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Jesse’s AFL Round 12 Tips 2026: Predictions & Margins for Every Match

Jesse Mclure

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Last updated: Tue 26 May 2026 09:50

Jesse Mclure 26 May 2026

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Jesse provides tips & predicted margins for all AFL Round 12 matches
Finals implications are at stake, with teams like Fremantle and Brisbane facing off in a potential Grand Final preview
Sydney, Geelong, and Melbourne tipped as strong winners; several clubs battling to save their seasons

Jesse from True Footy's Just the Tips for AFL round 12 (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

AFL Round 12 Tips 2026: Jesse’s Predictions & Margins for Every Match

The AFL buy rounds are here, but Round 12 still delivers some massive clashes with major finals implications.

AFL Round 12 Tips 2026: Jesse’s Predictions & Margins for Every Match
St Kilda vs Hawthorn Prediction
Carlton vs Geelong Prediction
Sydney vs Richmond Prediction
Brisbane vs Fremantle Prediction
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Prediction
West Coast vs Essendon Prediction
Melbourne vs GWS Giants Prediction

A potential Grand Final preview headlines the weekend, several contenders are under pressure to respond, and a few clubs are trying to rescue their seasons before the ladder starts slipping away for good.

Here are Jesse’s tips and predicted margins for every AFL Round 12 game.

St Kilda vs Hawthorn Prediction

St Kilda pushed Fremantle hard in Perth before fading late, and there were still plenty of positives despite the loss. Jack Sinclair and Callum Wilkie continue to drive the Saints’ structure and competitiveness.

Hawthorn steadied after recent struggles with a win over Adelaide, though their midfield issues remain a concern. Jai Newcombe and Dylan Moore still give the Hawks plenty of drive from turnover, which may prove decisive at Marvel.

Jesse’s Tip: Hawthorn by 17 points

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Carlton vs Geelong Prediction

Carlton have clearly improved over the past few weeks, with Patrick Cripps leading a more balanced midfield and the Blues finally turning strong patches into wins.

Geelong, however, are one of the form sides of the competition right now. Bailey Smith, Shaun Mannagh and Jeremy Cameron are all firing, and the Cats look much closer to their best football.

Jesse’s Tip: Geelong by 36 points

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Sydney vs Richmond Prediction

Sydney were well challenged by Geelong last week but still showed enough to remain one of the competition’s benchmark teams. Chad Warner and Brodie Grundy continue to shape the Swans around the contest and in transition.

Richmond deserve credit for remaining competitive despite a severe injury crisis, but Sydney’s firepower at the SCG should eventually overwhelm them.

Jesse’s Tip: Sydney Swans by 50 points

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Brisbane vs Fremantle Prediction

This could easily be a Grand Final preview and is unquestionably the game of the round.

Brisbane have looked vulnerable recently, particularly defensively, while Fremantle continue to find ways to win through Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Shai Bolton. The Gabba factor makes this incredibly difficult to tip, but Fremantle currently look like the stronger side overall.

Jesse’s Tip: Fremantle by 19 points

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Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Prediction

The Bulldogs finally snapped their slide with a strong win over Melbourne, led by Ed Richards and Aaron Naughton.

Collingwood continue to battle hard, but injuries are beginning to mount, particularly with Darcy Moore sidelined. At Marvel Stadium, the Bulldogs’ midfield strength and forward pressure should give them the edge.

Jesse’s Tip: Western Bulldogs by 18 points

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West Coast vs Essendon Prediction

This shapes as one of the strangest games of the season, with both sides desperately trying to avoid the bottom of the ladder.

West Coast have shown improvement over the past few weeks, pushing Collingwood deep into the final quarter last round. Essendon, meanwhile, enter following Brad Scott’s departure, creating the possibility of a short-term “new coach bounce”.

Jesse’s Tip: West Coast Eagles by 17 points

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Melbourne vs GWS Giants Prediction

Melbourne have been one of the biggest surprises of the season and still look clearly superior to GWS on exposed form.

The Giants remain wildly unpredictable, capable of explosive football but equally capable of collapsing under pressure. Max Gawn and Kozzy Pickett should help Melbourne regain control after last week’s loss.

Jesse’s Tip: Melbourne Demons by 20 points