Opening Round was once aimed at generating more eyeballs and focusing our attention on footy in the northern parts of Australia.

Now, we can add an MCG blockbuster to the menu as the new-look Saints and wounded ‘Pies throw down.

For those new to The Huddle’s AFL column - welcome! We’ll keep things brief but hopefully identify the way the game will be played, who’s likely to come out on top and a betting suggestion for the contest.

I’ll aim for some accountability on the best bets, too.

For the latest analysis, news, odds, and betting tips for all this week’s action, check out my AFL Opening Round tips and predictions below, or follow me on the feed and see them there! 

Sydney vs v Carlton Prediction

Thursday, March 5, 7:30pm AEDT - SCG

We arrive in season 2026 with a clash between old friends.

Charlie Curnow won a pair of Coleman Medals as a Blue but departed in less than ideal circumstances. Some at the Blues wanted him to stay and help them build again, others decided he was best allowed to find a new home so the Blues could only have players who were fully engaged.

Curnow will be a task for Blues defenders as premier back Jacob Weitering is not ideally suited athletically to his former teammate.

The Swans will be keen to get a jumpstart on the season after an awful beginning to 2025, which ultimately cost them a chance at a late September run.

The midfield clash will be the highlight (aside from Curnow v Carlton) with Heeney, Warner and Gulden colliding with Cripps, Walsh and former Swan George Hewett.

Sydney should be too good, with too much overall class but the Blues would - and should - give themselves a sneaky chance.

Head-to-head prediction: Swans by 21 points.

Betting tip: Charlie Curnow 3+ goals

Gold Coast Suns vs Geelong Cats Prediction 

Friday, March 6, 8:05pm AEDT - People First Stadium

Geelong is the next team aiming to break the premiership hangover hoodoo.

Teams thumped in Grand Finals have a dreadful record across the past 30 seasons. But Chris Scott’s men have been staving off supposed cliffs and falls down the ladder since 2013. They’ll be confident they can get back to that last game of the season.

Gold Coast will, too. The Hardwick system has been in place long enough and the talent has been assembled - and added to in a big way.

At 30, Christian Petracca will be a force without many taggers coming his way. Anderson and Rowell (when back from injury) will continue to dominate.

I’d expect the Suns to be the #1 centre ball-up scoring team in the game. They were #3 last season and have added a dynamic mid in CP3.

The Suns feel like they arrive in as good a shape as possible, minus only their Brownlow Medalist.

Geelong have queries over Jezza and Bazlenka - two of their most important players. I’m not convinced their preparation has been as seamless.

The Suns at the line are my bet of the round, folks! 

Head-to-head prediction: Suns by 22 points.

Betting tip: Gold Coast -5.5 points

Greater Western Sydney vs Hawthorn Hawks Prediction 

Saturday, March 7, 4:15pm AEDT - ENGIE Stadium

With the key GWS injuries this pre-season, almost no one gives them a chance of rolling last season’s prelim finalists.

However the Hawks have had some last-minute hiccups themselves with Cam Mackenzie going down with a head knock and Jai Newcombe’s MRO drama. Should this game have been at the MCG, I’d have said the Hawks would’ve won by plenty.

Toby Greene is one to watch around the ball. Adam Kingsley has been open about the likelihood his captain would spend more time as an on-baller this season and that was before Tom Green was lost to an ACL.

And Clayton Oliver’s role just got more important after Green’s knee collapsed.

The Hawks might be too sharp for GWS overall but Finn Callaghan, captain Toby and big Jesse Hogan up front will have something to say about all that.

Head-to-head prediction: Hawks by 17 points.

Betting tip: Toby Greene 20+ disposals.

Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs Prediction 

Saturday, March 7, 7:35pm AEDT - The Gabba

I’m not a Dogs’ fan, but if I were, I’d be almost demanding my team went up to The Gabba and came away with the points.

Something of an ask considering you’re visiting the back-to-back reigning premiers but is there ever going to be a better opportunity for these Bulldogs to get up and rolling?

They looked slick last week against the Hawks, with their offensive punch still as potent as ever and they looked more aware defensively with Kennedy, Bontempelli and Sanders eager to get back and assist.

Former Sun Budarick also looks a handy pick-up, as Bailey Dale builds into the season off the knee injury.

The Lions are powerful and their ferocity looks to be there and there are still so many who are seeking premiership glory.

Arrivals Allen and Draper want some silverware, Kiddy Coleman does, too. Lincoln McCarthy missed both Premiership Cups, whilst there are more than a couple of kids making waves.

Good players will miss out on this starting 23 each week.

Head-to-head prediction: Dogs by 11 points.

Betting tip: Bulldogs +14.5 points.

St Kilda vs Collingwood Prediction 

Sunday, March 8, 7:20pm AEDT - MCG

This one is fast becoming the reverse ambush.

The ‘Pies were supposed to remain at the pointy end when it comes to premiership contenders - and they may be there when it is all said and done - but injuries might curtail them out of the blocks.

Moore and Howe will miss the Opening Round, meaning one of Marshall or De Koning, as well as Cooper Sharman will get some nice looks aerially for the Saints. 

Craig McRae typically never tags. Based on what we saw in Ballarat last week, he might think about changing his philosophy on the topic when it comes to quelling Nasiah The Messiah.

One match-up we can be confident about is Marcus Windhager v Nick Daicos. That’ll be key in regards to the outcome of the game.

I’d like to be with the new-look Saints and their fans will launch into the MCG expecting to win but you get the feeling the reverse ambush is on here.

McRae will have his soldiers and their gigantic army ready to roll.

Head-to-head prediction: Pies by 8 points.

Betting tip: SGM - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera 24+ disposals into Josh DAICOS 24+ disposals.