The 2026 AFL Season kicks off on Thursday March 5th 2026 as once again the AFL targets the northern states of New South Wales and Queensland for its season launch. However, this time there are five matches in Opening Round, with the fifth coming on Sunday at the home of footy, the MCG.
The Swans and the Blues finished 10th and 11th last season respectively, and they'll do the honours of kicking off season 2026 on Thursday night. Friday night footy follows with two likely contenders in the Suns and the Cats locking horns at People First Stadium. Saturday in Opening Round features a double-header with four strong teams in action; the Giants host the Hawks, while the Lions take on the Bulldogs. Finally, the round comes to a close on Sunday night with the Saints and the Magpies coming together.
The best Australian sports betting sites have the Swans as the shortest favourites this weekend, with the Blues as long as nearly $4.00 at some agencies. The Lions will begin their quest for a three-peat as $1.44 favourites on Saturday night.
Check out the 2026 AFL Opening Round tips, predictions and betting odds below.
As always, Before You Bet will be providing betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 AFL season. The links below take you directly to our game previews, or you can also head to our AFL Tips page where you will find all of our content for season 2026!
2026 AFL Opening Round Tips
| Thursday March 5th 2025 |
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| 7:30pm (AEDT) |
SCG |
Sydney ($1.36) vs Carlton ($3.55) |
Preview |
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| Friday March 76h 2025 |
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| 8:05pm (AEDT) |
People First Stadium |
Gold Coast ($1.63) vs Geelong ($2.28) |
Preview |
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| Saturday March 7th 2025 |
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| 4:15pm (AEDT) |
ENGIE Stadium |
GWS ($2.44) vs Hawthorn ($1.56) |
Preview |
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| 7:35pm (AEDT) |
Gabba |
Brisbane ($1.45) vs Western Bulldogs ($2.78) |
Preview |
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| Sunday March 8th 2025 |
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| 7:20pm (AEDT) |
MCG |
St Kilda ($1.91) vs Collingwood ($1.93) |
Preview |
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