AFL round 20 fixture and early odds analysis

Hawthorn is a hot favourite to defeat Carlton on Thursday night in the opening match of round 20 in the 2025 AFL season. 

The Hawks have been installed a $1.18 favourite by leading Australian bookmaker Neds, with the Blues ($4.90) not getting much love from punters. 

Sam Mitchell’s Hawks are fresh off a commanding 38-point win over Port Adelaide, which was punctuated by a best-on-ground display from Dylan Moore (32 possessions and two goals) and an exceptionally even spread of goal-kickers. 

But Carlton has finally returned to the winners’ list and if coach Michael Voss is to survive the Blues will need to cause some chaos in the run in the finals. 

Led by captain Patrick Cripps, the Blues’ eight-point victory over Melbourne was not pretty, but they would be pleased to get some input from youngsters such as Ashton Moir (four goals), Cooper Lord and Lachie Cowan. 

Friday night will feature two AFL matches, with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs clashing at Marvel Stadium, while the battle of the bridge will also take place, with GWS and Sydney set to clash. 

The Bulldogs ($1.04) are expected to eclipse Essendon ($11.50) who have a mountain of injuries and cannot wait until the end of the season. 

GWS ($1.57) is favourite to defeat Sydney ($2.42) but the Swans are growing in confidence after a strong month of football, and with Errol Gulden back in full flight anything is possible. 

Saturday’s early game is the Q clash with the Gold Coast ($2.27) outsiders against Brisbane ($1.64) and the Suns desperately need a strong showing after being thrashed by Adelaide on Sunday. 

Fremantle ($1.04) will look to continue on its merry way against West Coast ($11) after upsetting ladder leader Collingwood on Sunday. 

North Melbourne ($7.50) will start rank outsider against Geelong ($1.09) at Marvel Stadium, but the Roos could regain several stars, including spearhead Nick Larkey. 

Adelaide ($1.18) is expected to account for cross-city rival Port Adelaide ($4.90) in the late game on Saturday, and with the Power’s season almost certainly over, they will find it hard to cause an upset. 

Sunday will open at the traditional 2.10pm slot, when old rivals Richmond ($9.30) clash with Collingwood ($1.06), who need a win after dropping successive matches for the first time this season. 

The round will close with St Kilda ($2.08) clashing with Melbourne ($1.78) with both teams having legitimate claims, according to sports betting sites. 

AFL round-20 fixture and odds

AFL round 20 will kick off on Thursday, July 24, and conclude on Sunday, July 27.

Thursday, July 24

• Hawthorn (Win $1.18) vs Carlton (Win $4.90)
  7:30pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne

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Friday, July 25

• Essendon (Win $11.50) vs Western Bulldogs (Win $1.04)
  7:20pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
• GWS GIANTS (Win $1.57) vs Sydney Swans (Win $2.42)
  7:50pm AEST – ENGIE Stadium, Sydney

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Saturday, July 26

• Gold Coast SUNS (Win $2.27) vs Brisbane Lions (Win $1.64)
  1:20pm AEST – People First Stadium, Gold Coast
• Fremantle (Win $1.04) vs West Coast Eagles (Win $11.00)
  4:15pm AEST – Optus Stadium, Perth
• North Melbourne (Win $7.50) vs Geelong Cats (Win $1.09)
  7:35pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
• Adelaide Crows (Win $1.18) vs Port Adelaide (Win $4.90)
  8:10pm AEST – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

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Sunday, July 27

• Richmond (Win $9.30) vs Collingwood (Win $1.06)
  2:10pm AEST – MCG, Melbourne
• St Kilda (Win $2.08) vs Melbourne (Win $1.78)
  3:15pm AEST – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne