The opening game of the 2026 AFL season begins on Thursday night with a close match between Sydney and Carlton at the SCG. The new Suns take on the Cats on Friday, while reigning premiers Brisbane return to take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

Stay up to date with all fixtures, team news, predictions, odds, results, reactions, videos and more.

Thursday, March 5th

SCG, 7:30 p.m. [AEST]

Team news: Jagga Smith is the biggest lock imaginable for Carlton, while Michael Vos is almost certain Jacob Vitering will recover from a broken rib to face Charlie Curnow and the Swans.

ESPN Tips: Swans 17 points difference

point bet Odds: Swans $1.30, Blues $3.50

Friday, March 6th

People First Stadium, 8:05 p.m. [AEST]

Team news: Cats fans will be pleased to know that manager Chris Scott is confident that both Bailey Smith and Jeremy Cameron will play, with Grian Myers also likely to play. Shannon Neal, who injured her knee in last week’s ruck contest, is also expected to suit up. Jamara Ugur-Hagan is set to make his debut with the Suns.

ESPN Tips: Suns 5 points behind

point bet Odds: Sun $1.65, cat $2.25

Saturday, March 7th

ENGIE Stadium, 4:15 p.m. [AEST]

Team news: The Giants are increasingly confident that Finn Callahan will suit up to play against the Hawks, but Brent Daniels joins a long injured list that includes Tom Green (ACL, 2016), Toby Bedford and Sam Taylor (both hamstrings). Hawks guard Jay Newcombe may not be able to play unless a referee overturns his one-game suspension.

ESPN Tips: Giants 3 point difference

point bet Odds: Giants $2.40, Hawks $1.57

Gabba, 7:35 p.m. [AEST]

Team news: to be decided

ESPN Tips: Lions 15 points difference

point bet Odds: Lions $1.48, Bulldogs $2.75

Sunday, March 8th

MCG, 7:20 p.m. [AEST]

Team news: to be decided

ESPN Tips: Magpies 11 points difference

point bet Odds: Saints $1.90, Magpies $1.90