<
>

Expert tips, best tips for Round 18 of the AFL

play
Would players care about an AFL in-season tournament? (2:26)

With reports suggesting the AFL is exploring a mid-season tournament, the Red Time crew discuss whether players would truly buy in into the concept. (2:26)

Who should you be tipping in Round 18 of the AFL season? Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPN Footytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!

We've got a tough round coming up, folks! Among the 50-50 contests is Gold Coast vs. Collingwood, Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide, GWS vs. Geelong, and Fremantle vs. Hawthorn. Outside of that, the Blues host the Lions in Melbourne, the Tigers face off with the undermanned Bombers, and Melbourne will host the Kangas at the MCG.

Our experts share all of their wisdom with you to help guide your tipping.


EXPERT TIPS:

Jake Michaels

Season total: 101

Certainty and why: The Blues have been dire of late and I just can't see things turning around against a legitimate flag fancy in Brisbane.

Upset and why: Don't be surprised to see the in form Giants knock off the Cats this week...

Tips for the week:

Carlton vs. Brisbane
Gold Coast vs. Collingwood
Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Geelong
Richmond vs. Essendon
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn
Melbourne vs. North Melbourne
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast


Matt Walsh

Season total: 97

Certainty and why: Brisbane. The Blues are bereft of confidence right now.

Upset and why: Adelaide. I just have a feeling they're going to get it done away from home.

Tips for the week:

Carlton vs. Brisbane
Gold Coast vs. Collingwood
Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Geelong
Richmond vs. Essendon
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn
Melbourne vs. North Melbourne
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast


Jarryd Barca

Season total: 101

Certainty and why: It's one of the toughest rounds to tip of the season, but I'm pretty confident in both Essendon and Port Adelaide.

Upset and why: I'll side with the Suns as the home team on Friday night but it really is a coin toss, while I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints, Hawks, or Crows picked up wins as the underdogs.

Tips for the week:

Carlton vs. Brisbane
Gold Coast vs. Collingwood
Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Geelong
Richmond vs. Essendon
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn
Melbourne vs. North Melbourne
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast


Christian Joly (Champion Data)

Season total: 100

Certainty and why: Port. The shackles are off in the coaches box, and the players may throw Ken a party out on the field.

Upset and why: The Suns need to treat this like a Grand Final. If they can get quick ball movement, they will trouble the Magpies.

Tips for the week:

Carlton vs. Brisbane
Gold Coast vs. Collingwood
Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide
GWS vs. Geelong
Richmond vs. Essendon
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn
Melbourne vs. North Melbourne
St Kilda vs. Sydney
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast