AFL Round 9 Tips: Key Matchups & Predictions (2025)

Fremantle vs. Collingwood – Thursday Night Blockbuster

• Date & Time: Thursday, May 8, 8:10 PM AEST

• Venue: Optus Stadium 

 Round 9 kicks off with a high-stakes clash between Fremantle and Collingwood at Optus Stadium. The Dockers, aiming to solidify their top-eight position, face a Collingwood side eager to rebound from recent setbacks. Despite being under-strength, the Magpies remain formidable opponents. According to expert predictions, Collingwood holds a 61.8% chance of victory, with a forecasted margin of 12 points .

Key Matchups:

• Midfield Battle: Fremantle’s engine room, led by Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong, will be pivotal against Collingwood’s dynamic midfield, featuring Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey.

• Forward Efficiency: The Dockers will rely on Jye Amiss to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Magpies look to Brody Mihocek to lead their attack.

• Defensive Resilience: Fremantle’s Alex Pearce faces the task of containing Collingwood’s forward threats, ensuring the Dockers remain competitive throughout the match.

 St Kilda vs. Carlton – Friday Night Showdown

• Date & Time: Friday, May 9, 7:40 PM AEST

• Venue: MCG 

The Saints host the Blues in a crucial encounter at the MCG. Carlton, aiming to maintain momentum, enters the match as favourites with a 70.2% win probability and a predicted 21-point margin .

Key Matchups:

• Midfield Clash: Patrick Cripps leads Carlton’s midfield against St Kilda’s Jack Steele, with the battle for clearances set to influence the game’s outcome.

• Forward Line Impact: Carlton’s Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow will test St Kilda’s defense, while the Saints look to Max King for scoring prowess.

• Defensive Strategies: Jacob Weitering anchors Carlton’s backline, aiming to neutralize St Kilda’s attacking threats.

Other Notable Round 9 Fixtures:

• Melbourne vs. Hawthorn

  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 10, 1:20 PM AEST

  • Venue: MCG 

    
    

• Essendon vs. Sydney

  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 10, 4:15 PM AEST

  • Venue: Marvel Stadium 

  
  

• Gold Coast vs. Western Bulldogs

  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 10, 7:05 PM AEST

  • Venue: TIO Stadium 

  
  

• Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide

  • Date & Time: Saturday, May 10, 7:40 PM AEST

  • Venue: Adelaide Oval

  
  

• Richmond vs. West Coast

  • Date & Time: Sunday, May 11, 1:10 PM AEST

  • Venue: MCG 

  
  

• Geelong vs. GWS

  • Date & Time: Sunday, May 11, 3:20 PM AEST

  • Venue: GMHBA Stadium 

  
  

As Round 9 unfolds, teams are vying for crucial points to bolster their positions on the ladder. Expect high-intensity contests, strategic battles, and standout performances that will shape the trajectory of the 2025 AFL season.