AFL Rd 1 preview, predictions & betting tips

After an exciting opening round of the 2024 AFL Premiership season, round one is here as the remaining 10 teams begin their respective campaigns. Below are our free tips and predictions for all nine matches.

Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers

Thursday, March 14 – 7:30pm AEDT – MCG

A 46-point comeback win over the Brisbane Lions was a statement from the Blues, who showed their premiership credentials for 2024. Back at the MCG for their traditional clash with the Tigers on Thursday, they face a side that was comfortably beaten on the Gold Coast last week. After allowing the Suns’ key forwards to combine for eight goals, expect plenty of opportunities for Carlton pair Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

Collingwood Magpies vs Sydney Swans

Friday, March 15 – 7:40pm AEDT – MCG

The Magpies’ premiership defence got off to a rocky start as they went down to the GWS Giants by 32 points. Back at home for the unveiling of the flag, they face a Swans side that will be full of confidence after their 22-point win over Melbourne. Sydney recruit Brodie Grundy was impressive last week and will be looking for revenge against a former side for the second week in a row, while the Swans will be hoping to break a five-match losing streak at the MCG.

Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks

Saturday, March 16 – 1:45pm AEDT – MCG

After a disappointing 2023 for both sides, the Bombers and Hawks will be looking to get their season away to a hot start on Saturday. Both sides went hard at the trade table in the off-season, with up to five new faces a chance to play for each team. After finishing just outside the top eight last season, Essendon enter as favourites with online bookmakers and have won five of their past six meetings with Hawthorn.

GWS Giants vs North Melbourne Kangaroos

Saturday, March 16 – 4:35pm AEDT – ENGIE Stadium

After downing the defending premiers last weekend, the Giants will be looking for a big win against North Melbourne on Saturday. Following their 17th-place finish in 2023, the Kangaroos had a strong draft hand and are expected to field an inexperienced side. With the loss of Ben McKay in the off-season, there are concerns around the North Melbourne defence — something the GWS trio of Callum Brown, Jesse Hogan and Aaron Cadman will relish after kicking 11 goals between them last weekend.

Geelong Cats vs St Kilda Saints

Saturday, March 16 – 7:30pm AEDT – GMHBA Stadium

Despite their disappointing finish to the 2023 season, the Saints had plenty of positives under Ross Lyon and ended the year as the best defensive side in the AFL. Looking to improve this season, they face a tough opening match as they head to Geelong, where they haven’t won since 1999. However, given the Cats’ struggles at the end of last season, expect the Saints to turn this match into an arm-wrestle.

Gold Coast Suns vs Adelaide Crows

Saturday, March 16 – 7:10pm AEST – People First Stadium

In their first match under Damien Hardwick, the Suns delivered a statement as they led Richmond by 67 points late in the first half before running out as 39-point winners. Now they welcome the Crows, who will have finals aspirations after just missing the cut last season. However, after winning just three games on the road in 2023, major improvements will be needed if Adelaide are going to push up the table.

Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs

Sunday, March 17 – 1pm AEDT – MCG

Following their disappointing performance in the opener, the Demons will be looking to avoid a 0-2 start as they welcome the Bulldogs on Sunday. A team full of stars, inconsistent performances killed the Bulldogs last season as they missed the finals by just two points. Max Gawn vs Tim English, Christian Petracca vs Marcus Bontempelli, and Steven May vs Jamarra Ugle-Hagan are just some of the key matchups in what should be a cracking game.

Port Adelaide Power vs West Coast Eagles

Sunday, March 17 – 3:30pm ACDT – Adelaide Oval

After going out in straight sets in last year’s finals series, the Power have a point to prove this season and went all-in at the trade table. Kicking off their season on Sunday, they host an Eagles outfit that isn’t expected to challenge this season after finishing last in 2023. All eyes will be on number one draft pick Harley Reid making his debut for the Eagles, while Port Adelaide will be disappointed in anything but a comprehensive victory.

Fremantle Dockers vs Brisbane Lions

Sunday, March 17 – 3:50pm AWST – Optus Stadium

After surrendering a 46-point lead in their loss to the Blues, the Lions now face a tough away trip to Perth. The Dockers enter this season with tempered expectations as injuries to Sean Darcy and Brennan Cox leave their key-position stocks depleted. The Lions have won five of the past six games between the sides and will be sure to come out with guns blazing as they look to avoid going 0-2.

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