The 2024 AFL season kicks off this week, with New South Wales and Queensland each hosting two games.
Sydney will welcome Melbourne to the SCG, Brisbane host Carlton, Richmond head to the Gold Coast and GWS take on premiers Collingwood.
So, who will come out on top in Opening Round?
MORE: AFL Injury List: Every club's medical concerns
Below are The Sporting News’ tips and predictions for the four Opening Round clashes:
Odds via TAB.
Sydney vs. Melbourne prediction, tip, best bet
The Demons have only played at the SCG once in the past five years, but they will take confidence from that performance - a round 24 win last season.
It's been a turbulent summer for Melbourne, with off-field issues lingering over their head as they enter a new campaign.
Simon Goodwin has confirmed Clayton Oliver will take on the Swans in what is sure to boost their chances, while Caleb Windsor, Blake Howes and Jack Billings will all play their first games for the club.
Sydney are dealing with injuries to Luke Parker, Callum Mills and Taylor Adams, meaning new recruit James Jordon joining Brodie Grundy in a new-look on-ball unit.
Expect Isaac Heeney to feature prominently around the footy to help pick up some of the slack.
Prediction: Sydney by 8
Best bet: Isaac Heeney 20+ disposals ($1.95)
Brisbane vs. Carlton prediction, tip, best bet
A rematch of last year's preliminary final, Brisbane will be once again looking to knock off the Blues.
Unfortunately for Carlton, they're coming into the opener under strength, with Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering ruled out, while several of their small forward contingent are in doubt.
After going down in the 2023 grand final, an almost-fully fit Brisbane side will be hard to beat at home in this one.
Look for Brisbane's power-packed forward line to get a hold of Carlton's defence without their leader Weitering.
Prediction: Brisbane by 30
Best bet: Brisbane -22.5 ($1.90)
Gold Coast vs. Richmond prediction, tip, best bet
Damien Hardwick's first home-and-away game in charge of the Suns sees him welcome his former club, Richmond, to his new home.
Gold Coast looked like a team still working out how to play under a new coach in pre-season but you can't put too much value on those games.
Hardwick has virtually his full squad to pick from and will be desperate to get the Suns off to a winning start in their mission to qualify for a maiden finals campaign.
New Richmond coach Adem Yze will be without Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch and Jack Graham in a big hit to their chances.
Prediction: Gold Coast by 17
Best bet: Noah Anderson to kick a goal ($2.05)
GWS vs. Collingwood prediction, tip, best bet
The rising Giants will go in as favourites against the reigning premiers but do have some injury worries.
Utility trio Finn Callaghan, Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming are all ruled out in a test of the GWS squad.
Collingwood will be missing Jeremy Howe (calf), while Scott Pendlebury faces a late fitness test.
Expect a tight rematch of the 2023 preliminary final, which saw the Magpies home by a point.
Prediction: GWS by 5.
Best bet: Beau McCreery to kick a goal ($2.10)
