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AFL Round 1: Fixture, teams, news, tips, odds - everything you need to know for the round of football

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Way-too-early AA discussion ends in a (not so friendly) wager (2:31)

Red Time's Jake Michaels and Jarryd Barca name the players they think will make a surprising All-Australian case this season, and it's fair to say they don't agree. (edited) (2:31)

Keep up to date with all of all the Round 1 AFL fixtures, games, news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.


THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Carlton vs. Richmond

MCG, 7:30pm (AEST)

Team news: Carlton will have to make at least one forced change this week after scans revealed a ruptured ACL for veteran Sam Docherty. Jesse Motlop (toe) could be in the mix after missing the side's Opening Round win in Brisbane. Meanwhile, the Tigers are likely to welcome back Toby Nankervis, Tom Lynch, and Dustin Martin after preseason injury setbacks.

READ: Carlton's epic comeback means they must be taken seriously in 2024

ESPN tip: Blues by 31 points

Pointsbet odds: Blues $1.35, Tigers $3.20

Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!

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2:29
'Disgraceful' that George Hewett wasn't banned

The ESPN Footy Podcast team discuss the MRO's decision to not ban Carlton's George Hewett for his gut punch to Lachie Neale, describing it as an opportunity missed to set the tone for 2024.


FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans

MCG, 7:40pm (AEST)

Team news: Jeremy Howe (calf) was held out of the Collingwood team last week but will make his return for Friday night's clash against the Swans, with highly-rated youngster Fin Macrae also named in the starting side. The duo replace Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell (managed) and John Noble (omitted). For the Swans, Luke Parker (arm), Callum Mills (shoulder), and Taylor Adams (knee) all remain on the sidelines.

ESPN tip: Magpies by 5 points.

Pointsbet odds: Pies $1.50, Swans $2.60


SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Essendon vs. Hawthorn

MCG, 1:45pm (AEST)

Team news: Hawthorn will welcome Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan, Massimo D'Ambrosio, and Nick Watson (debut) in their match against the Bombers, who will also name four new players (Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, Todd Goldstein, and Xavier Duursma). Darcy Parish will miss with a hamstring injury.

WATCH: Is Essendon a sneaky finals chance in 2024?

ESPN tip: Bombers by 12 points.

Pointsbet odds: Dons $1.60, Hawks $2.35

GWS Giants vs. North Melbourne

ENGIE Stadium, 4:35pm (AEST)

Team news: Giants veteran Callan Ward is expected to miss eight weeks after injuring his AC joint in a tackle by Collingwood's Beau McCreery last week, but Finn Callaghan (shoulder) and Harry Perryman (hamstring) both return to the side. For North, Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma have been announced as Round 1 debutants, while Toby Pink, Zac Fisher, and Dylan Stephens have also been named.

ESPN tip: Giants by 45 points.

Pointsbet odds: Giants $1.08, Roos $8.00

Geelong vs. St Kilda

GMHBA Stadium, 7:30pm (AEST)

Team news: Geelong will be without Cam Guthrie for 8-10 weeks as he recovers from a quad injury, while forward Gary Rohan (back) will miss Round 1. But in better news, Shaun Mannagh he's been named to make his AFL debut. The Saints have selected newcomers Riley Bonner, Lance Collard, Liam Henry, and Darcy Wilson.

ESPN tip: Cats by 18 points.

Pointsbet odds: Cats $1.55, Saints $2.45

Gold Coast Suns vs. Adelaide Crows

People First Stadium, 8:10pm (AEST)

Team news: Adelaide star Taylor Walker has been ruled out with a back injury, which has paved the way for former Sun Chris Burgess to make his club debut against his old side. Damien Hardwick has elected to go in unchanged from last week's impressive win over the Tigers.

READ: 'That has to be the goal' - Dawson declares finals a 2024 expectation for Crows

ESPN tip: Suns by 3 points.

Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.74, Crows $2.10


SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs

MCG, 1:10pm (AEST)

Team news: Former Saint Nick Coffield will play his first senior match since the 2021 season, while new teammates Ryley Sanders, Lachlan Bramble, James Harmes, and Harvey Gallagher have also been selected for the Dogs. Meanwhile, the Dees have made a host changes; Adam Tomlinson (omitted), Jake Bowey (injured), Josh Schache (omitted), and Charlie Spargo (injured) will be miss, with Marty Hore, Kysaiah Pickett, Tom McDonald, Tom Fullarton, Koltyn Tholstrup, and Ben Brown among the inclusions in the extended squad.

READ: Bontempelli confident Bulldogs can soar in 2024 following disappointing season

ESPN tip: Demons by 9 points.

Pointsbet odds: Dees $1.65, Dogs $2.20

Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles

Adelaide Oval, 4:00pm (AEST)

Team news: Harley Reid is expected to don the blue and gold for his Eagles debut this week.

ESPN tip: Power by 50 points.

Pointsbet odds: Power $1.05, Eagles $9.50

Fremantle Dockers vs. Brisbane Lions

Optus Stadium, 6:50pm (AEST)

Team news: Lions star Lachie Neale will miss this week's game after tweaking his hamstring in Opening Round.

ESPN tip: Lions by 28 points.

Pointsbet odds: Dockers $2.65, Lions $1.48