The State of Play
After Gather Round, the AFL ladder has taken shape. Western Bulldogs sit on top with a perfect 4-0 record and a remarkable 140% percentage. They’ve been the story of the season so far – unbeaten and unstoppable.
Sydney and Gold Coast round out the top three, both with 3-1 records. The battle for top four is intense with Fremantle and North Melbourne both showing strong form.
At the other end, Melbourne and GWS are both 0-4 and searching for answers. The gap between top and bottom is already significant.
Round 5 Tips
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn
Tip: Western Bulldogs (HIGH Confidence)
The Bulldogs are 4-0 with a 140% percentage. Hawthorn have been competitive but the Bulldogs’ offensive firepower has been unstoppable. This should be another comfortable win for the competition leaders.
Sydney vs Gold Coast
Tip: Sydney (MEDIUM Confidence)
Two of the form teams meet at the SCG. Sydney’s 182% percentage is elite, but Gold Coast have been just as impressive. Home ground advantage tips this to the Swans in what could be the match of the round.
North Melbourne vs Brisbane
Tip: North Melbourne (MEDIUM Confidence)
The Kangaroos have been the surprise packet of 2026 with a 3-1 start and 115% percentage. Brisbane have struggled to find consistency. North Melbourne at home should get this done.
Collingwood vs Fremantle
Tip: Collingwood (MEDIUM Confidence)
Both teams enter at 3-1. The Magpies have been solid at the MCG and Fremantle’s road form has been patchy. This could go either way but the Pies at home get the nod.
Essendon vs Melbourne
Tip: Essendon (MEDIUM Confidence)
Melbourne are 0-4 and looking lost. Essendon have been competitive. The Bombers should break through for another win here.
Geelong vs West Coast
Tip: Geelong (HIGH Confidence)
West Coast are 0-4 and struggling. Geelong at Kardinia Park should be a straightforward win for the Cats.
GWS vs Richmond
Tip: Richmond (LOW Confidence)
Both teams are struggling. GWS have been poor at home while Richmond have shown flashes. This is a genuine toss-up – the Tigers by a small margin in a low-scoring affair.
Port Adelaide vs St Kilda
Tip: Port Adelaide (MEDIUM Confidence)
The Power have been solid at Adelaide Oval. St Kilda have had an inconsistent start. Port by 20-30 points at home.
Adelaide vs Carlton
Tip: Adelaide (MEDIUM Confidence)
Adelaide have been excellent at the Adelaide Oval. Carlton’s form has been mixed. The Crows in front of their home crowd should get the job done.
Summary
| Match | Tip | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn | Bulldogs | HIGH |
| Sydney vs Gold Coast | Sydney | MEDIUM |
| North Melbourne vs Brisbane | North Melbourne | MEDIUM |
| Collingwood vs Fremantle | Collingwood | MEDIUM |
| Essendon vs Melbourne | Essendon | MEDIUM |
| Geelong vs West Coast | Geelong | HIGH |
| GWS vs Richmond | Richmond | LOW |
| Port Adelaide vs St Kilda | Port Adelaide | MEDIUM |
| Adelaide vs Carlton | Adelaide | MEDIUM |
Data sourced from AFL.com.au official ladder, April 2026
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