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Jesse's AFL Round 20 Tips 2026: Predictions & Margins for Every Match

Jesse Mclure

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Last updated: Tue 21 Jul 2026 11:25

Jesse Mclure 21 Jul 2026

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Jesse tips Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne, and Hawthorn for solid wins.
Every match previewed with predicted margins and key player insights.
Finals race intensifies with top-four and wildcard spots on the line.

Jesse from True Fotty Podcast give Just the Tips for AFL Round 20.

Jesse's AFL Round 20 Tips 2026: Predictions & Margins for Every Match

The run to September is well and truly on, and every result in Round 20 could have a major impact on the finals race.

Jesse's AFL Round 20 Tips 2026: Predictions & Margins for Every Match
Adelaide vs Collingwood Prediction
West Coast vs Fremantle Prediction
Melbourne vs Geelong Prediction
Carlton vs Gold Coast Prediction
Hawthorn vs Essendon Prediction
Sydney vs GWS Giants Prediction
Western Bulldogs vs Richmond Prediction
Brisbane vs Port Adelaide Prediction
North Melbourne vs St Kilda Prediction

The battle for the top four is tighter than ever, the wildcard race remains wide open, and several contenders simply can't afford another slip-up. This weekend features a pair of blockbuster clashes, a fierce Western Derby and a fascinating battle between two in-form premiership contenders at the MCG.

Here are Jesse's tips and predicted margins for every AFL Round 20 game.

Adelaide vs Collingwood Prediction

Adelaide produced arguably their best win of the season by knocking off Sydney at the SCG and now return home with a top-four spot firmly in their sights.

Jordan Dawson continues to lead one of the AFL's most balanced midfields, while Riley Thilthorpe gives the Crows enormous firepower inside 50. Collingwood have quietly built momentum through disciplined defence, with Nick Daicos again orchestrating their ball movement, but they haven't consistently beaten top-eight opposition.

Adelaide should be too strong at home, although expect another low-scoring contest.

Jesse's Tip: Adelaide Crows by 20 points

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West Coast vs Fremantle Prediction

The Western Derby rarely follows the form guide, but Fremantle enter as overwhelming favourites.

The Dockers responded perfectly against Port Adelaide after their loss to Sydney, with Caleb Serong, Luke Jackson and Shai Bolton continuing to lead the competition's benchmark side. West Coast have become far more competitive over the past month, but they still lack the polish to trouble the AFL's best teams.

Fremantle should control the game from the opening bounce.

Jesse's Tip: Fremantle by 41 points

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Melbourne vs Geelong Prediction

This shapes as the game of the round between two genuine finals contenders.

Melbourne have become one of the AFL's most dangerous MCG teams, with Max Gawn, Kozzy Pickett and Christian Petracca driving a side that's growing in confidence every week. Geelong's form has dipped at the wrong time, and injuries to Jeremy Cameron and Max Holmes leave the Cats short on proven match-winners.

The Demons look well placed to continue their surge.

Jesse's Tip: Melbourne Demons by 17 points

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Carlton vs Gold Coast Prediction

Carlton have dropped their past two games but remain firmly in the wildcard race.

Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh continue to give the Blues a strong midfield foundation, while Gold Coast have now lost eight straight and appear to have shifted their focus towards youth development. At Marvel Stadium, Carlton should enjoy too much experience and class.

The Blues can keep their finals hopes alive.

Jesse's Tip: Carlton by 36 points

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Hawthorn vs Essendon Prediction

Essendon finally gave their supporters something to smile about with an upset win over GWS.

Youngsters Dyson Sharp, Jacob Farrow and Archer Day-Wicks all impressed, but Hawthorn present an entirely different challenge. Jai Newcombe and Dylan Moore continue to lead one of the AFL's most complete teams, and the Hawks still have plenty to play for in the top-four race.

Hawthorn should make a statement.

Jesse's Tip: Hawthorn by 66 points

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Sydney vs GWS Giants Prediction

The Sydney Derby arrives with both clubs needing a win for very different reasons.

Sydney remain firmly in the premiership conversation despite last week's loss to Adelaide, while GWS continue to frustrate after following brilliant wins with a disappointing defeat to Essendon. Chad Warner and Errol Gulden should have enough support around the contest to overcome Toby Greene and the Giants.

The Swans should steady their season.

Jesse's Tip: Sydney Swans by 14 points

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Western Bulldogs vs Richmond Prediction

The Bulldogs continue to win games without producing their most convincing football.

Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton have repeatedly delivered when it matters most, while Richmond are simply trying to expose more young talent through the remainder of the season. Marvel Stadium suits the Bulldogs perfectly and they should gradually pull away.

Jesse's Tip: Western Bulldogs by 44 points

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Brisbane vs Port Adelaide Prediction

Brisbane have quietly re-established themselves as one of the AFL's biggest premiership threats.

Lachie Neale has rediscovered his best form, while the Lions continue to dominate at the Gabba. Port Adelaide have remained competitive despite missing key midfield stars, but the continued absence of Zak Butters makes this task significantly harder.

Brisbane should continue their march towards another top-four finish.

Jesse's Tip: Brisbane Lions by 53 points

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North Melbourne vs St Kilda Prediction

This could be one of the most important wildcard games of the season.

North Melbourne have improved dramatically but are still searching for a breakthrough win over another finals contender. Luke Davies-Uniacke and Harry Sheezel continue to drive the Kangaroos, while Jack Sinclair and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera have St Kilda playing some of their best football of the season.

The Saints look a step ahead right now.

Jesse's Tip: St Kilda by 16 points