Best bets and expert AFL analysis for Round 17 of the 2025 season

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Get expert AFL 2025 Round 17 predictions, tips, and betting insights. Find the best odds and analysis for this week's fixtures at Bettingpro.com.au.

Get ready for all the action with our in-depth previews and predictions for Round 17 of the AFL season.

North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs

Bulldogs to win and total points under 180.5

Round 17 opens with 16th-placed North Melbourne hosting the seventh-placed Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. These sides met in Round 1, when the Bulldogs claimed a 16-point win — 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97). The Roos have shown clear improvement since that season opener, but they now face a Dogs outfit hitting form at the right time. Luke Beveridge’s side has won three on the bounce to reassert itself in the top-eight race, and should come into this one full of confidence.

The Kangaroos will take heart from their recent efforts, but with more on the line and a sharper edge in recent weeks, we’re backing the Bulldogs to get the job done.

Carlton vs Collingwood

Pies to win by 40+ points

Top-of-the-table Collingwood haven’t lost since early May and will be confident of extending their winning streak to eight when they face Carlton at the MCG on Friday night. The Blues’ 50-point defeat to Port Adelaide in Round 16 has all but ended their finals hopes, and they now face the daunting task of stopping a Pies outfit with just two losses all season.

With top spot to defend and a statement to make after last week’s flat showing against West Coast, we’re backing Collingwood to flex their muscles and sweep aside the Blues.

West Coast vs GWS Giants

Giants to win by 25+ points

The Giants enter Round 17 on the bubble of the top eight, with no room for slip-ups as the finals race heats up. Saturday’s clash against West Coast at Optus Stadium offers the perfect chance to bank a percentage-boosting win. The Eagles (1-14) have endured a season from hell and remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder.

With GWS brushing aside Gold Coast and Brisbane before their bye, we’re expecting a comfortable win in Perth — and for the Giants to keep their finals hopes on track.

Essendon vs Gold Coast

Suns to win by 1-39 points

Gold Coast head to Marvel Stadium on Saturday looking to consolidate their place in the top eight with a win over Essendon. By the first bounce, the Bombers will have gone over two weeks without playing — a timely break for a side stuck in a four-game losing streak. But even with the reset, Essendon (6–8) are under pressure, with little margin for error if they’re to stay in finals contention.

We’re backing the Suns to build on their Round 16 win over Melbourne and produce another strong showing here.

Geelong vs Richmond

Cats to win by 40+ points

Richmond are counting down the days to the end of a bruising 2025 campaign, and a trip to GMHBA Stadium on Saturday is the last thing the Tigers need. Geelong have lost just once in their last six and remain firmly in the finals hunt, while Richmond continue to limp to the finish line with little to play for.

We’re backing the Cats to expose the struggling Tigers and cruise to a comfortable win.

Brisbane vs Port Adelaide

Lions to win by 1-39 points

Port Adelaide managed to stave off the last rites as far as their finals chances go after a win against Carlton last week, but a trip to the Gabba to face second-placed Brisbane on Saturday night should prove too steep a hill to climb.

We’re backing a fresh Lions side coming off a bye to end Port’s finals charge.

St Kilda vs Hawthorn

Hawks to win with -18.5 handicap

Hawthorn will arrive at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night on a three-game winning streak, while hosts St Kilda are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak.

All of St Kilda’s losses in the last three rounds have come against top-eight sides, and we’re backing the fifth-placed Hawks to continue that run and cover the handicap.

Sydney vs Fremantle

Dockers to win by 1-39 points

Fremantle will be looking to make it seven wins in a row when they take on Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.

The Swans have been lukewarm all season, but they’ll need to be red hot to stop the Dockers juggernaut — something we don’t think they’ve proven they can do. We’re backing a Freo win.

Adelaide vs Melbourne

Crows to win by 25+ points

Round 17 ends with third-placed Adelaide hosting 14th-placed Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Despite threatening a revival in May, the Demons have slumped back to their old ways and now face a fifth straight defeat against the Crows.

We expect Adelaide to dominate and secure another strong victory.

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