Round 7 of the 2026 AFL Season
The 2026 AFL season’s Round 7 is set to be a thrilling week of action, with several high-profile matches and key player updates. The round kicks off with a big clash between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney, followed by the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster between Essendon and Collingwood. Here’s a detailed look at all the fixtures, team news, tips, and odds for this exciting round.
Thursday, April 23
Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney
- Venue: Marvel Stadium
- Time: 7:30pm [AEST]
Team News:
The Bulldogs have made five changes due to injuries. Sam Darcy (ACL), Rory Lobb (hamstring), Tom Liberatore (concussion), and James O’Donnell are all out, while young forward Jordan Croft has been omitted. Adam Treloar, Josh Dolan, Ryan Gardner, Jedd Busslinger, and debutant Lachie Smith will come into the lineup. On the other side, the Swans will debut Billy Cootee and Will Edwards, with Dane Rampe returning after a rest. Isaac Heeney, Joel Hamling, and Corey Warner are out due to injuries.
Tip:
Swans by 23 points
Odds:
Dogs $4.00, Swans $1.24
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Friday, April 24
Richmond vs. Melbourne
- Venue: MCG
- Time: 7:40pm [AEST]
Team News:
Sam Banks (collarbone), Maurice Rioli (hamstring), and Tim Taranto (concussion) have joined the injury list following the loss to North Melbourne. However, Tom Lynch is expected to return after recovering from a hamstring injury. Harrison Petty (concussion symptoms) will miss this week’s match for Melbourne.
Tip:
Demons by 48 points
Odds:
Tigers $5.50, Demons $1.15
Saturday, April 25
Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast
- Venue: UTAS Stadium
- Time: 12:30pm [AEST]
Team News:
Gold Coast is excited to welcome Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for his club debut, marking his first AFL game since 2024. Jack Gunston will return after missing the win over Port Adelaide with a corked calf. However, the Hawks may still need to make changes due to bans on James Sicily and Dylan Moore.
Tip:
Hawks by 16 points
Odds:
Hawks $1.55, Suns $2.45
Essendon vs. Collingwood
- Venue: MCG
- Time: 3:20pm [AEST]
Team News:
Collingwood is set to welcome back Steele Sidebottom (hip pointer) and Jordan De Goey (concussion). However, captain Darcy Moore is ruled out despite recovering from a hamstring injury. Essendon will be without key defender Jordan Ridley (calf).
Tip:
Pies by 19 points
Odds:
Bombers $2.85, Magpies $1.42
Port Adelaide vs. Geelong
- Venue: Adelaide Oval
- Time: 6:35pm [AEST]
Team News:
Mark O’Connor has served his suspension and is available this week. Gryan Miers is under assessment for a potential torn ACL, which would be a major blow for the Cats. The club has confirmed he’ll miss the clash with Port Adelaide.
Tip:
Cats by 25 points
Odds:
Power $4.20, Cats $1.22
Fremantle vs. Carlton
- Venue: Optus Stadium
- Time: 8:15pm [AEST]
Team News:
Harry McKay was ruled out due to a head knock, but Michael Voss has options if he decides to make changes. Cooper Lord, George Hewett, and Adam Saad performed well in the VFL. Sean Darcy missed the derby with concussion and will now be sidelined with a calf injury. Jaeger O’Meara will undergo surgery on his face and will miss around one month.
Tip:
Dockers by 26 points
Odds:
Dockers $1.15, Blues $5.50
Sunday, April 26
St Kilda vs. West Coast
- Venue: Marvel Stadium
- Time: 1:10pm [AEST]
Team News:
Max King is nearing a comeback from a 21-month absence and will play as a test. He hasn’t played since June 30, 2024, but will complete another full week of training before making a return.
Tip:
Saints by 37 points
Odds:
Saints $1.10, Eagles $7.00
Brisbane vs. Adelaide
- Venue: Gabba
- Time: 3:15pm [AEST]
Team News:
Noah Answerth was concussed in the final quarter against the Dees and won’t suit up this week. Jarrod Berry suffered a calf injury and is also sidelined. Matthew Nicks said the club will give captain time to grieve the loss of his brother. Jake Soligo (ankle) should return, and Dan Curtin is nearing a comeback from a preseason injury.
Tip:
Lions by 8 points
Odds:
Lions $1.38, Crows $3.00
GWS vs. North Melbourne
- Venue: Corroboree Group Oval Manuka
- Time: 4:40pm [AEST]
Team News:
Stephen Coniglio and Aaron Cadman will return if they pass training protocols. Brent Daniels is a chance to play after managing a hamstring injury. Tristan Xerri returns after a three-match ban, and Finn O’Sullivan continues to recover from a jaw injury.
Tip:
Giants by 10 points
Odds:
Giants $1.40, Roos $2.90
