AFL 2025 Round 5 – Betting tips & Predictions

Get ready to witness some epic AFL action as Round 5 kicks off on Thursday, with a full round of nine games, it’s going to be a busy couple of days as Gather Round hits full swing. As always, there were some interesting results last round and the Blues, Demons and Eagles still haven’t managed to get a win on the board. It may only be Round 5, but these results matter and all teams will be fighting hard for a win.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck into some 2025 AFL predictions for Round 5 action!

The Crows should be coming into this one 4-0, but an umpiring error meant they lost to the Gold Coast Suns by one point last time out. But they get to kick off Gather Round in 2025 playing against their home crowd and the best way to bounce back from a loss is with a dominant win. The Crows are a team on the rise and they are serious threats for this clash on Thursday night.

The Cats have been far from consistent so far in 2025, but they did piece together a 39-point win over the Demons (who are one of the three teams yet to get on the board with a win in 2025). While the Cats have dominated this match up in the past, I think the Crows are the better side and considering they are playing at home, I’ll be jumping on the Crows for the win.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Crows to win	$1.57
	Crows -7.5	$1.91
	Crows to win	$1.62

Predicted Squads

Adelaide Crows: J.Worrell, J.Borlase, R.Laird, W.Milera, M.Keane, M.Michalanney, I.Cumming, J.Dawson, L.Sholl, B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, I.Rankine, D.Fogarty, T.Walker, A.Neal-Bullen, R.O’Brien, J.Soligo, J.Peatling, D.Curtin, L.Murphy, M.Hinge, S.Draper & L.Nankervis

Geelong Cats: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, M.Knevitt, L.Humphries, T.Stewart, Z.Guthrie, B.Smith, P.Dangerfield, O.Dempsey, B.Close, G.Miers, T.Stengle, S.Neale, J.Cameron, O.Henry, R.Stanley, M.Holmes, T.Atkins, S.Mannagh, J.Bowes, O.Mullin, M.Blicavs & M.O’Connor

A few injuries to the Magpies are set to improve the Swans chances on Friday night and this one looks to be a blockbuster as both teams come into this one in solid form. The Magpies have won three on the trot now, against the Power, Bulldogs and Blues. Meanwhile, the Swans are looking for their third win in a row after beating the Dockers and then the Kangaroos.

No injuries for the Swans have been reported from their 65-point victory over the Kangaroos last time out. Looking at the recent head-to-head between these two teams, it is the Swans who are leading 4-1. This one could go either way in my mind, but I see more upside and potential with the Magpies, so I’ll be tipping them to win in a close one. Take them in the head-to-head market.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Magpies to win	$1.89
	Magpies to win	$1.72
	Magpies to win	$1.85

Predicted Squads

Collingwood Magpies: B.Maynard, B.Frampton, J.Howe, I.Quaynor, D.Moore, E.Allan, P.Lipinski, H.Perryman, S.Sidebottom, B.Hill, B.Mihocek, W.Hoskin-Elliott, J.Elliott, D.McStay, F.Macrae, D.Cameron, J.Crisp, N.Daicos, J.Daicos, S.Pendlebury, T.Membrey, B.McCreery & N.Long

Sydney Swans: J.Hamling, D.Rampe, N.Blakey, S.Wicks, M.Roberts, O.Florent, B.Campbell, I.Heeney, J.Lloyd, T.Hanily, W.Hayward, P.Ladhams, J.Amartey, T.McCartin, Co.Warner, B.Grundy, Ch.Warner, J.Rowbottom, R.Bice, J.Jordon, H.McLean, C.Cleary & A.Sheldrick

The Kangaroos weren’t good against the Swans last time out and they were never in that clash. Changes have to be made as the team looks to avoid a third-straight loss. The Kangaroos lacked intensity, skill and class in their last clash. This is a team that has conceded 110 points or more in three of their four games so far this season, so this one looks to be pretty high scoring.

It doesn’t get much easier though as the face off against the Gold Coast Suns, who should be 2-1 for the season but are 3-0. The Suns may have been lucky in their one-point win over the Crows last round, but they won’t need luck in this one, they have the depth and skill to get the job done. The Suns have been good on the road as well, so there’s a lot to like.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Suns -24.5	$1.88
	Total points - Over 180.5	$1.89
	Total points - Over 179.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

North Melbourne Kangaroos: C.Comben, A.Corr, G.Logue, L.McDonald, C.Daniel, H.Sheezel, B.Scott, L.Davies-Uniacke, J.Simpkin, C.McKercher, N.Larkey, R.Hansen Jr, P.Curtis, J.Darling, C.Zurhaar, T.Xerri, T.Powell, L.Parker, D.Tucker, D.Stephens, F.O’Sullivan, J.Konstanty, R.Hardeman

Gold Coast Suns: W.Powell, S.Collins, B.Uwland, J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli, L.Weller, M.Rowell, C.Budarick, B.Ainsworth, T.Miller, S.Flanders, B.King, B.Humphrey, E.Read, J.Witts, W.Graham, N.Anderson, J.Walter, B.Long, S.Clohesy, J.Jeffrey & J.Rogers

One thing is for certain, either the Blues or the Eagles will finally chalk up their first win of the 2025 season (unless there is a draw, that is). Harry McKay looks set to return for the Blues and I think he’ll make all the difference. Last time out, the Blues went down to the Magpies, but looking at the history between the Blues and Eagles, it’s the Blues that have the advantage.

The Eagles, much like the Blues, are struggling big time, they went down to the Giants in a big way last time out, 132-51. It honestly looks like the season is already over for the Eagles and despite the Blues also not being on the board with a win yet as well, the Blues look the more likely side and they are the fairly heavy favourites as well. The Blues are looking at a big win here.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Blues -33.5	$1.88
	Blues -33.5	$1.91
	Blues -33.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

Carlton Blues: A.Saad, J.Weitering, O.Hollands, H.McKay, M.McGovern, B.Camporeale, B.Acres, P.Cripps, S.Walsh, S.Docherty, B.Kemp, L.Fogarty, J.Silvagni, C.Curnow, J.Motlop, T.De Koning, A.Cerra, G.Hewett, C.Lord, N.Haynes, Z.Williams, W.White & A.Moir

West Coast Eagles: B.Hough, S.Brock, R.Ginbey, L.Baker, R.Maric, T.Cole, L.Duggan, J.Graham, J.Hunt, T.Brockman, A.Reid, J.Waterman, J.Cripps, O.Allen, N.Long, B.Williams, H.Reid, T.Kelly, T.Gross, C.Hall, J.Williams, T.Dewar & H.Davis

The Bulldogs have gone win-loss-win-loss so far this season and I honestly think they have been doing well considering all the injuries they have had to deal with, including the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Jason Johannisen. Those players won’t be returning this round, but will likely be back in a couple of weeks or so. The last time these two clashed, it was the Lions that got a 43-point victory.

The Lions are another team that is 4-0 and they are sitting pretty in second position on the ladder. They never really gave the Tigers a look in last time out and claimed their fourth victory for the season with a score of 118-90. The neutral side doesn’t really favour any team as well, but I think the bookies have been fairly generous with their odds for the Lions to take the straight-out win, so let’s go with that.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Lions to win	$1.48
	Lions to win	$1.50
	Lions to win	$1.50

Predicted Squads

Western Bulldogs: B.Khamis, L.Jones, B.Williams, L.Bramble, R.Lobb, B.Dale, J.Freijah, T.Liberatore, S.Davidson, L.McNeil, A.Naughton, R.Sanders, L.Vandermeer, S.Darcy, J.Harmes, T.English, M.Kennedy, E.Richards, O.Baker, J.Dolan, J.O’Donnell, R.West & H.Gallagher

Brisbane Lions: D.Zorko, J.Payne, R.Lester, N.Answerth, H.Andrews, D.Wilmot, J.Fletcher, Z.Bailey, J.Berry, C.Cameron, E.Hipwood, H.McCluggage, C.Rayner, S.Day, L.Morris, O.McInerney, J.Dunkley, L.Neale, C.Ah Chee, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft, B.Reville & W.McLachlan

Can the Demons finally get on the board this round after four crushing losses to kick off the season? It’s not just just the fact they have lost four in a four, but the way they have lost. In their last three games, they have lost by 59, 58 and 39 points. Their attack looks awful and the most they have managed to score this season was 74 points, which was in Round 1.

Injuries at training for the Bombers mean the likes of Jye Caldwell (hamstring) and Tom Edwards (ACL) will miss this clash. Essendon managed to get their first win of the 2025 season last time out against the Power, winning by 12 points. They have had a bye since then so should come into this clash a little fresher. The most the Bombers have scored this season is 100 points. I’m expecting a low-scoring game.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total points - Under 168.5	$1.87
	Total points - Under 168.5	$1.89
	Total points - Under 168.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Demons: J.Bowey, S.May, H.Petty, T.Rivers, T.McDonald, C.Salem, C.Windsor, J.Viney, T.Sparrow, K.Pickett, D.Turner, J.Henderson, B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, H.Langford, M.Gawn, C.Petracca, E.Langdon, C.Oliver, T.Fullarton, H.Sharp, K.Chandler & C.Spargo

Essendon Bombers: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley, M.Redman, Z.Reid, J.Prior, X.Duursma, W.Setterfield, A.Roberts, J.Gresham, N.Caddy, N.Martin, H.Jones, S.Draper, I.Kako, N.Bryan, Z.Merrett, S.Durham, B.Hobbs, D.Shiel, J.Menzie, T.Goldstein & S.El-Hawli

The Tigers were never really in their last clash with the Lions, but it was the second half in particular that was quite disappointing. They have only won one game so far this season and that was against the Blues in Round 1. Since then they have last up 72 points to the Power, 82 points to the Saints and 28 points to the Lions. Another blowout could be in the cards for the Tigers.

On the other hand, the Dockers got the win against the Bulldogs at home in Perth last time out, 97-81. That win takes their streak to two wins in a row, after that, they beat the Eagles previously. Their win against the Bulldogs did come at a price though, with Luke Jackson (hamstring), Nathan O’Driscoll (ankle) and Corey Wagner (calf awareness) all potentially missing this one. The Dockers should still get a comfortable win though.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Dockers -35.5	$1.88
	Dockers -35.5	$1.90
	Dockers -35.5	$1.91

Predicted Squads

Richmond Tigers: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin, L.Trainor, J.Short, T.Brown, S.Banks, K.McIntosh, J.Trezise, J.Ross, S.Campbell, S.Green, H.Armstrong, T.Lynch, S.Lalor, T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, J.Hopper, J.Blight, T.Sonsie, K.Smith, T.Dow & J.Bauer

Fremantle Dockers: J.Draper, A.Pearce, B.Cox, H.Chapman, L.Ryan, J.Clark, M.Johnson, J.O’Meara, S.Switkowski, M.Reid, M.Frederick, S.Bolton, P.Voss, J.Treacy, J.Amiss, S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw, J.Sharp, H.Young, I.Dudley, B.Banfield & K.Worner

After playing the Power last week, the Saints took the opportunity to spend this week in Adelaide, so no travel time for them. Their win against the Power moved their winning streak to three in a row and they are certainly flying high right now. Skipper Jack Steele looks to be returning, as well as Max King and they’ll need all the help they can get against the Giants, who currently sit in the top four.

The Giants have a lot of depth, which is one of the reasons they are doing so well at the moment. I think the Giants are the more complete team, but both have good attacking options so, this could be a high scoring game. The Giants might be looking to get a statement win here and prove they belong in the top four. I think this one could go either way, so I’m sticking with the overs on points.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total points - Over 164.5	$1.86
	Total points - Over 164.5	$1.89
	Total points - Over 164.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

St Kilda Saints: J.Steele, C.Wilkie, J.Webster, R.Byrnes, N.Wanganeen-Milera, J.Sinclair, D.Wilson, M.King, M.Windhager, J.Higgins, B.Hill, M.Owens, C.Sharman, A.Caminiti, M.Wood, R.Marshall, J.Macrae, H.Garcia, L.Collard, T.Travaglia, L.Stocker, M.Hall & A.Hastie

GWS Giants: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg, L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash, F.Callaghan, J.Kelly, S.Coniglio, T.Greene, J.Stringer, B.Daniels, D.Jones, J.Hogan, A.Cadman, K.Briggs, T.Bedford, T.Green, J.Wehr, J.Riccardi, C.Stone, C.Ward & X.O’Halloran

The final game of Gather Round sees the Power take on the ladder-leading Hawks. Hawthorn won’t forget that it was the Power that ended their 2024 season, so look for a little bit of feistiness in this one as the Hawks look for some sweet, sweet revenge. The Power come into this clash 1-3, with their only win coming against the Tigers. Their last two games haven’t necessarily been blowout losses, but they are still losses nonetheless.

The Hawks are flying high and have strung four wins in a row to open their 2025 season and this includes wins over the Swans, Bombers, Blues and Giants. They are the best team in the competition and shouldn’t have trouble beating the Power, who will have the benefit of playing at home. The Power have won the last three against the Hawks but I expect this to change on Sunday.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Hawks to win	$1.41
	Hawks to win	$1.42
	Hawks to win	$1.33

Predicted Squads

Port Adelaide Power: R.Atkins, A.Aliir, M.Bergman, La.Jones, E.Ratugolea, K.Farrell, C.Moraes, C.Rozee, J.Burgoyne, J.Mead, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli, D.Byrne-Jones, S.Powell-Pepper, J.Richards, J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters, O.Wines, W.Drew, O.Lord, L.Evans & J.Berry

Hawthorn Hawks: T.Barrass, B.Hardwick, J.Sicily, C.Jiath, J.Impey, M.D’Ambrosio, K.Amon, J.Ward, J.Battle, C.Mackenzie, N.Watson, C.Nash, F.Maginness, M.Chol, W.Day, L.Meek, J.Newcombe, D.Moore, J.Weddle, J.Gunston, H.Morrison, J.Ginnivan & L.Breust

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