AFL Season 2026 officially begins for North Melbourne and Port Adelaide when they do battle at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Having won just 20 matches since the start of the 2020 season, including only five last year, there is hope the Kangaroos may finally be about to rise beyond the wooden spoon races which have dogged the club this decade.

They’ve picked up some handy rookies, and their squad will be better for the run after another offseason together.

Port Adelaide also appears to be altering their approach in what will be Josh Carr’s first season as head coach.

In a forgettable year for Port fans, the Power won just nine matches last year to finish 13th, marking the club’s fewest wins and lowest ladder position since 2012.

Interestingly, this will mark the first time Jason Horne-Francis goes up against his former side in front of the Roos faithful. The rest of their encounters have been played across Adelaide and Tassie. 

Will the young gun midfielder be overwhelmed by the hostile crowd? Or will Horne-Francis simply block out the noise and put on yet another ball-winning clinic?

Port Adelaide won last season’s encounter 97-88 at the Adelaide Oval, led by 27 disposals and a goal from captain Connor Rozee.

The Power have won six straight against the Kangaroos but with a new era dawning for both clubs, anything can happen once the lights dim and the roof closes at Marvel Stadium.

Will North supporters have something to cheer about this year? Whether they can get the W or not, this game will give a good indication of how the Kangaroos have galvanised over the offseason.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide Round 1 prediction and preview below.

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

While the Power have held the wood over the Roos in recent years, the narrative surrounding Jason Horne-Francis’s return to Melbourne adds a layer of spice to this round 1 encounter.

There hasn’t been much to cheer about for North fans for quite a long time, so at least there will be something for them to jeer about.

Kangaroos come into this off a gritty pre-season win against an undermanned Collingwood, where they pinched a victory in the second half. While we try not to read into pre-season form, it was a promising performance in Ballarat from North Melbourne.   

Port Adelaide’s midfield faded late last season, depleted by injury and fatigued from a gruelling campaign. While they boast stars like Butters and Rozee, we think the Roos are sick of being the punching bags of the league and will be ready to make a statement.

With Nick Larkey leading from the front in his first match as captain, we expect North Melbourne to break their losing streak against the Power.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne by 8 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Nick Larkey remains the focal point of the North Melbourne attack and if North can get some early possession, he’ll be more than capable of breaking the game open.

As the freshly minted club captain, Larkey will be desperate to change the narrative for his teammates in front of a home crowd.  

Given his ability to find space and his reliability in front of the sticks, we are backing him to slot the first major of the afternoon.

Betting tip: Nick Larkey.

Most Disposals Prediction

Zak Butters is the engine room of the Port Adelaide midfield and consistently racks up massive numbers.

Coming off a phenomenal performance in the AFL origin, Butters has shown that he sits comfortably amongst the game’s premier midfielders.

His elite ability to find the ball and his importance to the Power's transition make him a good chance to lead the stats sheet for disposals.

Even if the result doesn't go Port's way, expect Butters to be in the thick of it all afternoon on the fast track at Docklands.

Betting tip: Zak Butters.

Odds are subject to change.*

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide Predicted Team Lists

North Melbourne Predicted Team List

FB: Toby Pink, Griffin Logue, Charlie Comben

HB: Finn O'Sullivan, Caleb Daniel, Tom Blamires

C: Jy Simpkin, Tom Powell, Dylan Stephens

HF: Paul Curtis, Cooper Trembath, Jacob Konstanty

F: Cameron Zurhaar, Nick Larkey, Lachy Dovaston

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel

I/C: Zane Duursma, Colby McKercher, Luke McDonald, Callum Coleman-Jones, Robert Hansen Jr

Port Adelaide Predicted Team List

FB: Joe Richards, Jack Whitlock, Darcy Byrne-Jones

HB: Joe Berry, Mitch Georgiades, Jason Horne-Francis

C: Jacob Wehr, Connor Rozee, Jase Burgoyne

HF: Kane Farrell, Aliir Aliir, Miles Bergman

F: Todd Marshall, Esava Ratugolea, Lachie Jones

FOLL: Dante Visentini, Zak Butters, Willem Drew

I/C: Corey Durdin, Jackson Mead, Ollie Lord, Jack Lukosius, Jordon Sweet

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide Match Details

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026

First Bounce: 1:10pm AEDT

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports