An injury to a Collingwood superstar leaves room for others to shine in the midfield, while Port Adelaide is susceptible to another upset loss.
The competition has shifted dramatically in the final month, and with top teams struggling and a limited finals spot remaining, it's time to start taking every team seriously.
It's set to be another action-packed round of AFL football.
The Sporting News gives you the best betting tips for Round 22.
Odds courtesy of Bluebet.
Last week, we got four out of nine, with Gold Coast utility Rory Atkins a special at $2.10.
MORE: AFL Injury List 2023
Collingwood (1st) vs Geelong (9th) best bet
All eyes will be on the Collingwood midfield, with superstar Nick Daicos going down with injury last round.
Several Magpies could benefit statistically from the loss, with Taylor Adams emerging as a candidate to take more midfield time.
Adams' numbers have been down in the last two weeks, but the 29-year-old has averaged just under 20 disposals for the season (18.5) and should beat the 20-possession mark.
Taylor Adams 20+ disposals - $2.05
- Bryn Wakefield
North Melbourne (17th) vs Essendon (12th) best bet
The Bombers stuttered to a one-point win against West Coast to keep their finals hopes alive at Marvel, while North were decent in a loss to Melbourne.
The match between these two earlier this year was close, with the Bombers winning by six points,
North are definitely a chance in this match so taking them at the line looks the solid play.
North Melbourne +23.5 points - $1.90
- Kieran Francis
Sydney (10th) vs Gold Coast (14) best bet
It's a must-win for Sydney at the SCG, so they should easily get past Gold Coast, right?
Maybe not. Gold Coast has won three of its last meetings with the Swans at the venue, and the Suns are chasing an equal club-best ten-win season.
Sydney should get the job done, but don't be surprised if Gold Coast comes close to the finals aspirants.
Gold Coast +19.5 points - $1.90
- Bryn Wakefield
Brisbane Lions (3rd) vs Adelaide (11th) best bet
It's arguably the toughest road trip in football with the Lions winning every game at the Gabba this season.
But Brisbane are too short to back, with the line also appearing to be dicey.
Adelaide have been in good form recently but they can struggle on the road.
The Lions should win but it's unlikely to be a blowout.
Brisbane to win by 1-39 points - $2.15
- Kieran Francis
Carlton (5th) vs Melbourne (2nd) best bet
A huge test comes for Carlton in the form of second-placed Melbourne.
The big names will have to step up, and one Blue, Nic Newman, is in career form. His 35 disposals against St Kilda and 27 the week prior might just become a recurrence.
Carlton midfielders Sam Walsh and Adam Cerra are still sidelined, which will give Newman some extra midfield time to hit the 25 disposal mark.
Nic Newman 25+ disposals - $2.00
- Bryn Wakefield
West Coast (18th) vs Fremantle (15th) best bet
The Eagles were impressive despite falling just short of Essendon in Round 21, while Fremantle have a similar issue to Brisbane.
The Dockers are way too short to back and surely the Eagles lift in the derby.
Fremantle rarely thrash teams so we like West Coast at the line.
West Coast +31.5 points - $1.90
- Kieran Francis
Hawthorn (16th) vs Western Bulldogs (6th) best bet
Hawthorn took a shock win over premiership favourites Collingwood last week, but now look ahead to a tough Western Bulldogs side in Tasmania.
While coach Sam Mitchell's young side can match it with the best on their day, they are also very inconsistent and have struggled to back up big performances this season.
The Bulldogs, backed by arguably the best player in the competition, Marcus Bontempelli, should get past the Hawks without too much trouble.
Western Bulldogs -13.5 points - $1.90
- Bryn Wakefield
St Kilda (7th) vs Richmond (13th) best bet
St Kilda are narrow favourites in this 50-50 game.
It's a tough one to pick, but the fact Ross Lyon is coaching suggests the Saints won't lose by a lot if they do.
A margin from either team under 24.5 points looks a smart bet.
Triple Margin II Any other result (both teams to win under 24.5 points) - $1.72
- Kieran Francis
Port Adelaide (4th) vs GWS (8th) best bet
The Port Adelaide camp has again been struck by illness, and long-term injuries to key players Trent McKenzie and Charlie Dixon don't help either.
And, while the Giant ended their six-game win streak against Sydney, they are still one of the hottest teams in the competition right now.
GWS should come close to the Power, and may even win outright.
GWS +12.5 points - $1.90
- Bryn Wakefield
