Another week, another loss for the Blues and Demons, who now find themselves planted at the bottom of the ladder alongside the Eagles a month into the season. On the flip side of the spectrum, the Hawks, Lions and Crows continued their strong starts to the season, as did the Suns – though they have only played two games. Round 4 kicks off with an enormous edition of the century-old rivalry between the Magpies and the Blues, the latter needing a win as desperately as anyone in the league, before the Demons take on the Cats with just as much pressure the next night. There are plenty of other intriguing match-ups over the weekend, too, not least when the undefeated Crows and Suns square off, and the round’s last match between the Dockers and Dogs. We’ve previewed all eight games below.
AFL 2025 Round 4
Collingwood Magpies vs Carlton Blues
There is never any love lost when the Magpies and Blues face off, and with Carlton staring down the barrel of a 0-4 start, expect plenty of vigour at the MCG this Thursday night. In fairness to Carlton, had they avoided their incredible Round 1 loss to the Tigers they wouldn’t be under all that much pressure; they’ve since been involved in two tight games against good teams. But the end result is that they are 0-3, and for a team with finals ambitions at the very least, an 0-4 start would spell disaster.
But the Magpies will be both willing and able to send the Blues even further into the hole in which they currently find themselves. After a dreadful loss to the Giants in Opening Round, Collingwood has smashed the Power then held off the Bulldogs before enjoying a bye last weekend, giving them a 2-1 record following a relatively difficult draw to start. But while their first few weeks have been vastly different from a pure results perspective, there is not all that much separating these two teams. The Magpies enter this game as comfortable favourites, but with their backs against the walls the Blues can cause an upset to start Round 4.
Predicted Squads
Collingwood Magpies: B: D. Houston, B. Frampton, J. Howe HB: J. Daicos, D. Moore, I. Quaynor C: J. Crisp, H. Perryman, S. Sidebottom HF: B. Hill, D. McStay, B. McCreery F: J. De Goey, T. Membrey, J. Elliott FOLL: D. Cameron, S. Pendlebury, N. Daicos I/C: P. Lipinski, B. Maynard, L. Schultz, B. Mihocek, N. Long EMG: E. Allan, J. Ryan, L. Sullivan
Carlton Blues: B: L. Young, J. Weitering, L. Cowan HB: A. Saad, M. McGovern, O. Hollands C: B. Acres, P. Cripps, M. Cottrell HF: J. Motlop, J. Silvagni, H. McKay F: B. Kemp, C. Curnow, S. Docherty FOLL: T. De Koning, A. Cerra, G. Hewett I/C: N. Haynes, S. Walsh, L. Camporeale, L. Fogarty, F. Evans EMG: J. Boyd, W. White, A. Moir
Geelong Cats vs Melbourne Demons
If the Blues haven’t been the most disappointing team to start the season, that unwanted honour has to go to the Demons. Not only have they lost all three games to date, they have been pumped in the last two of them, and not exactly against likely Premiership hopefuls. They are a shell of their former selves, and things don’t get much easier with a trip down the highway to Geelong this weekend.
The Cats, however, have not exactly enjoyed a scintillating start to season 2025 either. After a dominant win over the Dockers in Round 1, they have consecutive close games, though they won’t exactly be panicking after the latter given it was against the reigning Premiers in Brisbane. Back on their home turf for a rare Friday night game at GMHBA Stadium, they will be confident in their ability to dispose of the struggling Demons. Melbourne desperately needs to show something in this game, but it’s hard to see them upending the Cats in Geelong.
| Bookmaker | James’ Tip | Odds |
 | Cats 1-39 | $2.20 |
 | Under 173.5 total match points | $1.89 |
 | Geelong to lead at every break | $1.80 |
Predicted Squads
Geelong Cats: B: C. O’Sullivan, J. Henry, O. Mullin HB: Z. Guthrie, S. De Koning, J. Bowes C: B. Smith, M. Holmes, O. Dempsey HF: B. Close, G. Miers, T. Stengle F: S. Neale, J. Cameron, O. Henry FOLL: M. Blicavs, T. Stewart, P. Dangerfield I/C: L. Humphries, J. Clark, M. Knevitt, T. Atkins, T. Clohesy EMG: M. Duncan, O. Wiltshire, M. O’Connor
Melbourne Demons: B: J. Lever, S. May, C. Salem HB: T. Rivers, H. Petty, J. Bowey C: E. Langdon, C. Oliver, C. Windsor HF: J. Henderson, A. Johnson, H. Sharp F: B. Fritsch, J. van Rooyen, T. Sparrow FOLL: M. Gawn, C. Petracca, J. Viney I/C: J. Billings, H. Langford, T. McDonald, K. Chandler, B. Howes EMG: D. Turner, J. Melksham, R. Mentha
Gold Coast Suns vs Adelaide Crows
Few would have had this pegged as a must-watch game entering the season, but after these two teams’ starts to the season there will be plenty tuning in to see how they fare against one another. The Suns have only had a couple of outings after their Opening Round clash was postponed, but they have been brilliant in both of them. It is worth noting that neither team they have played has won a game, but they absolutely demolished both the Eagles and the Demons, both away from home, where they have historically struggled.
Now they return to the Gold Coast, but will face their sternest test of the year against a Crows side which looks to have taken a huge step forward. Adelaide, too, have had a relatively easy start to the season, but their 36-point win over the Roos last weekend took their aggregate winning total over their first three games to a huge 160 points after they pummelled both the Saints and Bombers. People First Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for visitors in recent years even with the Suns not a particularly good team, so if they have improved as they appear to that will likely continue this season. This should be a really intriguing game and one which could easily go down to the wire, but after such a strong start to the year, I’m backing the Crows to sneak over the line.
Predicted Squads
Gold Coast Suns: B: M. Andrew, W. Powell, S. Collins HB: J. Noble, B. Uwland, D. Rioli C: L. Weller, M. Rowell, S. Clohesy HF: W. Graham, J. Walter, T. Miller F: B. King, S. Flanders, E. Read FOLL: J. Witts, B. Humphrey, N. Anderson I/C: C. Budarick, N. Holman, B. Long, J. Jeffrey, J. Rogers EMG: A. Sexton, N. Moyle, C. Graham
Adelaide Crows: B: J. Worrell, J. Borlase, R. Laird HB: W. Milera, M. Keane, M. Michalanney C: I. Cumming, J. Dawson , L. Sholl HF: B. Keays, R. Thilthorpe, I. Rankine F: D. Fogarty, T. Walker, A. Neal-Bullen FOLL: R. O’Brien, J. Soligo, J. Peatling I/C: L. Murphy, M. Crouch, M. Hinge, D. Curtin, S. Draper EMG: B. Dowling, L. Nankervis, T. Murray
- The Swans have beaten the Kangaroos nine times in a row, and while many of those games have been close, their most recent meeting saw Sydney run out 79-point winners.
- Though the Tigers incredibly beat the Blues in Round 1, they have lost their two games since by 72 and 82 points against teams far inferior to the Lions, who AFL betting sites have only handicapped 45. 5 points.
- Carlton vs Collingwood games have been incredibly close of late, with four of the last six games being decided by a goal or less and all of them by three goals or less – with that in mind, a 12. 5-point head start for the Blues could be significant.
Multi of the Week
| Legs | Odds |
| Swans 25+ | $2.60 |
| Lions -45.5 | $1.90 |
| Blues +12.5 | $1.90 |
| Bet $10 for $93.86 with PlayUp | |
Richmond Tigers vs Brisbane Lions
It was never going to be a particularly easy season for the Tigers, and the last couple of weeks have reminded us of that after their extraordinary Round 1 victory. This young side has still had its moments and was really competitive in the first half against the Saints last weekend, but they fell off a cliff in the second and are likely in for some more pain against the reigning Premiers this Saturday afternoon.
The Lions’ Premiership defence has started as well as they could have hoped, with three wins from three games. None of those victories has been comfortable, with 19 points the most they have won by, but though that game was only against the Eagles, the other two have been against fellow contenders in the Swans and the Cats. They will most likely record the biggest victory of their season to date this weekend, and should be able to secure a big injection of confidence at the MCG, where they could easily be playing once again on the last Saturday in September later this year.
Predicted Squads
Richmond Tigers: B: J. Blight, B. Miller, N. Broad HB: J. Short, N. Vlastuin, T. Brown C: T. Dow, K. McIntosh, K. McAuliffe HF: M. Rioli Jr, S. Campbell, S. Green F: J. Bauer, T. Lynch, S. Lalor FOLL: T. Nankervis, T. Taranto, J. Hopper I/C: L. Trainor, T. Sonsie, J. Ross, H. Armstrong, K. Smith EMG: S. Banks, J. Trezise, S. Ryan
Brisbane Lions: B: D. Zorko, J. Payne, R. Lester HB: N. Answerth, H. Andrews, D. Wilmot C: J. Fletcher, Z. Bailey, J. Berry HF: C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, H. McCluggage F: C. Rayner, S. Day, L. Morris FOLL: O. McInerney, J. Dunkley, L. Neale I/C: W. McLachlan, C. Ah Chee, W. Ashcroft, L. Ashcroft, B. Reville EMG: D. Gardiner, T. Doedee, D. Fort
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Sydney Swans
This should be a great test for the Kangaroos, who have demonstrated great improvement already in 2025. Last weekend’s six-goal loss to the Crows was their least competitive of the season, but given how easily Adelaide disposed of the Saints and Bombers the previous fortnight that wasn’t a bad result. The Roos now take on a Grand Finalist from last year, and interestingly the betting sites seem to think they are a decent chance of causing an upset.
But the Swans, after a really difficult fixture to start the year, got their first win on the board a fortnight ago against the Dockers – a week after going down by two points in a Grand Final replay – and following a week off they will be looking to build up some momentum. The football world appears to have forgotten just how dominant Sydney was for much of last season, and their two early losses to start the season doesn’t change the fact that they remain very capable of winning this year’s flag. The Roos might have improved, but Sydney should still be expecting to beat them comfortably, and the line here looks pretty juicy for the favourites.
Predicted Squads
North Melbourne Kangaroos: B: C. Comben, A. Corr, L. McDonald HB: B. Scott, C. Daniel, C. McKercher C: F. O’Sullivan, L. Davies-Uniacke, J. Simpkin HF: H. Sheezel, N. Larkey, R. Hansen Jr F: P. Curtis, J. Darling, C. Zurhaar FOLL: T. Xerri, T. Powell, L. Parker I/C: D. Tucker, W. Phillips, G. Logue, J. Konstanty, D. Stephens EMG: R. Hardeman, F. Maley, M. Whitlock
Sydney Swans: B: N. Blakey, D. Rampe, J. Hamling HB: S. Wicks, M. Roberts, R. Bice C: J. Lloyd, I. Heeney, O. Florent HF: T. Hanily, W. Hayward, B. Campbell F: J. Amartey, T. McCartin, T. Papley - C FOLL: B. Grundy, Ch. Warner, J. Rowbottom I/C: T. Adams, L. McDonald, Co. Warner, H. McLean, J. Jordon EMG: B. Paton, A. Sheldrick, P. Ladhams
Greater Western Sydney Giants vs West Coast Eagles
The Giants endured their first loss of the season last weekend, but they were hardly disgraced against the undefeated Hawks. After just holding off the Dees in their second game of the year, GWS held sway in Tasmania and ultimately fell just short, but back on their home turf this weekend they will be expecting to bounce back with a big win.
The Eagles were never expected to be particularly good in Andrew McQualter’s first season, and that’s certainly manifested over their first three games. They’ve had their moments – a 19-point loss to the Lions was gallant while they weren’t completely disgraced in last week’s derby – but they are still a bottom two team and won’t likely win more than a small handful of games this year. It would be an upset of monumental proportions if they were to win this one, but it’s hard to imagine them even getting close.
Predicted Squads
Greater Western Sydney Giants: B: C. Idun, S. Taylor, H. Himmelberg HB: L. Whitfield, J. Buckley, L. Ash C: F. Callaghan, J. Kelly, S. Coniglio HF: T. Greene, J. Stringer, B. Daniels F: D. Jones, J. Hogan, A. Cadman FOLL: K. Briggs, T. Bedford, T. Green I/C: X. O’Halloran, L. Keeffe, C. Stone, C. Ward, J. Wehr EMG: J. Leake, C. Angove, L. Aleer
West Coast Eagles: B: B. Hough, H. Edwards, R. Ginbey HB: L. Baker, B. Allan, T. Cole C: J. Graham, T. Kelly, J. Hunt HF: T. Brockman, J. Waterman, L. Ryan F: M. Owies, O. Allen, J. Cripps FOLL: M. Flynn, H. Reid, L. Duggan I/C: N. Long, R. Maric, J. Williams, A. Reid, E. Hewett EMG: B. Williams, T. Dewar, C. Hall
Port Adelaide Power vs St. Kilda Saints
This is the Saints’ second trip to Adelaide Oval in the first month of the season, and while their first one was not particularly successful, they have bounced back impressively since that 63-point drubbing at the hands of the Crows. After beating the Cats the next week, they were challenged in the first half against the Tigers in Round 3 before putting their foot to the floor in the second to ultimately run out 82-point winners. That will give them plenty of confidence going into this game against what now appears to be the weaker of the two Adelaide teams.
Port still have plenty of talent, but they’ve now suffered a thumping defeat to Collingwood and a disappointing loss to the Bombers in their three games this season, their only win coming against the Tiges. But while that doesn’t bode particularly well, the Power are capable of turning things around. They are always a much inferior team away from home than they are in Adelaide, and that’s manifested so far this season. Back on their home turf, they can bounce back with an important early-season win.
Predicted Squads
Port Adelaide Power: B: J. Sinn, A. Aliir, M. Bergman HB: L. Evans, E. Ratugolea, K. Farrell C: T. Boak, C. Rozee, J. Burgoyne HF: J. Mead, M. Georgiades, W. Rioli F: D. Byrne-Jones, S. Powell-Pepper, J. Richards FOLL: J. Sweet, J. Horne-Francis, W. Drew I/C: J. Berry, O. Wines, O. Lord, C. Moraes, T. Cochrane EMG: J. Finlayson, J. Lai, D. Williams
St. Kilda Saints: B: I. Keeler, C. Wilkie, J. Webster HB: R. Byrnes, N. Wanganeen-Milera, Z. Jones C: D. Wilson, J. Sinclair, M. Windhager HF: J. Higgins, B. Hill, M. Owens F: C. Sharman, A. Caminiti, M. Wood FOLL: R. Marshall, J. Steele, J. Macrae I/C: L. Collard, M. Hall, H. Garcia, T. Travaglia, A. Hastie EMG: A. Schoenmaker, H. Boyd, L. Stocker
Fremantle Dockers vs Western Bulldogs
The final game of Round 4 is an intriguing one, with the Dockers hosting the Bulldogs in what could be a really tight game in Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Freo got on the board in season 2025 last week against the Eagles after a tough first fortnight which saw them pumped by the Cats, then snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against the Swans. This will be their third consecutive game at home in what is a rare occurrence for interstate teams, but that certainly doesn’t assure them of victory against a very capable Western Bulldogs.
The Dogs held off the Blues in a great game last weekend, their second consecutive high-quality, tight Friday night game after they lost by six points to the Magpies the Friday prior. The Dogs have looked good so far this season, with their always capable midfield – even without Bontempelli – now complemented by a well-balanced group of key position players, Rory Lobb excelling down back and Sam Darcy rapidly turning into a star up forward. It will be fascinating to see how this game unfolds, but while I seem to rate Freo higher than many others, the Dogs are looking really well-balanced even with a hefty injury list, and they can cause an upset in the final game of the weekend.
Predicted Squads
Fremantle Docker: B: J. Draper, A. Pearce, B. Cox HB: H. Chapman, L. Ryan, J. Clark C: N. O’Driscoll, P. Voss, J. Sharp HF: N. Erasmus, M. Frederick, S. Bolton F: M. Reid, J. Treacy, J. Amiss FOLL: L. Jackson, C. Serong, A. Brayshaw I/C: M. Johnson, J. O’Meara, B. Banfield, N. Fyfe, I. Dudley EMG: L. Reidy, K. Worner, J. Aish
Western Bulldogs: B: B. Khamis, L. Jones, H. Gallagher HB: L. Bramble, R. Lobb, B. Dale C: B. Williams, T. Liberatore, S. Davidson HF: L. McNeil, A. Naughton, M. Kennedy F: L. Vandermeer, S. Darcy, J. Harmes FOLL: T. English, J. Freijah, E. Richards I/C: O. Baker, J. O’Donnell, R. Sanders, R. West, A. Scott EMG: J. Croft, A. Jones, C. Poulter
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