The 2025 AFL season begins on Thursday evening with reigning premier Brisbane and Geelong kicking off Opening Round at the Gabba. 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 6
Brisbane vs. Geelong
Team news: Well, if the cyclone set to hit Brisbane doesn't cause havoc, this should be a belter. A re-match of last year's epic preliminary final, the Lions will be hoping for a fit squad, including the return of a number of players who suffered season-ending injuries in 2024. Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy are among those set to fight for a spot, with Tom Doedee set to appear later in the season. Levi Ashcroft, too, should be okay after copping a knock in preseason. For the Cats, Bailey Smith is expected to make his Geelong debut.
ESPN tip: Lions by 7 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.50, Cats $2.60
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
Sydney vs. Hawthorn
Team news: Callum Mills and Errol Gulden will miss the first few weeks of the season after sustaining foot and ankle injuries, respectively, while Brodie Grundy will need to pass a fitness test. For the Hawks, Changkuoth Jiath will miss the early parts of the season, while Mitch Lewis won't feature in Opening Round as he comes back from an ACL. Calsher Dear is also being managed through the early weeks.
ESPN tip: Hawks by 2 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $1.80, Hawks $2.00
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Gold Coast Suns vs. Essendon
People First Stadium, 5:15 pm (AEST)
Team news: The Suns have been hit hard with injuries this preseason. They will be without exciting prospect Leo Lombard, after he dislocated his shoulder in the preseason. Jed Walter will also need to serve a suspension and will return in Round 1, while Daniel Rioli is in line to return from an MCL. Mac Andrew (sternum) and Charlie Ballard (ankle), as well as veterans David Swallow (knee) and Lachie Weller (hamstring) are also in doubt. For the Bombers, Darcy Parish (back) is in a race against the clock to be fit, while Matt Guelfi will miss a few weeks with a hamstring strain. Exciting draftee Isaac Kako is expected to be unleashed in Opening Round.
ESPN tip: Suns by 8 points
Pointsbet odds: Suns $1.40, Bombers $3.00
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
GWS Giants vs. Collingwood
Team news: Dan Houston won't suit up for the Magpies in Opening Round as he still has one week to serve of his suspension from last season, but Tim Membrey should be in the frame to play. Meanwhile, Jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos are likely, but under a slight cloud. For the Giants, Tom Green will miss this week with a calf strain, and Sam Taylor is out for at least one week with concussion.
ESPN tip: Giants by 11 points
Pointsbet odds: Giants $1.85, Magpies $1.95