Here are our AFL picks for Wednesday 12 August 2026. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Jade Gresham (Essendon) Over 0.5 Goals, priced at +140 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.

Jade Gresham (Essendon) Over 0.5 Goals (+140)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to backing a player to snag a crucial goal in the upcoming clash between Essendon and Sydney, Jade Gresham stands out as a prime candidate to light up the scoreboard. Despite his recent form showing just 0.4 goals per game, the stage is set for Gresham to elevate his performance. With an average of 1.4 shots on goal in his last five home games and a solid 15.0% goal accuracy, Gresham has been getting in the right positions to score. His involvement in the Bombers' attacking moves is evident, averaging 2.8 score involvements per game. Facing the Swans at the MCG, Gresham will be looking to capitalize on his opportunities and make an impact in front of the home crowd. Betting on Gresham to go over 0.5 goals is a smart play given his recent stats and the potential for an explosive performance.

Jade Gresham (Essendon) Over 2.5 player_marks_over (+120)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to marking prowess, Jade Gresham is a standout force to reckon with, especially at the MCG. In his last five home games, he's been averaging a solid 1.8 marks, showing his ability to read the play and position himself well. Against the upcoming opponent, the Sydney Swans, he's been even more dominant, pulling in an average of 3 marks per game. Overall, Gresham has been consistent with 2.2 marks in his last five outings. Given these numbers and his knack for stepping up in key matchups, the Over 2.5 marks line for Gresham in the upcoming game against the Swans seems like a smart play. Expect Gresham to soar above this line and make his presence felt in the air, providing valuable scoring opportunities for the Essendon Bombers.

Sean Darcy (Fremantle) Over 1.5 player_marks_over (+115)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to aerial dominance, Sean Darcy stands tall among the rest. His ability to pluck marks in crucial areas has been a game-changer for the Fremantle Dockers, especially at home. Over his last five home games, Darcy has been a marking machine, averaging 1.2 marks overall and 0.4 marks inside 50. Facing the Adelaide Crows, a team he's historically feasted upon with an average of 2 marks per game, the stage is set for Darcy to shine under the Perth lights at Optus Stadium. With his recent form and matchup advantage, taking the Over 1.5 marks for Sean Darcy is a wager backed by his consistent performances and the statistical edge he holds in this game. Expect Darcy to soar above the pack and deliver for those backing his aerial prowess.

Jake Riccardi (GWS GIANTS) Over 0.5 Goals (-263)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

Jake Riccardi, the lanky forward for Greater Western Sydney Giants, has been a scoring machine at home lately, with an average of 1.8 goals per game over his last five matches. Facing off against West Coast Eagles at ENGIE Stadium, Riccardi's sharpshooting prowess shines through with a solid 61.7% goal accuracy. His knack for finding space inside 50 and creating scoring opportunities is evident with an average of 3.2 inside 50s and 5.6 score involvements in his recent home games. Given his reliable form and the Eagles' defense struggling to contain him in their last encounters, backing Riccardi to snag at least one goal is a smart play. With the odds in our favor and Riccardi's hunger for goals, hitting the back of the net is more than just a possibility; it's a probability.

Jake Riccardi (GWS GIANTS) Over 9.5 Disposals (-200)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to pinpointing a sharp AFL player prop bet, Jake Riccardi is the man to watch in this upcoming clash between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the West Coast Eagles at ENGIE Stadium. Riccardi's recent form at home showcases an average of 11 disposals per game, with a strong 72.8% disposal efficiency. Facing the Eagles, he has historically upped his game, averaging 13.7 disposals against them at home. With a line set at 9.5, Riccardi's consistent performance and ability to find the footy make the Over a compelling play. Expect him to roam the field confidently, snagging possessions and impacting the game significantly. Betting on Riccardi to eclipse 9.5 disposals is a smart move backed by his solid track record and matchup history.

Jake Riccardi (GWS GIANTS) Over 10.5 Disposals (-145)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to backing a player prop bet, you want reliability and upside. Jake Riccardi fits the bill perfectly for the Giants against the Eagles. In his last five home games, Riccardi has been a workhorse, averaging 11 disposals with a solid disposal efficiency of 72.8%. Facing the Eagles, he steps up even more, averaging 13.7 disposals in his last five matchups. With a line set at 10.5, Riccardi's recent form and historical performance against West Coast make the Over an enticing proposition. Plus, with an overall hit rate of 6/10 in his last games, including a 5/8 at home, Riccardi is poised to deliver. Expect him to be in the thick of the action, racking up possessions and making an impact at ENGIE Stadium.

That is the model's read on today's AFL card. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.

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