AFL betting — Round 20: Best bets, odds, tips and predictions on Betfair

With only five rounds to go, the AFL is heating up as teams jostle for positions in the top four, top six and wildcard spots.

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Melbourne vs. Geelong promises to be a blockbuster at the MCG on Friday night, with both teams harbouring top four aspirations.

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Several matches will have a bearing on the wildcard race, including Carlton-Gold Coast, GWS-Sydney and North Melbourne-St Kilda.

The Sporting News looks for the value in AFL Round 20.

Betfair prices correct as at 4pm, Friday July 24.

Melbourne are demons at the MCG

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Nine consecutive wins for Melbourne at the MCG this season shows they play the venue better than most.

While the Demons have injuries to the likes of Daniel Turner and Changkuoth Jiath, Geelong will be missing arguably their best player in Max Holmes, while Ollie Henry has been managed.

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The Cats have lost two of their three MCG games in 2026 to Hawthorn and Carlton.

In a game where the odds are even, back Melbourne with their form at the venue.

BEST BET: Melbourne to win $2.04

PREDICTION: Melbourne by 10 points.

Kangaroos could hop over stricken Saints

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With rumours of a virus sweeping through the St Kilda camp, the inconsistent North were already looking like value at longer odds.

Max King is returning for the Saints but will likely be underdone, while TDK is no certainty to play after being named follow an injury lay-off.

North Melbourne have the ability to win this match but just cannot put their best footy together across four quarters.

There is a possibility that a weakened St Kilda team might be there for the taking.

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North Melbourne at the line also looks to be a solid bet.

BEST BET: North Melbourne to win $2.78

PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 8 points

BEST AFL ODDS: Betfair — where you find better value than the bookies