AFL Betting Tips
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AFL Talking Points May 2026
- Back to back premiers Brisbane Lions, who despite off field dramas once again, are odds on favourites for a three-peat.
- Sydney and Fremantle are two teams competing at the top of the standings, both have dropped only the 1 game so far up until Round 10
- Hawthorn, Gold Coast and Geelong are chasing hard with the top 6 teams a clear cut above the rest of the competition.
- Injuries continue to plague the league, as do umpiring errors and off-field dramas.
- Michael Voss resigned from the head coach role at Carlton after weeks of mounting pressure.
AFL Betting Markets
The AFL offers one of the deepest betting menus in Australian sport, with markets covering matches, players, margins, awards, and season-long outcomes.
From head-to-head and line betting to Brownlow futures and Same Game Multis, punters can bet on every part of the AFL season, from Round 1 to Grand Final day.
How AFL Betting Works
Head-To-Head
Head to Head betting is like a walk in the park when it comes to punting on most AFL matches. Simply pick the team you reckon will come out on top, and if they do, you're a winner too.
Line Betting or Handicap Betting
Line betting is when the bookies will give a prediction of a margin and you as the punter back if the favourite will cover the handicap or the underdog will keep the game closer than expected.
For instance, if the bookies figure the Brisbane Lions are ten points better than the Collingwood Magpies, they'll handicap the Broncos by 15 points. So it's a matter of Brisbane winning by more 16 points or more or the Magpies closing the gap to within 15 points of the Lions.
Total Game Points
Betting what commonly is referred to as the OVER or UNDER generally relates to predicted the total points scored in the game between both teams. The bookie will set a total that varies from game to game depending on the statistical prediction of how many points both teams will score.
So if you have a gut feeling that it is going to be a cracking game with plenty of points on the board then you bet the OVER. Or maybe you have seen that the ah McCain rains are coming on gameday, it might be worth chucking some change on the UNDER.
Winning Margins
Margin betting is all about picking the margin window in which a team will win.
Let's say you're confident that the Essendon Bombers will beat the Melbourne Demons and you fancy a margin bet. Well, you'll need to correctly predict the points gap between the two sides when the final whistle blows. So, if you reckon the Bombers will win in a close contest by 1-39 points, that's the option to go for. Or maybe you believe that the Bombers will romp home with a victory margin of 40 points or more, then you take 40+.
First Goalscorer
If you can pick the player who will score the opening goal in a game, you're in for a win.
Keep in mind that forwards tend to have shorter odds compared to midfielders, ruckmen and defenders. This market is a real crowd-pleaser, especially during the AFL Grand Final. So, go on and take a punt on the first goal-scorer for some thrilling action!
Most Disposals
In the most disposals market, you'll find around 12-14 players on the field battling it out, divided into two groups: the 'strong' Group A and the 'weaker' Group B contestants. To win the bet, punters must choose the player from either Group A or B who outperforms the rest in terms of disposals. It's a thrilling challenge to back the top player in this exciting contest!
AFL Multi Bets
If you are a gun tipster then AFL multi bets are the way to go. All you need to do is string together your best bets for the weekend’s matches and put them in a multi to give you smashing odds and profitable returns.
What the majority of tipsters do is put all of the weekend’s predicted winners in a multi bet and if you tip the round you will reap the rewards, although, it is going to be your shout next round if you win!
AFL Same-Game Multis
With the Same-Game Multi offered by online bookies, you can go wild and accumulate up to 12 bets within a single game with different bookmakers . It's like wrangling all your wagers into one neat package and improving your odds for a max payout.
Most bookies now have a same-game multi builder that accumulates the odds depending on your choices, taking all of the brainwork out of it for you. Just choose your winning combination and decide how much to wager and you are done!
AFL Future Betting
Before the season begins there is plenty of work to be done and even more money to be made on the AFL. There are a heap of markets to choose from, some listed below, where you bring out your crystal ball and lay down some bets on the results of the season, so you can open up your account like it is Christmas morning after grand final day and collect your winnings.
Future markets in AFL include:
Brownlow Medal
The Brownlow Medal is awarded annually to the best and fairest player in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the home-and-away season.
Coleman Medal
The Coleman Medal is awarded annually to the player who kicks the most goals during the home-and-away season in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Rising Star
The Rising Star Medal is awarded annually to the most outstanding young player in the Australian Football League (AFL) who demonstrates exceptional talent and potential.
Over/Under Team Season Wins Totals
The bookies will predict the amount of wins each team in the league will reach, while you as the punter can back if you expect them to win more/OVER the total or less/UNDER the total.
Which Team to Record Most Losses
As it reads, you decide which team will record the most losses during the home and away season.
AFL Live Streaming
AFL matches can be streamed live via Kayo and Foxtel, while some bookmakers offer streaming access linked to active accounts.
We have found a way to get a cheaper deal on your 2026 Kayo Subscription.
Bet365 Australia offer livestreaming of AFL matches for users that are logged in and have a useable balance.
Bet365 Australia offer livestreaming of AFL matches for users that are logged in and have a useable balance.
AFL History
The AFL, also known as the Australian Football League, has a fascinating history that traces back to its roots in the 19th century. It originated from the Victorian Football League (VFL), which was established in 1896 and comprised teams from the state of Victoria. Over the years, the VFL expanded its reach and evolved into a national competition, encompassing teams from various states across Australia. In 1990, the league underwent a significant transformation, adopting the name Australian Football League (AFL) to reflect its nationwide status.
The AFL has since become the premier professional competition for Australian rules football, captivating fans with its rich traditions, fierce rivalries, and remarkable athletes. It has solidified its position as a beloved and integral part of Australian culture, serving as the heart and soul of the nation's sporting landscape.
Recent AFL Premiers
| Year | Premiership team | Runner-up |
| 2025 | Brisbane Lions | Geelong Cats |
| 2024 | Brisbane Lions | Sydney Swans |
| 2023 | Collingwood | Brisbane Lions |
| 2022 | Geelong Cats | Sydney Swans |
| 2021 | Melbourne | Western Bulldogs |
| 2020 | Richmond | Geelong |
| 2019 | Richmond | GWS Giants |
| 2018 | West Coast | Collingwood |
| 2017 | Richmond | Adelaide |
| 2016 | Western Bulldogs | Sydney Swans |
| 2015 | Hawthorn | West Coast |
| 2014 | Hawthorn | Sydney Swans |
| 2013 | Hawthorn | Fremantle Dockers |
| 2012 | Sydney Swans | Hawthorn |
| 2011 | Geelong | Collingwood |
| 2010 | Collingwood | St Kilda |
| 2009 | Geelong | St Kilda |
| 2008 | Hawthorn | Geelong |
| 2007 | Geelong | Port Adelaide |
| 2006 | West Coast | Sydney Swans |
| 2005 | Sydney Swans | West Coast |
| 2004 | Port Adelaide | Brisbane Lions |
| 2003 | Brisbane Lions | Collingwood |
| 2002 | Brisbane Lions | Collingwood |
| 2001 | Brisbane Lions | Essendon |
| 2000 | Essendon | Melbourne |
Recent Brownlow Medal Winners
| Year | Player | Team | Votes | Recruited from |
| 2025 | Matt Rowell | Gold Coast Suns | 39 | Canterbury (Vic)/Carey Grammar (Vic)/Oakleigh U18 |
| 2024 | Patrick Cripps | Carlton | 45 | Northampton (WA)/East Fremantle |
| 2023 | Lachie Neale | Brisbane Lions | 31 | Glenelg (SA) |
| 2022 | Patrick Cripps | Carlton | 29 | Northampton (WA)/East Fremantle |
| 2021 | Ollie Wines | Port Adelaide | 36 | Echuca (Vic)/Bendigo U18 |
| 2020 | Lachie Neale | Brisbane Lions | 31 | Glenelg (SA) |
| 2019 | Nat Fyfe | Fremantle | 33 | Claremont (WA) |
| 2018 | Tom Mitchell | Hawthorn | 28 | Claremont (WA) |
| 2017 | Dustin Martin | Richmond | 36 | Bendigo Pioneers |
| 2016 | Patrick Dangerfield | Geelong Cats | 35 | Geelong Falcons |
| 2015 | Nat Fyfe | Fremantle | 31 | Lake Grace/Claremont |
| 2014 | Matt Priddis | West Coast | 26 | Subiaco |
| 2013 | Gary Ablett | Gold Coast | 28 | Modewarre/Geelong U18 |
| 2012 | Trent Cotchin | Richmond | 26 | PEGS/Northern U18 |
| 2012 | Sam Mitchell | Hawthorn | 26 | Mooroolbark/Eastern U18 |
| 2011 | Dane Swan | Collingwood | 34 | Westmeadows/Calder U18 |
| 2010 | Chris Judd | Carlton | 30 | Caulf Gram/Sandr U18 |
| 2009 | Gary Ablett | Geelong | 30 | Modewarre/Geelong U18 |
| 2008 | Adam Cooney | Western Bulldogs | 24 | West Adelaide (SA) |
| 2007 | Jimmy Bartel | Geelong | 29 | Bell Park/Geelong U18 |
| 2006 | Adam Goodes | Sydney Swans | 26 | Horsham/Nth Ballarat U18 |
| 2005 | Ben Cousins | West Coast | 20 | East Fremantle (WA) |
| 2004 | Chris Judd | West Coast | 30 | Caulf Gram/Sandr U18 |
| 2003 | Nathan Buckley | Collingwood | 22 | S Dists (NT)/Pt Adel (SA) |
| 2003 | Adam Goodes | Sydney Swans | 22 | Horsham/Nth Ballarat U18 |
| 2003 | Mark Ricciuto | Adelaide | 22 | West Adelaide (SA) |
| 2002 | Simon_Black | Brisbane Lions | 25 | East Fremantle (WA) |
| 2001 | Jason Akermanis | Brisbane Lions | 23 | Mayne (Qld) |
| 2000 | Shane Woewodin | Melbourne | 24 | East Fremantle (WA) |
AFL Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular AFL betting markets?
The most popular AFL betting markets include head-to-head, line betting, total points (over/under), winning margins, first goalscorer, and season-long futures like the Brownlow and Coleman Medal.
What is a Same Game Multi in AFL betting?
A Same Game Multi allows you to combine multiple selections from a single AFL match into one bet, increasing potential odds and payouts. Most bookmakers now offer a Same Game Multi builder.
Can you bet on AFL player awards like the Brownlow Medal?
Yes, AFL bookmakers offer futures betting on awards such as the Brownlow Medal, Coleman Medal, and Rising Star, both before and during the season.
Is AFL live streaming available through bookmakers?
Some bookmakers offer AFL live streaming access, while others link to official streaming services. AFL matches can also be streamed via Kayo and Foxtel with an active subscription.
Who are the current AFL premiers?
The most recent AFL premiers are updated annually following the Grand Final, with Brisbane Lions winning the 2024 and 2025 AFL Premierships.
