Who should you be tipping in wildcard week of the AFL season? Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPNfootytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!
Our experts share all of their wisdom with you to help guide your tipping.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 5
Season total: 149
Tips for the week:
Western Bulldogs (3 points) vs. Collingwood
Melbourne vs. Carlton (11 points)
Reasoning: Everyone seems to be picking Collingwood in the first wildcard final, but I feel this is far closer to a coin flip. The Bulldogs just knocked off Melbourne at the MCG and have been ultra impressive in their two outings at the home of football in 2026. Meanwhile, Carlton is the hottest team in the competition and confidence will be sky high ahead of its cutthroat final against the Demons.
Matt Walsh
Last week: 5
Season total: 143
Tips for the week:
Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (4 points)
Melbourne vs. Carlton (10 points)
Reasoning: Both the Pies and Dogs have injury concerns to key players, so the question is almost 'which coach do I trust more in a final?' and the answer is Craig McRae. If Tim English plays, maybe I flip my answer. Meanwhile Carlton's form under Josh Fraser has been unreal, and better than Melbourne's form since Round 10.
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 4
Season total: 150
Tips for the week:
Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (8 points)
Melbourne vs. Carlton (12 points)
Reasoning: A lot of it will depend on selection, but I think the Pies' pressure game will come to the fore and I trust their experience. As for the Blues, their game style under Josh Fraser can cause plenty of damage. They're better than the Dees.
Christian Joly (Champion Data)
Last week: 5
Season total: 144
Tips for the week:
Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (20 points)
Melbourne vs. Carlton (5 points)
Reasoning: The Dogs have got on top of the Magpies midfield when they have played recently, but I think the Magpies will handle them better this time around. And as good as Melbourne has been this season it's Carlton who come into this one as the competition's most in-form side heading into finals.