AFL Round 2 2026 Expert Tips & Predictions

The AFL continues this week with Round 2 action, starting with Hawthorn vs. Sydney on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs, GWS vs. St Kilda, and Fremantle vs. Melbourne.

AFL Round 2 Tips

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Thursday 19/3/26

7:30pm Hawthorn vs. Sydney @ MCG

Betting Tip: Sydney +12.5 @ $1.90

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Sydney hasn’t done anything wrong so far with two wins, and it currently leads the AFL ladder. However, the Swans are +12.5 underdogs against Richmond.

The Tigers couldn’t have been more impressive when putting up a big number on Essendon, but the level of opposition increases tenfold on Thursday night, and we have the Swans pulling off an upset at the MCG.

The +12.5 line is generous in what should be a close contest, and Sydney is being underrated with AFL odds.

Sydney by 3

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Friday 20/3/26

7:40pm Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs @ Adelaide Oval

Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs @ $1.87

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It has been a good start to the season for the Western Bulldogs, and our AFL predictions have them scoring a win over the Crows.

Adelaide played well to beat Collingwood last week, but Collingwood played poorly, and with momentum on their side, we can’t see the Bulldogs giving the Adelaide an easy victory, regardless of playing at Adelaide Oval.

Early betting moves are with the visitors, and the money looks well-placed.

Western Bulldogs by 10

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Saturday 21/3/26

1:15pm Richmond vs. Gold Coast @ MCG

Betting Tip: Gold Coast –30.5 @ $1.90

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Gold Coast didn’t cover the –60.5 spread against the Eagles last week, but it was still a one-sided victory for the favourites.

They have another big line to cover against the Tigers on Saturday afternoon, and with ideal conditions expected, they should run up another big score as $1.15 favourites.

They are teams heading in different directions, and it doesn’t bode well for Richmond.

Gold Coast by 42

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4:15pm GWS vs. St Kilda @ ENGIE Stadium

Betting Tip: St Kilda +14.5 @ $1.90

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St Kilda was an expensive bet last week when losing to Melbourne, but the occasion got to them in the middle stages of the game. Melbourne’s new squad had too much momentum, and St Kilda was forced into making easy errors.

We expect a more concentrated effort against GWS, and there has been some respect for St Kilda in betting markets. The Saints are only +14.5 underdogs, so there is a good chance of an upset win on the road.

A close game is expected, so take the points.

St Kilda by 2

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7:35pm Fremantle vs. Melbourne @ Optus Stadium

Betting Tip: Melbourne +19.5 @ $1.90

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Things are looking up for Melbourne after winning their opening contest against St Kilda, and we like the look for their new and improved squad.

There are good pieces to the puzzle, and kicking things off with a win does their confidence level a world of good. That’s why they can keep it close against Fremantle, who blew an early lead against Geelong last week.

We don’t think Melbourne should be the $3.14 underdog, so take the generous line.

Melbourne by 3

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Sunday 22/3/26

3:15pm Port Adelaide vs. Essendon @ Adelaide Oval

Betting Tip: Essendon +18.5 @ $1.90

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Based on last week’s performances, it could be a long year for Port Adelaide and Essendon fans.

They didn’t produce the goods in heavy losses, but because punters get a +18.5 line for Essendon, we’re including them in our AFL picks this week.

Not much improvement is needed to keep it close against a Port team defeated by North Melbourne last week, and Essendon won’t get a better chance to put an early win on the board.

Essendon by 6

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6:10pm West Coast vs. North Melbourne @ Optus Stadium

Betting Tip: North Melbourne –10.5 @ $1.90

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Take a picture of the AFL ladder North Melbourne fans. You’re currently inside the top four, and although that won’t last, the Kangaroos looked good against Port Adelaide last week.

It was exactly what this team needed to boost their confidence, and facing West Coast doesn’t make their lives any harder. West Coast isn’t a good team, and the –10.5 line for the Kangaroos is generous from bookmakers.

Seeing North Melbourne improve to 2-0 would bring joy to most, so we’re backing them in.

North Melbourne by 18

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.