<
>

Who you should be tipping in Round 3 of the AFL

play
Who's overperforming? Looking at Champion Data's 100X stat (3:48)

The ESPN Footy Pod team talks about 100X - the stat which ranks every player per 100 minutes played, against the competition average, in that position. Who has had a good start to the year? (3:48)

Welcome back everyone, can you believe it's already Round 3!? Speaking of three, how are you, Collingwood fans? This round is another big one, as Easter is upon us I hope your tips can bring home the chocolates. So who are you tipping in Round 3 of the AFL?

Don't worry, we've got your back. Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPNfootytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!

This week starts off with a bang on Thursday as last year's premiers and runners up face off at the Gabba, fighting to get their first win of the season. On Saturday night two strong midfields will come up against each other as the Power host the Dees, and in a Easter Monday classic, the Hawks and Cats will meet on the hallowed turf of the MCG.

This weekend is going to be big, and luckily we have your best interests in mind.


EXPERT TIPS:

Jake Michaels

Last week: 6
Season total: 15

Certainty and why: I feel as though whoever is playing the Eagles will feel like the certainty and it's no different this week. The Bulldogs beat them by 101 points in 2022 and then got the better of them in a tighter one last year. Expect another win here.

Upset and why: The Crows are already facing a mini must-win scenario to avoid falling to 0-3 and I really think they're a better side than the Dockers who have started the year in fine fashion. If there's an upset this week, it'll be Adelaide over Fremantle.

Tips for the week:

Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood
North Melbourne vs. Carlton
Fremantle vs. Adelaide Crows
Essendon vs. St. Kilda
Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne
Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles
Richmond vs. Sydney Swans
Hawthorn vs. Geelong


Matt Walsh

Last week: 4
Season total: 10

Certainty and why: The Swans look irresistible throughout the early parts of 2024, and Richmond is fielding an inexperienced team most weeks. Sydney should win.

Upset and why: There's no real upset candidate this week (and I need to play it safe). Perhaps the one to watch with some interest is Adelaide in the west. They've been rubbish on the road, the Crows, but really need four points.

Tips for the week:

Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood
North Melbourne vs. Carlton
Fremantle vs. Adelaide Crows
Essendon vs. St. Kilda
Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne
Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles
Richmond vs. Sydney Swans
Hawthorn vs. Geelong


Jarryd Barca

Last week: 6
Season total: 14

Certainty and why: West Coast may have beaten the Western Bulldogs at this venue last year, but I can't see that repeating this time around. The Dogs have too much talent and the reality is this is a finals fancy up against the likely wooden spooners. Lock 'em in.

Upset and why: I think Melbourne will beat Port Adelaide away from home, despite defensive linchpins Steven May (ruled out of Round 3) and Jake Lever under injury clouds. In Harrison Petty and Marty Hore they have good cover, and enough firepower to upset the home team. This should be closer than the current odds suggest.

Tips for the week:

Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood
North Melbourne vs. Carlton
Fremantle vs. Adelaide Crows
Essendon vs. St. Kilda
Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne
Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles
Richmond vs. Sydney Swans
Hawthorn vs. Geelong