Round 6 of the 2026 AFL season kicks off on Thursday night with a blockbuster clash between traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood at the MCG. Then on Friday it’s the Cats and Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Team news: The Blues will bolster their defensive stocks this week with Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean both exiting concussion protocols and expected to be available for selection, while Cooper Lord (illness), and Will Hayward (suspension) could also be reinstated. It’s negative news for the Pies, with Darcy Moore remaining sidelined, Jordan De Goey out with concussion, and Steele Sidebottom also ruled out after sustaining a knock to the hip pointer against Fremantle. Lachie Sullivan looms as a likely inclusion for a mid-forward spot, but young forwards Charlie West and Jack Buller will also have their hands up for selection if Craig McRae looks to make more changes to a struggling front half.
ESPN tip: Magpies by 11 points
Pointsbet odds: Blues $2.60, Magpies $1.48
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Team news: In terrific news for the Cats, Chris Scott confirmed after the side’s win over the Eagles that Patrick Dangerfield is “very likely” for Mark Blicavs’ 300-game milestone against the Bulldogs. Luke Beveridge is breathing a sigh of relief after scans revealed no major damage to Ed Richards’ knee, but Aaron Naughton is in doubt after injuring his hand against the Hawks, and Connor Budarick will miss 3-5 weeks after injuring his hamstring in the loss to Hawthorn. Tom Liberatore is expected to return, and, incredibly, Tim English is a chance to suit up despite injuring his MCL only two weeks ago.
ESPN tip: Cats by 6 points
Pointsbet odds: Cats $1.57, Bulldogs $2.35
Team news: The Giants will be without two of their stars for Friday night’s huge encounter with the Swans, Stephen Coniglio and Aaron Cadman both sidelined with concussion. Sam Taylor remains 4-5 weeks away. For the Swans, Angus Sheldrick is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension.
ESPN tip: Swans by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $1.29, Giants $3.50
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
People First Stadium, 1:15pm [AEDT]
Team news: Gold Coast will regain Christian Petracca (hamstring) and Bailey Humphrey (suspension) this week as they look to rebound from consecutive defeats. But Noah Anderson will miss after having surgery to remove his appendix on Monday. It’s unlikely the Bombers will make any changes to a winning team, with no fresh injury concerns this week.
ESPN tip: Suns by 48 points
Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.06, Bombers $8.50
Team news: Mabior Chol (hamstring) was the only casualty out of Hawthorn’s win over the Bulldogs in Round 5. He’ll miss 4-6 weeks, with Calsher Dear looming as the natural like-for-like replacement. Unfortunately for the Power, Jack Lukosius has gone down with yet another groin injury, which means he’ll miss 6-8 weeks.
ESPN tip: Hawks by 25 points
Pointsbet odds: Hawks $1.08, Power $7.50
Team news: Darcy Fogarty has now missed two matches in a row for the Crows due to a back injury, though a timeline for his return is still unclear. Jordon Butts and Luke Pedlar (concussion protocols) will be available. Jake Soligo will undergo a fitness test after rolling his ankle in the win over Carlton last week, and Mitch Hinge is set for 3-5 weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
ESPN tip: Crows by 14 points
Pointsbet odds: Crows $1.38, Saints $2.90
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
Team news: Finn O’Sullivan (jaw) missed last week’s loss to Brisbane, and isn’t expected to return for the Round 6 clash with Richmond. For the Tigers, Josh Gibcus (soreness) and Hugo Ralphsmith (knee) are available for selection, as is Samson Ryan after serving a one-match ban.
ESPN tip: Kangaroos by 23 points
Pointsbet odds: Kangaroos $1.30, Tigers $3.40
Team news: Brisbane will be without veteran Dayne Zorko after he suffered another calf injury against the Roos last week, but Noah Answerth is no longer in concussion protocols and will just need to get through Thursday’s main session. It’s not good news for the Dees, with Christian Salem (foot) and Jake Melksham (ankle) both expected to miss around one month of footy after injuries sustained in the loss to the Bombers last week. Trent Rivers is also out indefinitely with a knee issue.
ESPN tip: Lions by 27 points
Pointsbet odds: Demons $3.20, Lions $1.33
Team news: In unfortunate news for the Eagles, offseason recruit Deven Robertson suffered an ACL tear in his left knee in the loss to the Cats and will miss the remainder of the season. Sean Darcy failed to finish last week’s win over Collingwood after a head knock and will miss this week’s derby, with Mason Cox looming as the most like-for-like replacement as he hunts a first game for his new club. Hayden Young will also be available to return if he gets through main training unscathed.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 41 points
Pointsbet odds: Eagles $7.50, Dockers $1.08
