AFL Round 3 2026 Expert Tips & Predictions

The AFL continues this week with Round 3 action, starting with Geelong vs. Adelaide on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Collingwood vs. GWS, St. Kilda vs. Brisbane, and Carlton vs. Melbourne.

AFL Round 3 Tips

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Thursday 26/3/26

Geelong hasn’t performed up to its usual standard, and Adelaide could take advantage on Thursday night.

Despite losing to the Western Bulldogs last week, it was a good game from the Crows, who pushed until the very end. They will be confident in their abilities following the loss, and a bounce back win over Geelong could happen.

We can’t bet on Geelong until they prove that they can beat a premier team, so it should be a close contest.

Adelaide by 2

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Friday 27/3/26

Collingwood should have enjoyed the bye last week, and the Magpies know what they need to work on to beat teams like GWS.

It has been a tough start to the year for the GIANTS, who sit in 13th spot on the AFL ladder, and although they came back late against St Kilda, it wasn’t a good game. They were outplayed throughout the game by the Saints, and Collingwood isn’t any easier.

We’re not surprised by the –10.5 line for Collingwood, who should score a comfortable win at home.

Collingwood by 18

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Saturday 28/3/26

Despite betting on St Kilda to win last week and getting the chocolates, we’re tipping against them in Round 3.

Brisbane hasn’t produced the goods so far after their title-winning efforts in 2025. However, the Grand Final hangover is a real thing, and they should start clicking into gear against teams like the Saints.

If they’re on their game, covering a –12.5 spread won’t be hard, and we expect the real Lions to show up and roar.

Brisbane by 21

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The Dockers let loose with a one-sided win over Melbourne last week, and facing Richmond won’t put any fear into their eyes.

We expect Richmond to stay near the bottom of the AFL ladder throughout most of the year, and with Fremantle’s confidence growing, it should put up big wins over the easier teams in the competition, hence the –45.5 line.

Our AFL predictions this week have Fremantle winning by 50+.

Fremantle by 52

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Both teams were disappointing last week, with North Melbourne blowing a great chance to improve to 2-0 when losing to lowly West Coast.

They were favoured to win, but despite losing, they didn’t play too poorly. West Coast was able to wrestle momentum after a low start to pull away, and North Melbourne’s lack of experience in that situation didn’t help.

Essendon was flat-out poor against Port Adelaide, so until the Bombers show something, they’re out of our AFL picks.

North Melbourne by 20

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Sunday 29/3/26

Port Adelaide scored an impressive win over Essendon last week, and another one-sided victory is likely against West Coast.

We expect money to come for West Coast following its win over North Melbourne, but this is a different situation, and winning in Adelaide against a confident team should prove too much for the underdogs. Therefore, we’re taking the Power –30.5.

It’s a big line, but consistency doesn’t favour West Coast, who could revert to their losing ways.

Port Adelaide by 37

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Carlton should be better with a bye under their belt, and we’re surprised to see them as underdogs against Melbourne.

The Demons couldn’t follow their Round 1 win with much against Fremantle, and that could see their confidence take a big dive.

The Blues have enough ability to score a win at the MCG, so take the odds.

Carlton by 8