How good is it to have the footy back?! After a cracking couple of games to start the 2021 season, the action is only just beginning as we head into our first massive Saturday slate of games. The Lions will host the Swans in a massive clash with both sides looking to get their season started on the right foot.
Remember, you can check out our preview and tips for every game in Round 1 and beyond of the AFL season, just be sure to head to our AFL Betting Tips page for regular updates.
2021 AFL Round 1 Brisbane vs Sydney Tips
The Gabba, Saturday 20th March 7:45pm AEDT
One of the Premiership favourites in the Lions will look to start their campaign off with a big win on home soil against a Swans side who will be desperate to improve on their 2020 season.
Match Prediction
As mentioned the Lions are one of the favourites to take out the flag this year after a stellar 2020 season which saw them finish 2nd on the ladder before being outclassed in the Prelim Final against Geelong. That loss will have hurt this young side who have built a roster which is proven to compete against the best sides in the competition. There is predicted to be a fair bit of rain on Saturday in Brisbane especially around the time of this match so that is something which we will need to consider. The Swans finished in a dismal 16th position last year and while you can argue they are in a rebuilding phase, the pressure will be on for players to perform at a club where expectations are always high.
With all that being said, I am expecting Brisbane to be too classy for their opponents tonight in a tough, rain-affected match. The Lions will be ready to fire after last season’s disappointment and will look to make a statement as premiership contenders in this season opener. They have added star forward Joe Daniher who is a massive inclusion into a forward line which had been lacking an established sharp shooter. Add in the reigning Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale playing alongside the likes of Jarryd Lyons and Dayne Zorko and the Lions look a scary prospect in 2021. I think the weather will dampen the speed of the game and may actually favour the Swans slightly which is why I am leaning towards the Lions winning but not a complete blowout.
The Swans lacked leadership and overall experience last season and I think they will continue to struggle until their core group of young players get some proper match experience under their belt. They are once again missing key big man Lance Franklin through injury and this match looks an uphill battle for John Longmire’s men. If they can keep this one within 3 or 4 goals it will be a relatively decent result.
I think Brisbane will comfortably come out on top and am expecting a big performance in front of a passionate home crowd. The rain may play a part in point scoring but can’t see the Swans causing the Lions too many issues. The Lions have 9 of their last 11 matches at the Gabba by 1-39 points and I think that trend may continue tonight.
Brisbane 1-39 (2 Units)
$1.91
Brisbane Prop Bet
I mentioned Joe Daniher in the preview and I think he is going to have a massive season with his new club. Daniher is one of the elite full-forwards in the competition and will be receiving top class service from his midfielders and half-forwards. Expecting him to get off to a massive start infront of his new home crowd and don’t think the Swans defenders will be able to match up on him. I think Daniher and forward partner Eric Hipwood can form one of the best duos in the league up front for the Lions and there is going to be plenty of goals from both of those guys throughout the season.
Sydney Prop Bet
Tough to single out a prop bet in the Swans side with so little known about how they are going to perform this season. I think the smart play is to focus in on one of their key midfielders and Luke Parker looks the one. Parker was the Swans best player last season and will need again be a top performer each week to give his side a fighting chance. With not much value available I’m going to take a chance that Parker can have a massive game to start the season and go past the 30 disposal mark. At the price it looks an enticing bet and Parker has the quality to rack up possessions for fun. In a Swans team who will likely struggle Parker should see plenty of ball.
Parker 30+ Disposals
$2.50
