2026 AFL Round 1
2026 AFL Round 1 Tips (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
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2026 AFL Round 1
Bets.com.au AFL experts give their predictions and preview for every game of 2026 AFL Round 1.
10
Total Updates Since10 Mar 2026
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13 Mar 2026Melbourne Demons vs St Kilda Saints AFL Round 1 Tips - Saints Tipped to Rebound at the G
- St Kilda Saints favored to win by a narrow 1-39 point margin.
- Melbourne Demons face form challenges with new players emerging.
- Key players: Mitch Owens for goals, Callum Wilkie for disposals.
- The game will be played at MCG on Sunday, 15th March, with the bounce at 3:15 PM (AEDT)
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13 Mar 2026Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions AFL Round 1 Tips - Always Take the Defending Premiers as Underdogs
- Sydney are favorites, but experts recommend betting on Brisbane due to recent matchups.
- Expect a close game; Brisbane's midfield pressure may hinder Sydney’s attack.
- Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale are key players to watch for standout performances.
- The game will be played at SCG on Saturday, 14th March, with the bounce at 7:10 PM (AEDT)
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13 Mar 2026Gold Coast Suns vs West Coast Eagles AFL Round 1 Tips - Raining goals on the Goldy
- Gold Coast Suns expected to dominate West Coast Eagles
- Christian Petracca's addition powers up Suns' midfield; Ben King & Bailey Humphrey to shine.
- West Coast debuts new faces but anticipates a tough match against a superior opponent.
- The game will be played at People First Stadium on Sunday, 15th March, with the bounce at 6:10 PM (AEDT)
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12 Mar 2026Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks AFL Round 1 Tips - Hawks Tipped to Soar Higher than Bombers
- The game will be played at MCG on Friday 13th March, with the bounce at 7:40 PM (AEDT)
- Hawthorn Hawks predicted to win over Essendon Bombers in AFL 2026 Round 1.
- Essendon in rebuilding phase, aiming for player development.
- Key players: Mabior Chol (3+ goals), Jai Newcombe (25+ disposals).
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12 Mar 2026North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power AFL Round 1 Tips - Roos value in Marvel thriller
- North Melbourne Kangaroos are slight favourites in what shapes as a tight contest against Port Adelaide Power.
- Experts expect a close match with value around the Kangaroos in a potential Marvel Stadium thriller.
- Key players: Harry Sheezel for disposals, Mitch Georgiades and Nick Larkey as key goal threats.
- The game will be played at Marvel Stadium on Sunday 15th March, with the bounce at 1:10 PM (AEDT).
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12 Mar 2026Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers AFL Round 1 Tips - Dockers capable of upset at GMHBA
- Geelong Cats enter as favourites but face a dangerous Fremantle Dockers side capable of causing an upset at GMHBA Stadium.
- Experts expect Fremantle to stay within the line thanks to their strong midfield depth.
- Key players: Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong for disposals
- The game will be played at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday 14th March, with the bounce at 4:15 PM (AEDT).
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12 Mar 2026Western Bulldogs vs GWS Giants AFL Round 1 Tips - Load up on the Dogs
- Western Bulldogs favored at Marvel Stadium against GWS Giants.
- Bulldogs have won 15 of their last 19 games at Marvel.
- Sam Darcy is predicted to score 3+ goals, Tom Liberatore over 25 disposals.
- The game will be played at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, 14th March, with the bounce at 1:15 PM (AEDT)
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12 Mar 2026AFL Teams Round 1 2026 Full Team Lists and Selection News
- AFL Teams Round 1 2026
- Essendon introduces three AFL debutants.
- Richmond's top-10 draft pick Sam Grlj makes debut.
- Geelong's stars Dangerfield and Cameron return.
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11 Mar 2026AFL Round 1 Tips 2026: Jesse’s Predictions & Margins for Every Match
- Jesse from True Footy AFL Podcast picks every game of Round 1
- Carlton seeks redemption against Richmond; strong midfield advantage.
- Hawthorn's system may best Essendon despite tight midfield battle.
- Geelong's home dominance could outmatch Fremantle's midfield strength.
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11 Mar 2026Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers AFL Round 1 Tips - Blues to bounce back after shocker in opener
- Carlton Blues are favourites and expected to respond strongly after their heavy Opening Round defeat.
- Richmond were competitive in 2026 but will they have enough class to cover the line?
- Key players: Sam Walsh for disposals, Tim Taranto to rack up possessions through stoppages.
- The game will be played at the MCG on Thursday 12th March, with the bounce at 7:30 PM (AEDT).
