{"id":83703,"date":"2026-03-10T17:04:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T07:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=83703"},"modified":"2026-03-10T17:04:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T07:04:48","slug":"2026-afl-round-1-tips-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/03\/2026-afl-round-1-tips-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 AFL Round 1 Tips & Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Five games of footy are officially in the books, and we’re already starting to learn plenty about who might be contending and who might be pretending in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Round saw the Bulldogs pull off an upset against the Lions and the Suns make an equally large statement at home against the Cats, not to mention the Giants adding further concern to Hawthorn’s season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A full slate awaits looking ahead to Round 1, headlined by four monstrous games on Saturday that could easily be an early taste of finals. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
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Carlton <\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Richmond<\/div>\n
Thursday 12th March 2026 6:30 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Richmond to Cover (+13.5)\u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Once the traditional\u00a0season-opener, and now a game the Blues\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0afford to lose. The takeaways from the first half last week against the Swans were positive, but surrendering a whopping 74 points in the third quarter has heaped further pressure on Michael Voss. The\u00a0ball\u00a0movement looked better, but the Blues were still smashed through the midfield once the Swans started to control possession.\u00a0The Tigers are still rebuilding, but with an\u00a0up and coming\u00a0list and the memories of last year\u2019s 13-1 upset on this same stage, all the pressure is firmly on the Blues to respond.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Blues vs Tigers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Essendon<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Hawthorn<\/div>\n
Friday 13th March 2026 6:40 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Hawthorn 1-39\u00a0@\u00a0$2.20\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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If the theory \u2018you\u2019re only as good as your last game\u2019 is true, then the Hawks have some serious work to do in 2026. There were a few signs of a comeback in Saturday\u2019s 27-point loss to GWS, but Sam Mitchell will be wanting more from his back line after allowing Jake Stringer to kick five goals. Questions around Hawthorn\u2019s small forward line and reliance on Jack Gunston appear warranted, while their ability to find targets inside 50 still needs some work. Essendon, meanwhile, left a lot to be desired in their blowout preseason loss to St Kilda a few weeks ago and have lost more than they\u2019ve gained on the personnel front this year. The Hawks should win, but it may not be the blowout many expect.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Bombers vs Hawks<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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Western Bulldogs<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
GWS Giants<\/div>\n
Saturday 14th March 2026 12:15 PM (Marvel Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Bulldogs to Cover (-20.5)<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Another chapter in what is sure to be a feisty encounter between two sides that\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0get along. The\u00a0Dogs\u2019\u00a0come-from-behind win over the Lions last week was a genuine statement, while the Giants reminded everyone that there is still plenty of talent left in Western Sydney, even without superstar midfielder Tom Greene. It\u00a0was only one game, but the Dogs looked to have the killer blow of a serious Premiership contender, led by Ed Richards, Tim\u00a0English\u00a0and Marcus Bontempelli during the final quarter up in Brisbane. The Giants, on the other hand, left the door open for times against Hawthorn, relying on some unforeseen brilliance from Jake Stringer. Back at the Kennel with their tails up,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0leaning the\u00a0Dogs by\u00a0a few.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Dogs vs Giants<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
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Geelong Cats<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Fremantle<\/div>\n
Saturday 14th March 2026 3:15 PM (GMHBA Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Fremantle to Cover (+12.5)\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

A tough start to the season for the Dockers, but\u00a0one Justin Longmuir\u2019s side will certainly be up for\u00a0given two of their last three visits to the Cattery have resulted in a win. Geelong coach Chris Scott said all is calm\u00a0following last week\u2019s dismal loss to the Suns, a game that saw the Cats blown out of the water early with only two first quarter goals. Turnovers and some key outs were to blame,\u00a0and\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0still no news on the Jeremy Cameron or Patrick Dangerfield front at time of writing. After years of defensive-first footy,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0hard to put too much stock in Freo\u2019s offseason\u00a0promise\u00a0that they are focusing on attacking and scoring points this year. That said, they are a dangerous team up forward and through the middle, one that could easily send the Cats to 0-2 if they\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0careful.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Cats vs Dockers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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Sydney Swans<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Brisbane Lions<\/div>\n
Saturday 14th March 2026 6:10 PM (SCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Swans to Cover (-15.5)\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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A tough trip to the SCG awaits the Lions on Saturday, who will\u00a0likely be\u00a0without key defender Harris Andrews, as well as Zac Bailey and\u00a0superstar midfielder\u00a0Hugh McCluggage.\u00a0Replacing\u00a0Andrews is an insurmountable task down back for coach Chris Fagan, although there were plenty of positives about the way the\u00a0back to back\u00a0Premiers played last week despite allowing the Dogs to finish over the top. The Swans, meanwhile, flexed their muscle after a slow start against the Blues, piling on the points in the second half.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0too early to say that the Bloods are back, but\u00a0they\u2019ve\u00a0already shown the ability to switch things up a gear when needed. Errol Gulden and Justin McInerney dominated when it mattered most, while Charlie Curnow kicked a lazy three goals. On the road with some massive outs, this is a\u00a0tough spot for the Lions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Swans vs Lions<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
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\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Collingwood<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Adelaide Crows<\/div>\n
Saturday 14th March 2026 6:35 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Crows to Win\u00a0@\u00a0$2.10\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

We get our first look at the Crows in what is a tall order away from home against a rejuvenated Pies outfit. After resting\u00a0almost everyone\u00a0in their preseason hit-out against North, Collingwood came out with a chip on its shoulder on Sunday night, getting a hold of St Kilda thanks to some classy play from the\u00a0Daicos\u00a0brothers.\u00a0The decision to play Scott Pendlebury as the sub already looks like a stroke of genius, while the Pies are set to get even stronger down back with Darcy\u00a0Moore\u00a0a chance at returning. The Crows have had their problems on the road for the better part of three years,\u00a0although all things\u00a0considered,\u00a0they\u00a0remain\u00a0one of the healthiest teams in the league. Despite how impressive they were at times, the Pies let St Kilda back into the game on a handful of occasions, and a more potent team up forward probably could have taken advantage. Adelaide has that firepower and are\u00a0arguably being\u00a0disrespected a little in the market.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Pies vs Crows<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
North Melbourne<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
Port Adelaide<\/div>\n
Sunday 15th March 2026 12:10 PM (Marvel Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Port Adelaide 1-39\u00a0@\u00a0$2.30\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

A definite must-watch game between two sides fancied to finish toward the bottom of the ladder this year. North has some\u00a0serious questions\u00a0to answer with a depleted defensive line down back, and it sounds like\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0have to wait until Round 3 to see George Wardlaw return to the field. Port has less to worry about on the injury front, but under a new head coach with a handful of top-line talent\u00a0in the midst of\u00a0a contract year,\u00a0it’s\u00a0hard to get a gauge on the Power right now. Sitting on the fence is preferable, until you remember Port has won six in a row over North dating right back to 2020. With the easiest draw in the comp over the opening six rounds, the Power could surprise early.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Roos vs Power<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
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Melbourne<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
St Kilda<\/div>\n
Sunday 15th March 2026 2:15 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n
Tip: Alternate Handicap \u2013 Melbourne (+16.5)\u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

The new-look Dees take to the \u2018G on Sunday with a couple of familiar faces missing. With Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver gone, this shapes as a tall order against a St Kilda side that still has everything to prove following a disappointing\u00a0–\u00a0yet familiar\u00a0–\u00a0loss to the\u00a0Pies\u00a0in Opening Round.\u00a0New recruit\u00a0Tom\u00a0deKoning\u00a0impressed, but\u00a0it\u00a0was still a case of the Saints lacking consistency up forward as Cooper Sharman and Liam Ryan squandered some serious opportunities late in the final term. Ross Lyon will be ruing the decision not to tag Nick\u00a0Daicos, but he should rest easy knowing\u00a0there\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0the same level of superstar talent on this Melbourne roster capable of hurting his club the same way. On the\u00a0flip side, how the Dees choose to approach Nasiah\u00a0Wanganeen-Milera is one of many fascinating stories worth watching in this one.\u00a0Nothing would be more disastrous than an 0-2 start for a club pegged as a serious Top 4 hope, but until we see something change, you could easily entertain the Dees here to keep this interesting.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Dees vs Saints<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
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\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n
\n
Gold Coast Suns<\/div>\n
vs<\/div>\n
West Coast Eagles<\/div>\n
Sunday 15th March 2026 5:10 PM (People First Stadium)<\/div>\n
Tip: Suns to Win & Over 186.5 Total Points\u00a0\u00a0<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n

A tough start for the reigning wooden spooners as the Eagles\u00a0travel\u00a0East to face a Suns side that looks every\u00a0bit\u00a0a Premiership contender.\u00a0Gold Coast\u2019s demolition job against Geelong was one of the biggest storylines to\u00a0emerge\u00a0from Opening Round, highlighted by a monstrous three-goal, 34 disposal game by Christian Petracca on debut. The Suns are humming and looking to give their home crowd something to cheer about for the second week in a\u00a0row, but\u00a0rest assured coach Damien Hardwick will be stressing the importance of his side taking this week\u2019s opponent seriously. They say the great sides take care of inferior opponents, so look for the Suns to rack up the score with a nice percentage booster.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\n Suns vs Eagles<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Five games of footy are officially in the books, and we’re already starting to learn plenty about who might be contending and who might be pretending in 2026. Opening Round saw the Bulldogs pull off an upset against the Lions and the Suns make an equally large statement at home against the Cats, not to mention the Giants adding further concern to Hawthorn’s season. A full slate awaits looking ahead to Round 1, headlined by four monstrous games on Saturday that could easily be an early taste of finals. Carlton vs Richmond Thursday 12th March 2026 6:30 PM (MCG) Tip:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":83704,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[33],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-83703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-australian-rules","tag-afl-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"10\/03\/2026","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83703"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83703\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83703"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=83703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}