AFL Opening Round Expert Tips & Predictions

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AFL Opening Round Expert Tips & Predictions

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It’s footy season! We’re back with AFL tips for every game in 2024, including the season opener on Thursday between Sydney vs Melbourne.

The feature AFL Opening Round games include Brisbane vs Carlton, and GWS vs Collingwood.

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AFL Opening Round Tips

 Thursday 7/3/24

7:30pm Sydney Swans vs Melbourne Demons @ SCG

There isn’t much between the Swans and Melbourne at the sportsbook, with the Swans holding a narrow advantage.

The jury is out on the future of these teams in 2024, but we expect more from the Swans in the opening round of action.

Expectations would increase significantly if Sydney prevailed over Melbourne, and we think Melbourne will regress this year.

Getting $1.89 for the Swans is about the best price punters will get for them at home, and a massive crowd will be on hand to cheer them home.

Betting tip: Sydney Swans @ $1.89

Swans by 12

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Friday 8/3/24

7:40pm Brisbane Lions vs Carlton Blues @ Gabba

We have big expectations of the Lions, who have been threatening to win the AFL premiership for a few years.

They had it slip through their fingers when losing to the Collingwood Magpies last year, and it’s all about attitude as to how they bounce back from such disappointment.

Given how well-coached they are, punters should be confident of the Lions holding Carlton at bay on Friday night.

Carlton is a team that has threatened to make a deep playoff run. However, the Blues often disappoint more often than not.

The sportsbook has the Lions at $1.30 in head-to-head markets and –22.5 with the points spread. We’re confident enough in the Lions to back them to cover at the Gabba.

Betting tip: Brisbane Lions –22.5 @ $1.90

Lions by 25

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Saturday 9/3/24

4:20pm Gold Coast Suns vs Richmond Tigers @ Heritage Bank Stadium

We are intrigued to see what the Gold Coast Suns show this season, in particular in the early rounds.

Winning early could set the tone for the rest of the year, and beating teams like the Richmond Tigers are needed if they’re to make the playoffs.

Richmond has been on a steady decline, and we didn’t see enough in 2023 to give it much chance of winning most of its games in 2024.

Touk Miller and Jarrod Witts were named co-captains, and their experience and talent could be enough to beat the Tigers, who need to introduce some young blood.

Getting Gold Coast at –13.5 is too good to pass up, and it could make a statement in the opening round.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Suns -13.5 @ $1.90

Suns by 20

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7:30pm GWS Giants vs Collingwood Magpies @ GIANTS Stadium

The Giants are another home team favoured to win, but they’re facing the defending AFL champions Collingwood.

Beating Collingwood has proven too tough for most teams over the last few years, but there is confidence with the Greater Western Sydney outfit.

Much like the Gold Coast, the Giants would love to kick-start their year with a statement win. We’re happy to include them in our selections as the home team, and punters get fair odds.

They are paying $1.68 to win outright and –4.5. Getting a line that short for the home side is too good to pass up, so look for a quality Giants victory.

Betting tip: GWS Giants -4.5 @ $1.90

Giants by 10

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About Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism. Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports. Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.