AFL Round 1 betting news, match odds & market update

You could not have asked for more uncertainty and drama heading into an AFL season, but after weeks of deliberation, Round 1 will go ahead with some major adjustments.

One of the most important changes will be the exclusion of crowds due to fears of spreading the coronavirus. Another big alteration sees the quarters reduced to 16 minutes each with time on.

In the end, we still have the privilege to watch some footy this weekend, so we should make the most of this opportunity before one the players falls ill and the league goes on a break.

This week’s AFL odds come courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au – one of Australia’s best football betting sites.

Richmond vs Carlton Round 1 odds

As per recent tradition, the Richmond Tigers and Carlton Blues will face off at the MCG, but this time the atmosphere will be completely different. The Tigers will basically field their premiership side, including Marlion Pickett, who will need to adjust to a smaller crowd for his second AFL game. Richmond is the popular choice here at $1.30, pushing the Blues out to $3.40.

Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Round 1 odds

Both sides are waiting on a few fitness tests, so it is hard to say how they will line up come Friday night. The $2.08 Western Bulldogs are waiting to see if young forward Aaron Naughton is fit to play, which would be massive for their structure, whilst the $1.75 Collingwood Magpies are waiting on Taylor Adams in the midfield.

Essendon vs Fremantle Round 1 odds

The Essendon Bombers will look to put a tumultuous preseason behind them when they take on the Fremantle Dockers, who have dropped down the ladder in recent times. Essendon will enter with a $1.45 price tag, leaving the Dockers with $2.69 to upset the Bombers. Dual Brownlow Medal winner Nat Fyfe is fit to play.

Adelaide vs Sydney Swans Round 1 odds

The Saturday afternoon clash between the Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans features two teams that many pundits believe will struggle this year. Matthew Nicks will coach his first game for Adelaide, which sits as the $1.68 favourite. Can John Longmire’s Swans spring an early upset at $2.15?

GWS Giants vs Geelong Round 1 odds

Two of last year’s better teams will headline Saturday night’s action in a must-watch clash in Greater Western Sydney. The GWS Giants and Geelong Cats were brilliant last season, and we want to see if they can back it up this year. GWS is the current favourite at $1.57, leaving the Cats at $2.35 on the road.

Gold Coast Suns vs Port Adelaide Round 1 odds

You may think the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide Power are irrelevant this season, but there will be plenty of young talent on display in this match. The Suns will more than likely debut their prized draft picks Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson, who are ready to play some football. Port is favourite on the road at $1.46, with the home squad paying $2.65.

North Melbourne vs St Kilda Round 1 odds

Depending on who you converse with about these teams, you will either hear that they are going to jump up the ladder or remain non-threats. The North Melbourne Kangaroos are an enigma this season, as some experts see them making finals and others have them in the bottom four. The $1.80 St Kilda Saints have the edge at the bookies, with the Roos paying a healthy $2.

Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions Round 1 odds

Luke Hodge played a big part in helping the Brisbane Lions jump back inside the finals last year, and now another Hawthorn Hawks great will try to do the same thing. Grant Birchall will make his bow for the $1.75 Lions against his old mob, who sit at $2.08 on their home deck.

West Coast Eagles vs Melbourne Round 1 odds

This could end up being the final match of the AFL fixture for the foreseeable future, so let’s enjoy it. Watch the newly acquired Tim Kelly join the powerful West Coast Eagles midfield as they tackle Max Gawn and the Melbourne Demons. The Eagles are short favourites at $1.34 to win their opener at Optus Stadium, blowing out Melbourne to $3.18.

AFL 2020 Premiership betting

Odds for the 2020 AFL Premiership have not changed much in the lead-up to the season. The reigning premiers start on top but have a few tough matches early in the season, so you may get a better price for the Tigers in a couple of weeks. The Bulldogs are a very good option at $12, which will drop if they win this Friday against Collingwood.

Each team must play a minimum of 11 games or the entire premiership market will be voided. Bets will also become void if any changes are made to the finals structure before the series begins.

AFL 2020 outright winner odds

$4.50 – Richmond
$6.50 – West Coast Eagles
$8 – Collingwood, GWS Giants
$12 – Brisbane Lions, Geelong, Western Bulldogs
$18 – Hawthorn
$21 – Melbourne
$26 – Port Adelaide
$36 – Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda
$51 – Carlton
$81 – Adelaide, Fremantle, Sydney Swans
$301 – Gold Coast Suns

See more AFL odds at Sportsbet.com.au