AFL Round 0 Expert Tips & Predictions 2026

The AFL kicks off this week with Round 0 action, starting with Sydney vs. Carlton on Thursday night.

We have AFL betting tips for every game in 2026, including this week’s featured games between Gold Coast vs. Geelong, GWS vs. Hawthorn, and St Kilda vs. Collingwood.

AFL Round 0 Tips

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Thursday 5/3/26

7:30pm Sydney vs. Carlton @ SCG

Betting Tip: Carlton +22.5 @ $1.90

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Most of the early money is with the Swans, but we expect a solid start to the year for Carlton, who will want to show that they don’t need Charlie Curnow to succeed.

Curnow is playing for Sydney, so it’s an intriguing contest. He’s a good scorer, but the Blues have a solid enough defence to keep him from having a breakout performance, and getting a +22.5 start is sizable for the first game of the season.

We expect a close contest at the SCG, so take Carlton with the start.

Sydney by 12

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Friday 6/3/26

8:05pm Gold Coast vs. Geelong @ People First Stadium

Betting Tip: Geelong @ $2.22

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We’re surprised to see Geelong listed as $2.22 underdogs, and we can’t turn down the AFL odds on offer.

They might have been easily handled in last year’s AFL Grand Final, but they’re still a dangerous team, and a good chance to head back to the Grand Final this year.

Gold Coast has improved over the last few years, and it’s a solid team, but Geelong could be the more ready team, so take the underdog odds.

Geelong by 8

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Saturday 7/3/26

4:15pm GWS vs. Hawthorn @ ENGIE Stadium

Betting Tip: Hawthorn -9.5 @ $1.90

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The Hawks showed how dangerous they can be last season, and we don’t see any reason to jump off their backs in 2026.

They are one of the more exciting teams in the AFL, and although there are positives to make for GWS, it typically needs more time to find its rhythm.

Hawthorn should be ready to fire from the outset, and we predict them winning by double digits.

Hawthorn by 14

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7:35pm Brisbane vs. Western Bulldogs @ Gabba

Betting Tip: Brisbane –15.5 @ $1.90

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We expected the line to be higher than –15.5 for last year’s champions, who looked good during the pre-season.

The Lions don’t have many weaknesses, and playing at The Gabba is another positive. Based on that, our AFL predictions had the line at –22.5 against the Bulldogs, who don’t always make a strong start to the year.

Brisbane could make a big statement in the opening game, as it eyes back-to-back titles.

Brisbane by 22

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Sunday 8/3/26

7:20pm St Kilda vs. Collingwood @ MCG

Betting Tip: Collingwood @ $1.90

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AFL odds can’t split St Kilda and Collingwood, but we believe the edge goes to the Magpies.

They are one of the best starting teams on a consistent basis, and Collingwood could take the game by the scruff of the neck early to set up a big lead over the Saints.

We priced Collingwood at $1.60, and although we’re worried by the support for St Kilda, we’re trusting our call that the Magpies will take flight early in 2026.

Collingwood by 10

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.