Opening Round of the 2026 AFL season gets underway Thursday evening with a blockbuster clash between Sydney and Carlton at the SCG. On Friday, the new-look Suns take on the Cats, while reigning premier Brisbane returns on Saturday to face the Western Bulldogs.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
Sydney Swans vs. Carlton
Team news: The Blues will unveil seven new faces when they face the Swans on Thursday night, headline by midfield gun and No. 3 draft pick Jagga Smith and former Sydney pair Ollie Florent and Will Hayward who return to the SCG. Key defender Harry Dean has also been picked to form an immediate defensive partnership with Jacob Weitering who has been deemed fit to play after suffering broken ribs in the Origin match last month. New recruits Ben Ainsworth, Campbell Chesser, and Liam Reidy will also suit up. Meanwhile, two players will don the red and white for the first time, with Malcolm Rosas Jr and Jai Serong both selected in Dean Cox's side. But they'll unfortunately be without Braeden Campbell who is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a shin problem.
ESPN tip: Swans by 17 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $1.30, Blues $3.50
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong
People First Stadium, 20:05pm [AEST]
Team news: The big shock from selection ngiht is that both Patrick Dangerfield (calf) and Jeremy Cameron (quad) will miss through injury. Bailey Smith and Gryan Miers have both overcome niggles and will play. Tanner Bruhn will also play his first game in nearly 18 months. For the Suns, Jamarra Ugle-Haganwill need to wait for a club debut, but fellow key forward Jed Walter will miss this week's clash after copping a one-week suspension for rough conduct. Zeke Uwland has been confirmed as a debutant.
ESPN tip: Suns by 10 points
Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.65, Cats $2.25
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn
Team news: The Giants have confirmed Finn Callaghan will suit up to face the Hawks, but Brent Daniels and Aaron Cadman join a long injury list, including Tom Green (ACL, year), Toby Bedford and Sam Taylor (both hamstrings). For the Hawks, Jai Newcombe has been cleared to play after a successful trip to the tribunal, while Tom Barrass has been named after pulling up sore from the Origin match. Notable absentees are Will Day, Cam Mackenzie, Ned Reeves, Calsher Dear
ESPN tip: Hawks by 13 points
Pointsbet odds: Giants $2.40, Hawks $1.57
Brisbane vs. Western Bulldogs
Team news: Bulldogs stars Sam Darcy (soreness) and Bailey Dale (knee) have both been named for this week's opener against the Lions. Meanwhile, Brisbane ruck prospect Zane Zakostelsky has been selected to make his debut in Sam Draper's continued absence, and Oscar Allen will make his Lions debut as well.
ESPN tip: Lions by 15 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.48, Bulldogs $2.75
READ: ESPN's AFL predictions for 2026: Who wins the flag, Brownlow, Rising Star, and more
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
St Kilda vs. Collingwood
Team news: St Kilda will unveil offseason recruits Tom De Koning, Liam Ryan, Sam Flanders, and Jack Silvagni for their opener against Collingwood, while Callum Wilkie has also been named despite corking his calf in the AAMI Community Series win over Essendon. Meanwhile, the Pies will go in undersized down back, with Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe both sidelined with injury. Former Swan Jack Buller will play his first game for the club.
ESPN tip: Saints by 6 points
Pointsbet odds: Saints $1.90, Magpies $1.90