AFL Round 13 Tips & Preview - Best bets for the Round 13 of the AFL home and away season

The Western Bulldogs will look to pile more misery on a struggling Hawthorn side when they clash at Marvel Stadium in AFL Round 13. The Bulldogs are fresh off a bye and aiming to leapfrog the Hawks on the ladder, boasting a strong 6-5 record and an unbeaten run at Marvel in 2025, where they’ve won all four matches by an average of 46 points. Their dominance in clearances, scoring, and disposals, combined with the form of Rhylee West and Ed Richards, makes them firm favourites. In contrast, Hawthorn are reeling after three straight losses, including a heavy 51-point defeat to Collingwood, with scoring woes and defensive issues compounding their concerns. Take the Bulldogs to open up the round with a win. 

Adelaide and Brisbane face off in a blockbuster Friday night clash at Adelaide Oval, with both sides looking to solidify their top-four credentials in Round 13. The Crows are riding high after a 90-point demolition of Sydney and boast a strong home record, winning six of seven at the venue this season. Their potent forward line, featuring Josh Rachele, Darcy Fogarty, and Riley Thilthorpe, has helped them rank second in scoring across the competition. Brisbane, sitting at 9-2-1, continue to grind out wins but have shown vulnerability, including a recent draw with North Melbourne. Expect a close contest, as the past four meetings have been decided by 17 points or fewer. Adelaide’s attacking depth and home-ground advantage will give them the edge. 

Richmond and Sydney face off at the MCG on Saturday in a clash between two underperforming sides in 2025. The Tigers, despite sitting at 3-8, have shown signs of competitiveness in recent weeks with narrow losses to GWS and North Melbourne, and will be confident given their recent record over the Swans, winning the past two meetings at the MCG. Sydney, sitting just one win ahead at 4-7, are reeling from a 90-point hammering by Adelaide and have struggled with both form and injuries. Tim Taranto continues to shine for Richmond, while Isaac Heeney looms as a key for the Swans. Expect a tight contest, with Richmond a genuine chance to cause an upset if they can convert their midfield dominance into scoreboard pressure.

The GMHBA Stadium clash promises a high-stakes battle as Geelong host the Gold Coast Suns. Sitting 5th with an 8-4 record, Geelong aims to reinforce their top-four credentials against the Suns, who head in with an 8-3 tally but have never won at this venue. Geelong’s recent form is impressive, with a three-match winning streak and strong performances from stars Jeremy Cameron—who’s kicked 18 goals in the last three rounds—and Bailey Smith, consistently racking up 30+ disposals. Meanwhile, Gold Coast, known for their aggressive inside 50s and key contributors like Noah Anderson and Ben King, will look to overturn their past struggles at GMHBA and extend their dominance in the head-to-head, having won the last two encounters. But with the Cats big guns blazing, as well as the home ground advantage, expect Geelong to pick up the four points here. 

GWS Giants and Port Adelaide Power meet at Manuka Oval on Saturday in a crucial Round 13 clash, with both sides looking to steady their seasons. The Giants have won three of their past four but were far from convincing in their narrow win over Richmond last week. Despite sitting higher on the ladder, GWS have struggled at Manuka this year, while Port Adelaide are coming off the bye following four straight losses, including a 49-point defeat to Fremantle. The Power have averaged just 56 points in their last four games and continue to struggle up forward despite the efforts of Mitch Georgiades. GWS have won the last two meetings between these sides and should have enough firepower to prevail again, with the 1–39 point margin a likely outcome. Tom Green and Toby Greene are key players for the Giants, while Connor Rozee remains the standout for the Power.

We head to Hands Oval in Bunbury in what will be the first AFL match ever hosted at this venue and North Melbourne will aim to secure their third win of the season against the West Coast Eagles. The Kangaroos have the recent edge, winning two of their past three encounters in Western Australia, and look to be in better form heading into the clash. Despite a heavy Round 12 loss to Collingwood, North Melbourne have tightened their defence and show promising signs with key players like Harry Sheezel, who has averaged 31.5 disposals in recent games against the Eagles, and Nick Larkey, who continues to find the goals. The Eagles, struggling with scoring and disposals this season, will rely on the likes of Oscar Allen, who was in hot form up forward last weekend. Expect a competitive match, but North Melbourne’s superior depth and momentum suggest they are the best bet to come away with the win.

Carlton and Essendon meet in a high-stakes King’s Birthday Eve clash at the MCG on Sunday night, with both sides sitting outside the top eight and desperate for a win. Essendon have managed a 6-5 record despite a long injury list and pushed Brisbane to within 18 points last week. They remain unbeaten against teams below them on the ladder in 2025, including Carlton, who are 12th and fresh off a bye following a 28-point loss to GWS. The Blues have struggled to score in recent weeks, averaging just 68 points over their last four games, while Essendon are also averaging below 70. Both teams boast strong midfield units, and the battle between Carlton’s Sam Walsh and Essendon’s Zach Merrett and Jye Caldwell will be key. While Carlton have dominated the recent head-to-head history, the Bombers could surprise if they can convert their midfield dominance into scoreboard pressure. Expect a tight contest, with the Bombers tipped to cover the line.

On Monday’s King’s Birthday clash at the MCG, Collingwood looks poised to deliver a significant blow to Melbourne’s fragile finals hopes. The Magpies top the ladder with a commanding 10-2 record, coming off a dominant 51-point win over Hawthorn, and boast the league’s stingiest defence this season. Melbourne, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing 28-point loss to St Kilda last week, hampered by poor goal conversion despite controlling forward entries. With Jamie Elliott’s red-hot goal-scoring form—expect Collingwood to maintain their winning streak. The Magpies’ suffocating defence and efficient attack should see them edge out the Demons in a game where the total points under looks in play.