $1.45, Power $2.75
Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda
Team news: In massive news for the Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli (calf) will return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. James Harmes (foot) was will miss this weeks clash. Liam Henry plays his first game for the Saints in 2025, Arie Schoenmaker also comes back in at the cost of Tobie Travaglia and Zak Jones (omitted)
ESPN tip: Bulldogs by 8 points
Pointsbet odds: Bulldogs $1.57, Saints $2.47
MONDAY, APRIL 21
Geelong vs. Hawthorn
Team news: Tom Stewart (illness) was a late out against the Crows but should be fit to face the Hawks on Easter Monday.
ESPN tip: Hawks by 5 points
Pointsbet odds: Cats $1.90, Hawks $1.90