AFL 2025 Round 3 Preview and Predictions |

Get expert AFL 2025 Round 3 predictions, tips, and betting insights. Find the best odds and analysis for this week's fixtures at Bettingpro.com.au.

Get ready for all the action with our in-depth previews and predictions for Round 3 of the AFL season.

Essendon vs Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide to win by 1-39 points

Essendon will be desperate to avoid starting the season 0-3 but we can’t see them overturning Port Adelaide who thumped Richmond by 72 points in Round 2. That said, the Bombers should keep it competitive at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night, with the Power’s winning margin likely between 1-39 points.

Carlton vs Western Bulldogs

Blues to win with a +2.5 handicap against the Dogs

There’s little separating Carlton and the Western Bulldogs ahead of their Friday night clash at Marvel Stadium. The Blues come into this game at 0-2 and we believe their desperation to secure a first win will be the difference. Expect a war of attrition, with the Blues just edging the Dogs in a tight contest.

Melbourne vs Gold Coast

Gold Coast to win by 1-24 points

Melbourne head into this Round 3 fixture at the MCG after copping a 59-point hiding from North Melbourne. Meanwhile, Gold Coast had a bye last weekend but looked electric in their opening game, smashing West Coast by 87 points. We expect a fresh and fired-up Suns outfit to claim the win and leave the Demons winless after three rounds.

St Kilda vs Richmond

Saints to win by 1-39 points

St Kilda edged a thriller against Geelong in Round 2, winning by seven points to notch their first victory of the season. Richmond, on the other hand, were dismantled by Port Adelaide in a 72-point drubbing. We expect the Saints to make it back-to-back wins at Marvel Stadium in this Saturday afternoon clash, securing victory by a margin of 1-39 points.

Brisbane vs Geelong

Lions to win & match points over 165.5

The reigning premiers welcome Geelong to the Gabba on Saturday evening, aiming to make it three from three. The Lions survived a scare in Round 3 as West Coast pushed them all the way before roaring back to win by 19 points. The Cats hit the road with a 1-1 record so far. We expect Brisbane to win and this to be a high-scoring contest, going over 165.5 total points.

Hawthorn vs GWS Giants

Hawks to win & match points under 166.5

Hawthorn and GWS face off at the MCG in what could be the pick of the Round 3 fixtures, with both sides unbeaten so far. The Hawks have started 3-0 for the first time since their 2014 Premiership-winning season, while the Giants have impressed with back-to-back wins. We’re backing Hawthorn to make it four in a row in a tight, low-scoring encounter under 166.5 match points.

Adelaide vs North Melbourne

Crows to win by 40+ Points

Adelaide have enjoyed a flawless start to the 2025 season, winning both matches by 61 and 63 points. North Melbourne, fresh off a 59-point win over Melbourne, will back themselves at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon. However, we expect the Crows to dominate again and win comfortably by 40+ points.

West Coast vs Fremantle

Fremantle to win by 1-39 points

West Coast and Fremantle face off at Optus Stadium on Sunday in a battle of the winless sides. The Eagles nearly pulled off the upset of the season in Round 3 against Brisbane, while the Dockers suffered heartbreak against Sydney, conceding in the final two minutes. Both sides will be determined to get off the mark but we think Fremantle will have the edge and claim victory by 1-39 points.

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