AFL Round 6 Tips & Preview - Best bets for the Round 6 of the AFL home and away season

The stage is set for a blockbuster Thursday night clash at the Gabba, as the undefeated Brisbane Lions (5-0) host a resurgent Collingwood Magpies (4-1). Collingwood are riding a four-game winning streak, including an impressive 31-point win over Sydney in Gather Round, despite missing key players. The Lions, meanwhile, showed grit last week, rallying from a 39-point deficit against the Bulldogs to secure a 21-point win. Midfield stars like Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley continue to dominate, while Eric Hipwood, Logan Morris and Zac Bailey have stepped up in the retired Joe Daniher’s absence. Collingwood will be buoyed by the possible return of Jordan De Goey and the form of the Daicos brothers. The Magpies have won the last three matchups—including the 2023 Grand Final—but the Lions have a strong record at the Gabba. This promises to be a close, high-pressure contest, with Collingwood tipped to push the Lions to the brink in a potential thriller.

Carlton will be eyeing back-to-back wins when they take on North Melbourne in a Good Friday clash at Marvel Stadium. Despite starting 2025 with four close losses, the Blues broke through in emphatic style with a 71-point demolition of West Coast in Round 5, led by dominant midfield performances and a 73-35 inside 50 count. North Melbourne matched Gold Coast early last week but fell away badly, conceding 11 of the last 13 goals to slump to 1-4. Defensive frailties continue to haunt the Roos, who are conceding over 110 points per game. While they’ve found scoring power through Nick Larkey and Paul Curtis, their inability to defend for four quarters looms as a major issue against a Carlton side ranked third for inside 50s and clearances. Charlie Curnow has tormented North in the past, and despite missing key talls Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp, the Blues look set to cover the line and make it five straight wins over the Kangaroos.

Essendon head west and are looking to notch their third win of the season against a struggling West Coast outfit at Optus Stadium. The Bombers come in with momentum, having smashed Melbourne by 39 points in Gather Round, thanks to another dominant display from skipper Zach Merrett and a four-goal haul from Jye Menzie. With their record now sitting at 2-2, Essendon will be confident of building on that against a West Coast side in disarray. The Eagles were dismantled by Carlton to the tune of 71 points and continue to rank last in key stats including disposals, inside 50s, and clearances. Their average losing margin in 2025 is 59 points, and the absence of Jeremy McGovern and potential forward targets only deepens the crisis. Essendon have won their last four against West Coast and appear set to make it five, with Merrett again central to their hopes and Sam Draper taking on more ruck responsibility following Nick Bryan’s season-ending injury. Expect the Bombers to cover the line and win comfortably.

Fremantle head to the MCG on Saturday looking to pile more pressure on a Melbourne side that has lost its way in 2025. The Dockers are building momentum after a third straight win in Gather Round, dismantling Richmond by 61 points and showing sharpness through the midfield and efficiency up forward, led by a red-hot Josh Treacy. In contrast, Melbourne have now lost four in a row—all by margins of 39 or above—and their disconnect between midfield and forward line remains a major concern. Despite winning the inside 50 count last week against Essendon, the Demons could only manage eight goals, reflecting their inefficiency going forward. Fremantle have had the wood over Melbourne recently, winning their last three meetings—including two at the MCG—and with the likes of Brayshaw, Serong, and Frederick in form, they’re well placed to grind out another win and deepen the Dees’ woes.

Gold Coast look primed to continue their unbeaten start to the 2025 season when they face a rebuilding Richmond outfit at Marvel Stadium on Easter Saturday. The Suns sit at 4-0 and have been dominant against lower-ranked opposition, with a 52-point win over North Melbourne last weekend highlighting their scoring power. Ben King has been in superb form up forward with 17 goals across four games, while Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson are leading a midfield that ranks among the AFL’s best for clearances and inside 50s. Richmond, on the other hand, are 1-4 and have lost their past four games by an average of over 60 points. They sit near the bottom of the competition in most key stats, including tackles, inside 50s and points conceded. Gold Coast have won their past five against the Tigers and are expected to be far too strong again, with their superior midfield and scoring potency set to dictate terms from the outset.

Port Adelaide will look to keep their momentum going when they face Sydney in a crucial Round 6 clash at the SCG on Easter Sunday. The Power rediscovered their best footy with a dominant first half against Hawthorn in Gather Round, ultimately cruising to a 30-point win despite easing off late. Meanwhile, Sydney were outplayed by Collingwood in a 31-point loss. With both teams sitting at 2-3, this looms as a defining early-season fixture. The Swans are struggling to find consistency and remain undermanned, while the Power bring strong midfield form, led by Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis. History favours Port—they've won eight of the past nine meetings—and they’ve had recent success at the SCG. If the Power bring the same intensity they showed last week, they can take this one on the road.

A tight contest is expected when the Western Bulldogs face St Kilda in Round 6 action on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, with both clubs hovering around the top eight. The Bulldogs have shown promise but inconsistency, sitting at 2-3 after surrendering a 39-point lead to Brisbane last weekend. Missing key players like Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar has hurt their ability to close games. In contrast, St Kilda are 3-2 and have been more consistent, despite a 28-point loss to GWS last round. The Saints have firepower up forward, averaging 14 goals per game, with Jack Higgins and Mason Wood both in strong form. While the Bulldogs have dominated this matchup recently—winning three of the past four—their defensive lapses and injury toll could be telling. Expect the Saints’ scoring power and midfield edge to give them the upper hand in what looms as a close finish.

Hawthorn will look to bounce back and continue their strong start to 2025 in a blockbuster Easter Monday clash against Geelong at the MCG. The Hawks sit at 4-1 after suffering their first defeat of the season in Gather Round, where a horror start against Port Adelaide saw them trail by 71 points before fighting back to make the final margin 30. They return to their happy hunting ground of the MCG, where they have won their past eight by an average of 45 points. Geelong come in at 3-2, having knocked over the Crows in an entertaining 19-point win. Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield starred with four goals each, and they’ll again be key to the Cats’ chances. But this is a big opportunity for the Hawks. With Jack Gunston in vintage form (10 goals in his past three), and some key inclusions like Connor Macdonald and Jack Scrimshaw set to return, the brown and gold can get up in what shapes as a beauty to close out Round 6.