Here are our AFL picks for Thursday 20 August 2026. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs: Western Bulldogs 16.5, priced at -111 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs: Western Bulldogs 16.5 (-111)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
The clash between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at the iconic MCG promises to be a fierce battle on the footy field. While the Demons have been solid at home with an average margin of 4 points in their last five games, the Western Bulldogs have shown resilience on the road, with a narrow average margin of -5.4. When it comes to scoring, Melbourne has been potent in front of the big sticks, averaging 94.6 points per game at home, while the Bulldogs have struggled slightly, averaging 65.4 points away. With the Bulldogs boasting a strong defense, conceding only 70.8 points per game on the road, they could keep this matchup tighter than the spread suggests. Backing the Western Bulldogs at +16.5 in the spread market could offer value given their recent form and defensive prowess.
Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs: Under 25.5 team_totals_q1 (-122)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright footy punters, let's dive into why backing the Melbourne Demons to go 'Under 25.5' in the Team Totals Q1 market against the Western Bulldogs is a savvy move. The Demons have been a force at the MCG, consistently generating Inside50s and Shotsatgoal. However, their recent trend of averaging 13.8 Target Goals in their last five home games is slightly below the line set at 25.5 for Q1. Despite their overall high scoring prowess, facing the Bulldogs, who boast a stingy defense allowing just 70.8 Points Against in their last five away games and 72.6 overall, could lead to a tighter opening quarter for Melbourne. Considering the Demons' recent Target Goals and the Bulldogs' solid defensive record, the Under looks like a promising play here. This matchup sets the stage for a gritty, hard-fought start, making the Under 25.5 an intriguing value proposition.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright, footy fans, let's dissect this intriguing matchup between the West Coast Eagles and the Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium. The Eagles have been soaring at home lately, averaging a solid 51.2 Inside50s and 23.2 Shotsatgoal in their last five games on home turf. When it comes to finding the big sticks, they've been no slouch either, bagging an average of 11.6 goals per game. With an impressive 78.2 points scored on average in their recent home clashes, the Eagles' offensive firepower is firing on all cylinders. Now, they face off against a Hawthorn side that has been leaking points on the road, conceding an average of 73.4 points in their last five away games. Their overall defensive record isn't much better, with an average of 75.2 points against in their recent matches. Considering the Eagles' attacking prowess and Hawthorn's defensive vulnerabilities, backing the West Coast Eagles to go over 33.5 total points in the first half seems like a tantalizing bet. Expect the Eagles to come out firing and split the middle with ease against the Hawks' leaky defense.
Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs: Melbourne Demons -16.5 (-111)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright footy punters, let's dissect this matchup between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at the iconic MCG. The Demons have been on a tear lately, especially at home, where they've been flexing their scoring muscles. In their last five home games, they've been averaging a solid 94.6 points for, showing their attacking prowess. With an average of 58.8 inside 50s per game, they're constantly pressuring their opponents and creating scoring opportunities. On the flip side, the Bulldogs have struggled on the road, averaging just 65.4 points for in their last five away games. Their defense has also been leaky, conceding an average of 70.8 points against. With the Demons boasting a strong average margin of 17.4 in their recent games, a -16.5 line seems very achievable for them against the Bulldogs. Back the Demons to cover the spread and snag a win at home.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
The Adelaide Crows are looking like a safe bet at -6.5 in the Spreads Q2 market against the Greater Western Sydney Giants. The Crows have been formidable at Adelaide Oval, boasting a solid 15.4 average margin in their last five home games. Their offensive prowess shines through, averaging 82.2 points with 52.2 inside 50s and 24.8 shots at goal per game. On the flip side, the Giants have been struggling on the road, only managing a 7.8 average margin in their last five away games. Coupled with their leaky defense conceding 76.4 points on average, the Crows are poised to exploit these weaknesses and snag a comfortable victory. With the home advantage and a potent attacking game, backing the Adelaide Crows to cover the spread seems like a smart play for this matchup.
Adelaide Crows vs Greater Western Sydney Giants: Adelaide Crows -6.5 spreads_q4 (-112)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
The Adelaide Crows are poised to dominate the Greater Western Sydney Giants in this clash at Adelaide Oval. The Crows have been on a tear at home, boasting an average margin of 15.4 points in their last five home games. Their offensive firepower has been impressive, averaging 82.2 points per game during this stretch. On the flip side, the Giants have struggled on the road, with a meager average margin of 7.8 points in their last five away games. Their defense has been leaky, conceding an average of 76.4 points per game. With the Crows' potent attack and solid home form, expect them to cover the -6.5 spread comfortably and snag another victory in front of their home crowd.
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.
Unlock the rest of this one
You're reading the free preview. One plan unlocks the full article and every pick we back — every league, every day.
Unlock the full article