The show must go on! AFL is still set to return on Thursday night in the midst of unprecedented times. No fans will be allowed to watch from the stands as COVID-19 continues to take effect on society, but here at ESPN, we've previewed Round 1 for all your tipping needs! All times are local.
Richmond vs. Carlton, MCG, Thursday 7.40pm
ESPN says: The Tigers, remarkably, have just about a full list of players to choose from, with just Bachar Houli set to miss the traditional season-opener against the Blues. Carlton, on the other hand, will be missing significant firepower up forward with no Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Eddie Betts. It's hard to see the reigning premiers losing this one.
Tip: Tigers by 28 points
Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood, Marvel Stadium, Friday 7.50pm
ESPN says: A scare went through the Colingwood camp when it was revealed skipper Scott Pendlebury was being tested for coronavirus, but thankfully that test came back negative. The Pies face a tough task against the Dogs at Marvel Stadium; many believe the men from the west can make an impact in finals, if we get that far this year. They may be too strong on their home deck.
Tip: Bulldogs by 10 points
Essendon vs. Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, Saturday 1.45pm
ESPN says: The Bombers debuted an exciting new style of play in preseason, and if they can master it during the home and away campaign, they might just break that finals hoodoo we've heard so much about. Conversely, the Dockers are struggling for depth down back, and with a coach Justin Longmuir at the helm for his first game, it's hard to see them winning this one on the road.
Tip: Bombers by 30 points
Adelaide vs. Sydney, Adelaide Oval, Saturday 4.05pm
ESPN says: These two teams could be battling it out in the bottom four come the end of the season. The Swans are rebuilding and have a young list profile, while the Crows have been gutted in the offseason and lacked direction and leadership under Don Pyke. Can new coach Matthew Nicks turn things around? They may win this one -- just -- because it's on the familiar expanses of Adelaide Oval.
Tip: Crows by 14 points
Gold Coast vs. Port Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 6.40pm
ESPN says: Cue the jokes about the Suns playing in front of the same sized crowd they normally do ... but they actually come into this home clash with a bit of confidence after preseason. They'll be able to get some much-needed games into Izak Rankine now, as well as draftees Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson, but Port should be too strong in this encounter, even if they don't look like a finals-bound team ... yet.
Tip: Power by 20 points
GWS Giants vs. Geelong, GIANTS Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm
ESPN says: This should be a fascinating early look at two finals-bound teams. However, the Cats' premiership window is closing, and the Giants are stinging after their three-goal showing in last year's Grand Final. All in all, this should be a cracking match, with the Giants to just be a little too strong for the ageing Cats.
Tip: Giants by 18 points
North Melbourne vs. St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, Sunday 1.10pm
ESPN says: Two clubs with two new coaches ... which of North's Rhyce Shaw or St Kilda's Brett Ratten will get 2020 off to a winning start? Both played decent footy in the preseason, and there may be a little more hype surrounding the Saints than the Roos. At this stage, the hype is justified, as without Ben Brown, it's hard to see North Melbourne winning this one.
Tip: Saints by 20 points
Hawthorn vs. Brisbane, MCG, Sunday 3.20pm
ESPN says: These teams have had some fascinating clashes in recent years, and Sunday shapes up as one of the games of the round. Will the Lions be able to back up their stunning 2019 form? How will Tom Mitchell return for the Hawks? It's hard to shake the feeling that we're in for a Clarko masterclass...
Tip: Hawks by 7 points
West Coast vs. Melbourne, Optus Stadium, Sunday 3.20pm
ESPN says: Judging be last year's form, this should be a blowout. But without the noise of affirmation behind the Eagles, and without any concrete indication of what we're going to see from the Demons this year, this game may be a little closer than what some expect. For the Dees to win, Simon Goodwin must unleash Christian Petracca in the middle but the home side should be too strong regardless.
Tip: Eagles by 27 points