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: Richmond have made a host of changes ahead of their clash, calling up Sam Cumming and recalling Tom Lynch, Jacob Hopper, Tom Burton, and Tom Brown, while Sam Banks (collarbone), Maurice Rioli (hamstring) and Tim Taranto (concussion) are forced out alongside Tyler Sonsie and Liam Fawcett. Melbourne have kept things minimal, with Changkuoth Jiath coming in for the concussed Harrison Petty.
ESPN tip: Demons by 48 points
Pointsbet odds: Tigers $5.50, Demons $1.15
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast
Team news: Hawthorn have swung the axe, bringing in Finn Maginness, Harry Morrison, Jack Gunston, Jack Dalton, and Jack Scrimshaw, with James Sicily and Dylan Moore both suspended, while Will McCabe, Flynn Perez, and Sam Butler also make way. Gold Coast have made a notable double change, adding Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for his first game in nearly 600 days, and Noah Anderson, with Joel Jeffrey and Charlie Ballard omitted.
ESPN tip: Hawks by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Hawks $1.55, Suns $2.45
Essendon vs. Collingwood
Team news: Collingwood have welcomed back Jordan De Goey and Steele Sidebottom, with Ed Allan omitted and Nathan Murphy managed. The Bombers have called up Jaxson Prior and first-year player Dyson Sharp, with Jordan Ridley (calf) and Jade.Gresham (omitted) going out.
ESPN tip: Pies by 19 points
Pointsbet odds: Bombers $2.85, Magpies $1.42
Port Adelaide vs. Geelong
Team news: Geelong have recalled Jack Henry and Mark O'Connor, with Jake Kolodjashnij and Oliver Henry both managed. Port are unchanged.
ESPN tip: Cats by 25 points
Pointsbet odds: Power $4.20, Cats $1.22
Fremantle vs. Carlton
Team news: Carlton have made three changes, bringing in Lachie Cowan, Cooper Lord, and Ashton Moir, while Elijah Hollands, Harry McKay (concussion) and Marc Pittonet (hand) are out. Fremantle are unchanged.
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