AFL Opening Round 2025 Expert Tips & Predictions

The AFL kicks off with the Opening Round, featuring four games before Round 1 action kicks off on March 13.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2025, including this weeks’ featured games between Brisbane vs Geelong and Sydney vs Hawthorn.

AFL Opening Round Tips

—

Thursday 6/3/25

7:50pm Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats @ Gabba

The Brisbane Lions look to start their title defence with a win over the Geelong Cats, and playing at the Gabba only adds to their chances.

Brisbane has a strong roster top to bottom, and although we don’t think it will go back-to-back in 2025, it’s good enough to put up a big win over the Cats, who we also think could struggle to keep up with expectations this season.

Bookmakers have the line at –15.5 for the Lions, and although the AFL Premiership hangover is a real thing, they’re well-coached and they should come out firing from the outset.

Betting tip: Brisbane Lions –15.5 @ $1.90

Lions by 20

—

Friday 7/3/25

7:40pm Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks @ SCG

Our AFL predictions have the Hawks going all the way in 2025, and we predict them kicking things off with a win over the Sydney Swans.

We think the Swans could struggle this year, and it comes down to consistency. They have talented enough players to beat most AFL teams, but there can be a lack of leadership at times, and betting on them comes with risk.

That was the case for Hawthorn for many years until it hit its straps in 2024. It was a big turnaround from the Hawks, who have been well-backed to win the premiership, and the years of hard times could soon pay off.

Punters get $1.98 moneyline odds for the Hawks, and those odds could firm on game day.

Betting tip: Hawthorn Hawks @ $1.98

Hawks by 10

—

Saturday 8/3/25

5:15pm Gold Coast Suns vs Essendon Bombers @ People First Stadium

The Gold Coast Suns are $1.44 favourites to beat the Essendon Bombers in the opening game, and this is the best time to jump on Essendon.

The Bombers often give their fans something to get excited about in the early stages of the year, and although that hope eventually dwindles, punters can cash in the early rounds, such as against the Suns on Saturday.

Getting $2.80 and a +14.5 line for Essendon is a good price against a team like Gold Coast, which doesn’t always put in the ultimate effort.

Betting tip: Essendon Bombers +14.5 @ $1.90

Essendon by 3

—

Sunday 9/3/25

3:20pm GWS Giants vs Collingwood Magpies @ ENGIE Stadium

A close game is expected between the Giants and Magpies on Sunday, and we give the edge to the Giants with the help of home field advantage.

Our AFL predictions have the Giants making a good fist of things in 2025, so getting $1.85 against the Magpies in the opening game is a fair price. Collingwood could take a few weeks to find their best form, and facing the Giants at ENGIE Stadium isn’t an easy environment.

We expect the Giants’ odds to firm to around $1.70, so punters should snap up the value.

Betting tip: GWS Giants @ $1.85

Giants by 8