Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Expert AFL Tips Round 15 predictions reveal one of the most evenly balanced weekends of the 2026 season, with Fox Footy's panel divided on almost every match. While Fremantle and GWS Giants received unanimous backing from the available tipsters, several key clashes including Gold Coast versus Hawthorn, Adelaide versus Melbourne, Collingwood versus Port Adelaide, Richmond versus North Melbourne and St Kilda versus the Western Bulldogs produced split verdicts. The uncertainty reflects a tightly contested ladder race as clubs battle for crucial premiership and finals positioning.
Only three tipsters had submitted selections at the time of publication, but their picks highlighted just how difficult Round 15 shapes as a tipping challenge.
Fremantle Backed to Continue Winning Run
League leaders Fremantle received unanimous support ahead of their blockbuster Thursday night clash against Geelong at Optus Stadium.
The Dockers enter the contest on a club record 12 game winning streak and are expected to regain several key players following their bye.
Max Laughton, Chloe Molloy and Ben Dixon all selected Fremantle to overcome the Cats and strengthen their position as premiership favourites.
A victory would further cement the Dockers as the competition's benchmark side heading into the second half of the season.
Hawthorn Gets Narrow Edge Over Suns
One of the toughest games to predict this round is Friday night's meeting between Gold Coast and Hawthorn at People First Stadium.
Hawthorn secured two of the three available votes, with Laughton and Dixon tipping the Hawks.
Molloy sided with Gold Coast, believing the Suns can respond after last week's disappointing loss to Geelong.
The result could have major implications for the top eight race, with both clubs still fighting for valuable ladder position.
Adelaide and Melbourne Set for Heavyweight Battle
Saturday's clash between Adelaide and Melbourne has also divided opinion.
The Crows received support from Laughton and Molloy after their impressive 57 point demolition of the Western Bulldogs.
Dixon, however, backed Melbourne to continue its surprising rise after the Demons climbed into the AFL top four.
Adelaide has been one of the competition's form teams in recent weeks and many view this fixture as a genuine test of its premiership credentials.
Giants Unanimous Against Carlton
Unlike several other contests, there was complete agreement regarding GWS and Carlton.
All three tipsters selected the Giants to defeat the Blues at ENGIE Stadium.
Carlton has shown encouraging signs in recent weeks but faces a difficult challenge against a GWS side desperate to remain in the finals conversation.
The Giants have experienced an inconsistent campaign but continue to be viewed as one of the more dangerous teams outside the current top eight.
Port Adelaide Causes Major Divide
Perhaps the biggest surprise among the selections is the confidence shown in Port Adelaide against Collingwood.
Both Molloy and Dixon tipped the Power to upset the Magpies at the MCG, while Laughton backed Collingwood.
Port Adelaide has won only four games this season but has remained highly competitive against stronger opponents.
Collingwood's scoring struggles have also contributed to uncertainty surrounding the Saturday night fixture.
If Port Adelaide can produce an upset victory, it would significantly impact the finals race and provide a major boost to coach Josh Carr's developing squad.
North Melbourne Favoured but Richmond Gets Support
North Melbourne earned two of the three votes ahead of its clash with Richmond.
Laughton and Molloy selected the Kangaroos, while Dixon tipped the Tigers to produce an upset.
North Melbourne has shown steady improvement throughout 2026 and enters the match with growing confidence.
Richmond remains in rebuilding mode but has been competitive in several recent contests despite its lowly ladder position.
The split verdict demonstrates the unpredictable nature of a match featuring two sides still searching for consistency.
Saints and Bulldogs Hard to Separate
Sunday's meeting between St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs produced another divided result.
Molloy and Dixon backed the Bulldogs, while Laughton selected the Saints.
The Bulldogs are attempting to bounce back after a heavy loss to Adelaide, while St Kilda continues to build momentum following an important win over GWS.
With both clubs firmly in the finals hunt, the result could prove crucial later in the season.
Tipping Leaderboard Tightens
The Fox Footy tipping competition remains closely contested.
Jack Jovanovski leads the standings with 91 correct tips, narrowly ahead of four time champion Max Laughton on 90.
Ben Waterworth sits third on 87, while Ben Cotton is fourth with 86.
Several other tipsters remain within striking distance, ensuring the race for tipping honours remains wide open heading into the final months of the season.
Round 15 shapes as one of the most difficult weekends to predict all year, with only Fremantle and GWS receiving unanimous support and every other game producing differing opinions among the experts.