AFL R3 preview, free betting tips & match predictions

The 2024 AFL Premiership season continues this week with a grand final replay taking top billing. With the Giants and Suns on their bye, below are our AFL betting previews for all eight matches this Easter weekend.

Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Magpies

Thursday, March 28 – 6:30pm AEST – Gabba

After a disappointing start to the season for both teams, the two grand finalists from 2023 are still searching for their first win of the season. After their loss to the Saints last weekend, the Magpies now risk a 0-4 record as they head up to the Gabba as substantial underdogs with top AFL bookmakers. Coming off a bye, the Lions will be refreshed and looking to extend their four-match winning streak over Collingwood at home.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues

Friday, March 29 – 4:20pm AEDT – Marvel Stadium

Although North Melbourne are winless through two games, they played patches of good footy in their defeats to GWS and Fremantle. In the annual Good Friday clash, they face a Carlton outfit that is undefeated and fresh off a bye. As heavy favourites, the Blues should be far too strong, but given they have won their past six matches by under a goal, this may be closer than expected.

Fremantle Dockers vs Adelaide Crows

Friday, March 29 – 4:30pm AWST – Optus Stadium

Following an impressive 26-point comeback win on the road over North Melbourne last weekend, the Dockers sit 2-0 for the first time since 2015. They now welcome the Crows for just their second-ever meeting at Optus Stadium. A disappointing start to the season has soured expectations for the Crows, who will be looking to put in a strong performance away from home — something they struggled to do last year.

Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints

Saturday, March 30 – 4:20pm AEDT – Marvel Stadium

The Saints got onto the winners’ list last weekend as they beat Collingwood by 15 points. Coming in as betting favourites against Essendon, they will be looking to get their season on a roll against a side that conceded a season-high 131 points against the Swans last Saturday. These sides have seven wins each from their past 14 matches, but the Saints should be confident against the depleted Essendon defence.

Port Adelaide Power vs Melbourne Demons

Saturday, March 30 – 7pm ACDT – Adelaide Oval

Following their comprehensive wins over the Eagles and Tigers to start the season, Port Adelaide welcome the Demons in a clash that will test their premiership aspirations. Melbourne have responded well to their opening-round loss, with dominant wins over the Bulldogs and Hawks showing their ability at their best. This match should be exciting as two of the best midfields in the AFL go head-to-head.

Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday, March 31 – 1pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

The Bulldogs opened their account for 2024 with a dominant 48-point win over the previously undefeated Suns last weekend. They now welcome the last-placed West Coast, who once again look like they will struggle throughout the year. A loss to the Eagles cost the Bulldogs a finals berth last season, so expect a statement performance from Luke Beveridge’s men.

Richmond Tigers vs Sydney Swans

Sunday, March 31 – 4pm AEST – MCG

The Swans continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 30-point win over the Bombers. They now head to the MCG, where they come in as heavy favourites against the winless Tigers. In a season where they were expected to struggle, this could be the opportunity for Richmond to turn their season around, but they will have to stop the dynamic Sydney attack.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Geelong Cats

Monday, April 1 – 3:20pm AEST – MCG

The Cats will be looking to continue their stellar start to the season when they face the winless Hawks at the MCG on Easter Monday. After a strong victory in Adelaide, Geelong now head into this clash without injured captain Patrick Dangerfield, which may open the door for the young Hawthorn midfield. Historically, these matches have been unpredictable, no matter the ladder position, but given how poor the Hawks have looked so far, the Cats are rightly favourites.

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