AFL Opening Round Tips & Preview - Best bets for the opening round

By Adam Cusworth

06 Mar 2025

Adam Cusworth 06 Mar 2025

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Two games postponed due to Cyclone Alfred
Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn kicks off the season
GWS Giants host Collingwood with injury challenges for both teams

Hawks to win (Getty Images)

The opening round of the 2025 AFL season takes place from March 7. Adam Cusworth provides his best bets for the two games taking place.

Brisbane Lions vs Geelong, Thursday March 6

Postponed to a later date due to Cyclone Alfred.

Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn, Friday March 7, SCG, 7:40pm AEDT

The 2024 Grand Finalists, the Sydney Swans host Hawthorn, marking the opening match of the AFL season after the Brisbane Lions and Geelong clash was postponed due to extreme weather.

The Swans just shade the Hawks for favouritism but will have to do it without their All-Australian midfielder Errol Gulden, who sustained a fractured ankle in their Community Series win against the Gold Coast. Captain Callum Mills is also out with a calf injury.

Hawthorn were the talk of the AFL world late in 2024, producing a stunning turnaround from the bottom of the ladder early on to reach the semi-finals. Their defence has been bolstered with the acquisitions of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass.

Recent encounters favor Sydney, who have won five of their past six matches against Hawthorn, including a decisive 75-point victory in Round 7, 2024.

However, Hawthorn's youthful squad, led by coach Sam Mitchell, will be eager to build on their recent successes and can challenge the Swans in this season opener.

Best Bet - Hawthorn to Win$1.91 with PicklebetBet at Picklebet

Gold Coast vs Essendon, Saturday March 8

Postponed to a later date due to Cyclone Alfred.

GWS Giants vs Collingwood, Sunday March 9, ENGIE Stadium, 3:20PM AEDT

The GWS Giants are set to host Collingwood on Sunday, concluding the AFL's Opening Round.

Both teams will be missing key players due to injuries. Giants forward Jesse Hogan fractured his thumb in a door accident, while Collingwood's Jordan De Goey is out with knee bruising.

The Giants, coming off a semi-final loss in 2024, have strengthened their lineup with the addition of Jake Stringer from Essendon.

In contrast, Collingwood, the 2023 premiers, have recruited Harry Perryman from GWS to bolster their midfield.

Former Power playmaker Dan Houston won’t make his debut in the black and white stripes until Round 1.

In the corresponding match last year, GWS secured a 114-82 victory, with Tom Green contributing 30 disposals. However, Green will miss this match due to a calf strain.

With both sides facing injury challenges, this clash promises to be a closely contested season opener.

Best Bet - GWS Giants to Win$2.20 with ElitebetBet at Elitebet

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