We're two months into the current AFL season, and the gap between the top teams and struggling sides is starting to grow.
Will any bottom-eight clubs make a statement this week as they look to keep themselves in finals contention?
The Sporting News brings you betting tips for select Round 9 matches.
MORE: Rolling AFL All-Australian team 2025
All odds per bookmaker Sportsbet.
St Kilda vs. Carlton prediction, tip, best bet
These two sides are separated by just four points on the ladder and will both be looking to keep within striking range of the top eight.
The Saints kept Fremantle to just five goals last week, so they should feel confident entering this clash.
Carlton, meanwhile, struggled in front of the sticks in Round 9, snagging five majors against Adelaide. At the other end of the field, they let in a concerning 16 goals.
On paper, the Blues have more offensive firepower, but if either side's most recent performance is anything to go by, St Kilda should be right in this Friday night battle.
Prediction: St Kilda by 6
Best bet: St Kilda 1-39 ($2.70)
Essendon vs. Sydney prediction, tip, best bet
Not many would have predicted the Bombers to sit ahead of the Swans two months into the season, but here we are.
Essendon scraped past North Melbourne last time out, but will be without injured trio Harry Jones, Jordan Ridley and Jade Gresham for this clash.
Sydney also claimed a win last weekend as they picked up some much-needed competition points against rivals GWS.
Ben Paton returns in place of the suspended Lewis Melican as the visitors' only change.
We like the Swans – who are gradually gaining confidence – to win well here, despite their underwhelming season to date.
Prediction: Sydney by 34
Best bet: Sydney to lead at the end of every quarter - ($2.60)
Richmond vs. West Coast prediction, tip, best bet
West Coast will look to end their winless start to the season when they head to Melbourne to take on Richmond.
The Tigers themselves have only won two matches this campaign, but enter this game as favourites.
With both clubs in rebuilding phases, you'd hope that this is an entertaining clash, as young players look to make their mark.
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter – who is a former Richmond interim and assistant coach at the Tigers – could have some useful intel on his old club.
We're favouring Richmond at home in this one though, especially considering they've had more promising moments this season.
Prediction: Richmond by 20
Best bet: Richmond -11.5 ($1.90)