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Get expert AFL 2026 Opening Round 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 Opening Round of the AFL season.
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Sydney Swans vs Carlton
Swans to win by 1-39 points
Opening Round arrives with two clubs looking to rewrite last year’s story, after Sydney and Carlton both finished outside the eight. The Swans begin at the SCG with a clear sense of intent, and the off-season addition of Charlie Curnow adds an extra layer of intrigue against his former side.
With Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney driving the midfield, Sydney’s forward mix looks sharper, even with a couple of early-season injury concerns. Carlton’s pre-season results under Michael Voss have raised expectations and they’ll believe they can travel well, but they also come in with a few key names missing or under a cloud.
We’re backing Sydney to start cleanly at home and edge a lively season opener.
Gold Coast Suns vs Geelong Cats
Suns to win by 1-39 points
This is a fascinating early litmus test: Geelong were a top-two side last season, while Gold Coast’s rise into finals contention means the Suns now carry real expectation at home. The Suns’ midfield-forward balance looks built to score quickly, particularly with Christian Petracca adding star power around the contest. Geelong’s preparation under Chris Scott has centred on key personnel getting up, and leaders like Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron still bring proven composure into big away nights, even if they are not at full rhythm yet.
We’re backing Gold Coast to ride the home energy and hold off the Cats late.
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn
Hawks to win by 1-39 points
GWS finished inside the top six last year, but their build-up to Opening Round has been dominated by availability, with multiple key pieces either ruled out or managing issues. Toby Greene’s influence will be crucial if the Giants are to generate early momentum at ENGIE Stadium.
That kind of disruption can be hard to cover against a Hawthorn side coached by Sam Mitchell that carried momentum into September in 2025 and now looks more comfortable with the expectations that come with it. With James Sicily marshalling the defence, the Hawks appear slightly better set for Round 1 intensity.
We’re backing the Hawks to capitalise and grind out an away win.
Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs
Lions to win by 40+ points
Brisbane open the season as reigning premiers and there is no mystery about what makes them hard to stop at the Gabba. Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley rarely lose the inside battle, and once Charlie Cameron gets space at ground level, the game can open up quickly. Chris Fagan’s side don’t need everything to click to put scoreboard pressure on teams.
The Bulldogs were close to finals last year and Marcus Bontempelli will again carry a heavy load, but they arrive with a few fitness concerns and a trip north against the premiers is a brutal way to begin. If Brisbane control the contest early, they can build a lead that’s hard to reel in.
We’re backing Brisbane to control it from the outset and pull clear.
St Kilda vs Collingwood
Magpies to win by 1-39 points
This feels like the most evenly balanced game of the round. St Kilda are trying to move beyond a middling 2025 and will look to Rowan Marshall to set the tone around stoppage, especially against Collingwood’s ruck rotation. The Saints have talent, but early-season cohesion can take a few weeks to settle. Collingwood, under Craig McRae, have been here before.
In tight games, Nick Daicos finds time where others don’t and Scott Pendlebury still knows exactly when to slow things down. Even with a couple of defensive absences, the Magpies tend to handle these arm-wrestles better than most.
We’re backing Collingwood to edge a close one at the MCG.
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