AFL Round 0 Expert Tips & Predictions 2026

The AFL kicks off this week with Round 0 action, starting with Sydney vs. Carlton on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Gold Coast vs. Geelong, GWS vs. Hawthorn, and St Kilda vs. Collingwood.

AFL Round 0 Tips

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Thursday 5/3/26

Most of the early money is with the Swans, but we expect a solid start to the year for Carlton, who will want to show that they don’t need Charlie Curnow to succeed.

Curnow is playing for Sydney, so it’s an intriguing contest. He’s a good scorer, but the Blues have a solid enough defence to keep him from having a breakout performance, and getting a +22.5 start is sizable for the first game of the season.

We expect a close contest at the SCG, so take Carlton with the start.

Sydney by 12

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Friday 6/3/26

We’re surprised to see Geelong listed as $2.22 underdogs, and we can’t turn down the AFL odds on offer.

They might have been easily handled in last year’s AFL Grand Final, but they’re still a dangerous team, and a good chance to head back to the Grand Final this year.

Gold Coast has improved over the last few years, and it’s a solid team, but Geelong could be the more ready team, so take the underdog odds.

Geelong by 8

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Saturday 7/3/26

The Hawks showed how dangerous they can be last season, and we don’t see any reason to jump off their backs in 2026.

They are one of the more exciting teams in the AFL, and although there are positives to make for GWS, it typically needs more time to find its rhythm.

Hawthorn should be ready to fire from the outset, and we predict them winning by double digits.

Hawthorn by 14

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We expected the line to be higher than –15.5 for last year’s champions, who looked good during the pre-season.

The Lions don’t have many weaknesses, and playing at The Gabba is another positive. Based on that, our AFL predictions had the line at –22.5 against the Bulldogs, who don’t always make a strong start to the year.

Brisbane could make a big statement in the opening game, as it eyes back-to-back titles.

Brisbane by 22

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Sunday 8/3/26

AFL odds can’t split St Kilda and Collingwood, but we believe the edge goes to the Magpies.

They are one of the best starting teams on a consistent basis, and Collingwood could take the game by the scruff of the neck early to set up a big lead over the Saints.

We priced Collingwood at $1.60, and although we’re worried by the support for St Kilda, we’re trusting our call that the Magpies will take flight early in 2026.

Collingwood by 10