AFL Round 18 2026 Review: Fremantle and Hawthorn Impress
Round 18 brought few surprises for Footy Tip Jar, with eight of nine predictions proving correct. The round was marked by some particularly one-sided contests, especially at the Adelaide Oval and the MCG, where scoring flowed freely for the home teams. While most favourites held their ground, Geelong found themselves on the wrong side of an upset.
Footy Tip Jar tipped 8 from 9 in Round 18 and sits at 115 from 153 (75.2 percent) for the season.
Multi of the week
Footy Tip Jar's Leg Lab multi of the week, locked at team announcement: Nick Daicos Disposals 30+ ($1.42), Ryan Byrnes Disposals 15+ ($1.86), Dion Prestia Disposals 20+ ($2.05), Adam Cerra Disposals 20+ ($2.00), Josh Worrell Disposals 20+ ($1.42), Bailey Smith Disposals 30+ ($1.62), Tom Liberatore Disposals 20+ ($1.21), Andrew McGrath Disposals 20+ ($1.75). Combined odds $52.75 at a 8 percent model win probability.
Fremantle vs Sydney
Fremantle by 38. The model had the Dockers.
Fremantle controlled the contest from the outset, leading to a comfortable win at home. The Swans found it difficult to generate enough scoring opportunities to stay in touch. Murphy Reid earned the three Brownlow votes.
Collingwood vs North Melbourne
Collingwood by 4. The model had the Magpies.
This was a tighter affair than some expected, with North Melbourne pushing the Magpies. Collingwood's ability to finish their chances made the difference in the end. Josh Daicos was awarded three Brownlow votes.
St Kilda vs Port Adelaide
St Kilda by 14. The model had the Saints.
St Kilda were consistent in winning the contest, which allowed them to control the game. They held off Port Adelaide with a well-rounded effort. Callum Wilkie received three Brownlow votes.
Greater Western Sydney vs Geelong
Greater Western Sydney by 13. The model had the Cats.
A notable upset for the round, with GWS generating more scoring chances than anticipated. The Giants were efficient when moving the ball forward. Shaun Mannagh was given three Brownlow votes.
Carlton vs Hawthorn
Hawthorn by 64. The model had the Hawks.
Hawthorn delivered a comprehensive performance, severely limiting Carlton's ability to create scoring chances. The Hawks moved the ball with precision and efficiency. Blake Hardwick secured three Brownlow votes.
Adelaide vs Gold Coast
Adelaide by 79. The model had the Crows.
Adelaide was particularly strong in winning the contest, overwhelming the Suns with their forward pressure. They converted their many opportunities into a large score. Izak Rankine received three Brownlow votes.
Western Bulldogs vs West Coast
Western Bulldogs by 16. The model had the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs secured the win, though not with the wide margin projected. West Coast managed to hold their ground in the contest more than expected. The Bulldogs' efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. Marcus Bontempelli was awarded three Brownlow votes.
Melbourne vs Richmond
Melbourne by 46. The model had the Dees.
Melbourne controlled the flow of the game, consistently winning territory and denying Richmond easy forward entries. Richmond struggled to generate meaningful scoring opportunities. Jacob van Rooyen earned three Brownlow votes.
Brisbane Lions vs Essendon
Brisbane Lions by 90. The model had the Lions.
The Lions put on a powerful display at the Gabba, dominating the territory battle and converting their opportunities with great effect. Essendon found it difficult to stem the flow. Will Ashcroft was given three Brownlow votes.
FAQ
Which teams had the biggest wins in Round 18?
Hawthorn's 64-point victory over Carlton and Adelaide's 79-point win against Gold Coast were the largest margins of the round. The Brisbane Lions also had a significant 90-point win over Essendon.
What was the biggest upset of Round 18?
Greater Western Sydney's 13-point victory over Geelong was the round's only upset, with Geelong having been tipped by Footy Tip Jar to win by 14 points.
Who received the most Brownlow votes in Round 18?
Murphy Reid, Josh Daicos, Callum Wilkie, Shaun Mannagh, Blake Hardwick, Izak Rankine, Marcus Bontempelli, Jacob van Rooyen, and Will Ashcroft all received the maximum three votes in their respective matches.
