Round 7 of the 2026 AFL season kicks off with a monster clash between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney, before the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster between Essendon and Collingwood takes place on Saturday.
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 23
Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney
Team news: The Bulldogs have made five changes for their clash with the Swans; Sam Darcy (ACL), Rory Lobb (hamstring), Tom Liberatore (concussion) and James O'Donnell were all forced through injury, while young forward Jordan Croft has been omitted. Adam Treloar comes in after a 41-disposal effort in the VFL, as does Josh Dolan, Ryan Gardner, Jedd Busslinger, and debutant Lachie Smith. Meanwhile, the Swans will unveil two debutants in Billy Cootee and Will Edwards, while veteran Dane Rampe has been recalled after a rest. Superstar Isaac Heeney headlines the outs due to a calf injury, with Joel Hamling and Corey Warner both omitted.
ESPN tip: Swans by 23 points
Pointsbet odds: Dogs $4.00, Swans $1.24
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FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Richmond vs. Melbourne
Team news: Tigers Sam Banks (collarbone), Maurice Rioli (hamstring), and Tim Taranto (concussion) have been added to an already-lengthy injury list coming out of the loss to North Melbourne, but the club should Tom Lynch after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 2. Meanwhile, Melbourne's Harrison Petty (concussion symptoms) will also miss this week's clash.
ESPN tip: Demons by 48 points
Pointsbet odds: Tigers $5.50, Demons $1.15
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast
Team news: In terrific news for Gold Coast, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to make his club debut, having not played an AFL game since the 2024 season with the Bulldogs. "We told Jamarra in front of the playing group this morning, and I'm not going to lie, there was a tear from player and probably the coach as well," coach Damien Hardwick said. Meanwhile, Jack Gunston missed the win over Port Adelaide with a corked calf but will regain his place in the starting lineup on Anzac Day, but the Hawks could still be forced into making changes after James Sicily and Dylan Moore were both handed one-match bans by the MRO.
ESPN tip: Hawks by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Hawks $1.55, Suns $2.45
Essendon vs. Collingwood
Team news: Collingwood are expected to welcome back experienced pair Steele Sidebottom (hip pointer) and Jordan De Goey (concussion) for this week's traditional Anzac Day blockbuster, but captain Darcy Moore has been ruled out despite recovering from a hamstring injury and training fully. For the Bombers, key defender Jordan Ridley (calf) will be sidelined again.
ESPN tip: Pies by 19 points
Pointsbet odds: Bombers $2.85, Magpies $1.42
Port Adelaide vs. Geelong
Team news: Mark O'Connor has served his one-match suspension for rough conduct and will be available this week. But his teammate Gryan Miers will be assessed amid fears he has a torn ACL, in what would be a brutal blow for the Cats. The club has confirmed he'll at least miss the clash with Port Adelaide.
ESPN tip: Cats by 25 points
Pointsbet odds: Power $4.20, Cats $1.22
Fremantle vs. Carlton
Team news: Blues spearhead Harry McKay was ruled out of the game during the fourth quarter last week after sustaining a head knock, but Michael Voss will have options if he elects to make changes to the starting lineup with Cooper Lord (35 disposals and 10 tackles), George Hewett (30 and nine clearances), and Adam Saad (25 and seven intercepts) three of the better performers in a strong VFL win. For the Dockers, Sean Darcy missed the derby with concussion but will now be sidelined with a calf injury as well. Jaeger O'Meara is expected to miss around one month as he prepares to have surgery on his face.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 26 points
Pointsbet odds: Dockers $1.15, Blues $5.50
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
St Kilda vs. West Coast
Team news: St Kilda spearhead Max King is nearing a comeback from a 21-month absence from the AFL, named this week as a test to play. The gun forward hasn't played since June 30, 2024 but will complete another full week of training this week before the club plots an exact return to action.
ESPN tip: Saints by 37 points
Pointsbet odds: Saints $1.10, Eagles $7.00
Brisbane vs. Adelaide
Team news: Brisbane's Noah Answerth was concussed in the final quarter against the Dees and won't suit up this week, while tough midfielder Jarrod Berry suffered a calf injury and is also expected to be sidelined. For the Crows, Matthew Nicks said after last week's win over St Kilda the club will give captain all the time he needs to grieve the loss of his brother. Jake Soligo (ankle) should be available to return, while Dan Curtin is nearing a comeback from preseason injury.
ESPN tip: Lions by 8 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.38, Crows $3.00
GWS vs. North Melbourne
Corroboree Group Oval Manuka, 4:40pm [AEST]
Team news: Giants duo Stephen Coniglio and Aaron Cadman both missed Round 6 due to concussion but will both return if they can get through training unscathed and progress positively out of protocols. Small forward Brent Daniels was also managed after hurting his hamstring earlier in the year, with the club taking a cautious approach last week, but he'll be a chance to suit up against the Kangas. In big news for Alastair Clarkson's side, ruckman Tristan Xerri will return after serving a three-match ban, and there'll be a watch on Finn O'Sullivan this week as he continues to recover from a jaw injury.
ESPN tip: Giants by 10 points
Pointsbet odds: Giants $1.40, Roos $2.90
