<p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/afl-premiership-winner-2026-9641840">The 2026 AFL season</a> is just around the corner, with the Opening Round officially starting on Thursday, March 5 at the SCG.</p> <p>But before the hunt for the premiership begins in earnest, there is one final chance for clubs to dust off the cobwebs and fine tune their tactics without premiership points on the line.</p> <p>The AFL Community Series is an exciting round for grassroots footy fans and Aussie Rules traditionalists alike; it’s refreshing to see clubs play at their historical home grounds.</p> <p>The Community Series trial isn’t just important for fans, but for players too. From the heavy hitters of last season looking to start 2026 in good form, to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-rising-star">rising stars</a> eager to cause a stir, every minute of these hit-outs is vital.</p> <p>Whether you’re keen to see how your new recruits fare at the top-level, how the AFL’s new rules affect the game, or watching for indicators of early season form, plenty will come to light during this final round of trials.</p> <p>For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead the final round of pre-season action, check out our AFL Community Series Trials tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Geelong Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Wednesday, February 25, 7:10pm AEDT -&nbsp;Ikon Park</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues and the Cats kick off the final dress rehearsals at the spiritual home of the Carlton Football Club, and some would argue the most iconic suburban ground in Melbourne.</p> <p>The Cats went all the way to the big dance last season, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/predictions/geelong-cats-season-preview-2026">we predict that Geelong will be thereabouts again</a> come finals time.</p> <p>But, like all experienced campaigners, coach Chris Scott will have them building into the season and they will not hold too much weight trial match results.</p> <p>Carlton on the other hand will be desperate to prove their credentials and get some momentum going into the season.</p> <p>Particularly in front of their rabid home fans at Princes Park, we expect the Blues to roll out a full strength lineup and take the victory in this one.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Carlton</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Swans vs GWS Giants Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Thursday, February 26, 4:10pm AEDT -&nbsp;Henson Park</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Swans vs GWS has serious match of the round potential. The rivalry in Sydney AFL’s local derby gets more bitter every year and the suburban setting of this one should amp up the feeling.</p> <p>The Swans have the form, with four victories in the last five outings against the Giants. However, GWS will be coming into this one full of confidence after a fifth-place finish in 2025.</p> <p>The feeling will be real down at Henson Park and if Toby Greene takes the field, we won’t be surprised to see suspensions off the back of this.&nbsp;</p> <p>In an emotional game, often the side that keeps its cool is the one that prevails.</p> <p>Expect the Swans to show their professionalism and hit the ground running from the first ball-up.</p> <p>Swans by a goal.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Sydney Swans.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Thursday, February 26, 6:10pm AEST - Brighton Homes Arena</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The AFL comes to Brisbane’s southwest for a QLD local derby.</p> <p>It’s big brother vs. little brother as the reigning premiers take on the Gold Coast, the perennial underdogs of the AFL.</p> <p>Brisbane fans have been licking their lips in anticipation of seeing Kiedean Coleman back from injury and Oscar Allen and Sam Draper in a Lions kit.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Suns’<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-brownlow-medal"> Brownlow Medallist</a> Matt Rowell is sidelined, but the Gold Coast are preparing to roll out superstar Christian Petracca in the red, gold and blue.</p> <p>It's going to be a mouthwatering QLD derby and should tell us a lot about what to expect come <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/round-0">AFL’s Opening Round.</a></p> <p>Even in a pre-season trial, the big brother rarely drops a game, and it’s not a bright idea to bet against the back-to-back premiers&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Brisbane Lions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Richmond Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Friday, February 27, 4:10pm AEDT - Mars Stadium</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Saturday night sees the Dees take on Richmond at Mars Stadium, Ballarat.</p> <p>Richmond are still recovering from the Damien Hardwick era, in a rebuilding phase that continues to drag on for one of the biggest clubs in the AFL.</p> <p>Melbourne are expected to improve this year after a disappointing 2025 campaign. At their best, the Dees’ midfield is up there with the most clinical in the league.</p> <p>Even in a trial, the Dees’ depth should be too much for a Tigers side still finding its stripes.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Melbourne.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Friday, February 27, 7:10pm AEDT - Mission Whitten Oval</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks bring their brand of chaotic, fast-paced footy to Footscray, as they face-off against the Western Bulldogs.</p> <p>This match-up has the potential for a shootout, with both teams having a penchant for kicking goals from deep, and less emphasis on defence in a trial match.</p> <p>With Bontempelli riding high after captaining Victoria to an AFL origin victory and Aaron Naughton hitting his goal scoring prime, the Bulldogs might shoot clear in this one.</p> <p>The Hawks high-octane style is all about competing on every play and winning through fitness and pressure.</p> <p>This play style isn’t well-suited to trial matches, where players are conserving themselves for the season proper.</p> <p>Expect the Bulldogs to leave Footscray as victors in this one.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Western Bulldogs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Essendon Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Saturday, February 28, 3:10pm AEDT - Mars Stadium</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Expect a defensive grind as the Saints take on Essendon at Mars Stadium, Ballarat.</p> <p>Essendon fans have been waiting for finals success for over 20 years, languishing in mid-table mediocrity for much of the 21st century.</p> <p>In 2026, they have a clear direction, investing heavily into players of the future like Sam Durham.</p> <p>And this clash with St Kilda should bring us one step closer to knowing if this is finally their year.</p> <p>If the Saints can turn this into a contested scrap, they’ll have a good shot at edging it, but we fancy the Bombers' speed on the outside.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Essendon Bombers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs Adelaide Crows Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Saturday, February 28, 3:10pm AWST&nbsp;-&nbsp;Rushton Park</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/predictions/adelaide-crows-season-preview-2026">Adelaide Crows</a> head West, looking to prove themselves against Fremantle after falling short in 2025’s <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/afl-to-make-the-grand-final-2026-9839788">finals series</a> after securing the minor premiership.</p> <p>Fremantle at home is always a tough nut to crack, especially with their suffocating defensive mindset and relentless pressure off the ball.</p> <p>The Crows are no joke, and will threaten the Lions come finals time, but we’re expecting the Dockers to stand tall at home in the Western Australian heat.</p> <p>Expecting Freo to win, but this one is genuinely a flip of the coin.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Fremantle Dockers.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Collingwood Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Sunday, March 1, 3:10pm AEDT -&nbsp;Mars Stadium</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/predictions/collingwood-magpies-season-preview-2026">Collingwood Football Club</a>&nbsp;rounds out the weekend in Ballarat against the North Melbourne&nbsp;Kangaroos on Sunday afternoon.</p> <p>There will be a packed house for this one as North look to make a statement against an ageing Pies roster.</p> <p>We’re expecting veteran Pies like Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom to play limited minutes, resting to assist with their longevity throughout the season,<br /> <br /> So, the contest should largely be youth vs youth, in an energetic match with plenty of athleticism on display. The Kangaroos have been heavily reliant on their up-and-coming talent in recent years, and 2026 should be no different.</p> <p>The more experienced Magpies should flex their premiership muscles and pull through late in the piece.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Collingwood Magpies.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast Eagles vs Port Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><strong>Sunday, March 1, 3:10PM AWST - Mineral Resources Park</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>In the final match before the Opening Round, West Coast will host Port at Lathlain in Southeast Perth.</p> <p>Port Adelaide’s midfield faded out of games towards the back end of last year, raising questions about the possibility they were over-training.</p> <p>However, Port is coming into this one fresh off a break against a depleted Eagles outfit.</p> <p>The sheer class of Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis in the middle is likely to be too much for the Eagles defense to handle.</p> <p>The Eagles are still on the long road to recovery and while a home-ground advantage helps, the Power’s elite talent should shine through.</p> <p>Could be looking at Port Adelaide by a cricket score here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Port Adelaide Power.</p>