Basketball
AFL
Cricket
Horse Racing
NRL
Soccer
Tennis
All Sports
American Football
Boxing
Betting Masterclass
eSports
Golf
Greyhounds
Motor Sport
Rugby Union
UFC / MMA
Here are the latest Upcoming Previews and predictions for Round 1 in the AFL.
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au 18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au #AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Opening Round rarely tells the whole story, but it did provide a few clues. Sydney and Gold Coast exploded out of the blocks. GWS looked far sturdier than the injury talk suggested, while Collingwood once again handled a tight game the way experienced sides do. Now Round 1 fills out the ladder with nine fixtures from Thursday through Sunday.
Carlton vs Richmond
Blues to win by 1-39 points
Carlton were blown apart by Sydney in the second half last week. Michael Voss will be looking for a far harder edge around the contest this time, starting with Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh. Richmond begin their campaign here with Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis as the obvious focal points.
We’re backing Carlton to steady themselves and get the job done at the MCG.
Essendon vs Hawthorn
Hawks to win by 1-39 points
Hawthorn’s loss to GWS was not as worrying as the margin suggested. The Giants moved the ball brilliantly, but Sam Mitchell’s side still had good shape through captain James Sicily. Essendon open their season under Brad Scott with a list still juggling injuries.
We’re backing Hawthorn to look the more settled side and grind out the win.
Western Bulldogs vs GWS GIANTS
Bulldogs to win by 1-39 points
This one has real edge. The Bulldogs beat Brisbane in a high-pressure finish last week, with Marcus Bontempelli once again dragging his side through key moments. But GWS looked slick against Hawthorn. Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan were dangerous every time the ball went forward.
We’re backing the Bulldogs to carry that momentum into another tight win.
Geelong Cats vs Fremantle
Cats to win by 1-39 points
For Geelong, the equation is simple: last week’s 56-point loss to Gold Coast cannot repeat. Chris Scott is likely to regain Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron, which immediately sharpens the Cats’ forward structure. Fremantle arrive fresh with Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw ready to test the midfield.
We’re backing Geelong to respond at GMHBA Stadium.
Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions
Swans to win by 1-39 points
Sydney were the most impressive team of Opening Round. Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden controlled the game through the middle, and Brodie Grundy gave the Swans first use. Brisbane head to the SCG after losing to the Bulldogs and now face a few selection headaches.
We’re backing Sydney to control the tempo and win at home.
Collingwood vs Adelaide Crows
Magpies to win by 1-39 points
Collingwood’s win over St Kilda felt familiar. Craig McRae’s side rarely panic when games tighten. Nick Daicos still dictates how the Magpies move the ball, while Adelaide counter with Jordan Dawson and Taylor Walker providing experience at either end.
We’re backing Collingwood to edge another close one.
North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
Power to win by 1-39 points
Port Adelaide possess one of the more dangerous midfield pairings in the competition. Connor Rozee and Zak Butters drive the Power’s ball movement and often set the tempo around stoppage. North Melbourne are improving around Harry Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke, but the Power look the more complete side right now.
We’re backing Port Adelaide to control the midfield battle and win.
Melbourne vs St Kilda
Demons to win by 1-39 points
Melbourne still rely on the familiar spine built around Max Gawn and Jake Lever. St Kilda come off a loss to Collingwood and now face a structural challenge with Rowan Marshall entering concussion protocols.
We’re backing Melbourne to control the stoppages and take the points.
Gold Coast SUNS vs West Coast Eagles
Suns to win by 40+ points
Gold Coast were electric against Geelong last week. Christian Petracca added immediate star power alongside Noah Anderson and Touk Miller, while Ben King finished the work inside 50. West Coast remain deep in a rebuild.
We’re backing the Suns to win comfortably at People First Stadium.
Looking for the best bookmakers to bet on the AFL?
At BettingPro.com.au, we provide up-to-date info on the best Australian online betting sites for the 2026 AFL season. Get the best odds, expert tips, and all the insights you need to make informed bets.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au 18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au 18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au 18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au #AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au 18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au Exclusive 365AUCODE referral code: bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers.18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
