Ten AFL teams play their first game of the season as the proper Round 1 kicks off this weekend.
The Bombers appear to be value as short-priced favourite against Hawthorn, while the Suns have been boosted by an Adelaide injury.
Western Bulldogs look to be decently priced as an underog, while Brisbane will be keen to take advantage of an injury-hit Fremantle.
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Below are The Sporting News’ tips and predictions for Round 1:
Odds via TAB.
Essendon vs. Hawthorn prediction, tip, best bet
The 'line in the sand' rivalry resumes as the Bombers and Hawks begin their AFL seasons.
While Essendon will be without Darcy Parish and Jordan Ridley, the Hawks have an extensive injury list themselves.
Defenders James Blank, Denver Grainger-Barras and Changkuoth Kiath are all out, while best 22 players missing include Will Day, Chad Wingard and Seamus Mitchell.
With the Bombers employing all their new recruits - Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, Todd Goldstein and Xavier Duursma - they should have enough to get the job done at the MCG on Saturday.
Prediction: Essendon by 18 points.
Best bet: Essendon to win ($1.77)
Gold Coast vs. Adelaide prediction, tip, best bet
The Suns were super impressive in their first match dispatching Richmond and will be at home once again against Adelaide.
While Adelaide are expected to be stronger this season, they will be going into this game without star forward Taylor Walker - who has been ruled out with injury.
Walker's absence along with the fact it's the Crows first game of the season, definitely tips the scales significantly in favour of Gold Coast.
Gold Coast at the line looks to present decent value.
Prediction: Gold Coast by 22 points.
Best bet: Gold Coast -7.5 points ($1.90)
Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs prediction, tip, best bet
Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs meet on Sunday at the MCG in what promises to be a close encounter.
The Demons fell short disappointingly against an injury-hit Sydney last week, while the Bulldogs will be opening their season.
While they have Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, Melbourne appears to have midfield depth issues and this could be exposed by the Dogs deep engine room.
We are not confident enough to back the Bulldogs outright but the line gives some leeway for a close Melbourne win.
Prediction: Bulldogs by 5 points.
Best bet: Bulldogs +7.5 points ($1.90)
Fremantle vs. Brisbane prediction, tip, best bet
We are calling a mulligan on Brisbane's second half performance against Carlton and back them to bounce back against the Dockers,
Other than Keidean Coleman (ACL), the Lions are full strength and will be keen to make amends on their choke versus the Blues.
Fremantle have significant injury concerns with Sean Darcy and Heath Chapman ruled out, while Brennan Cox and Michael Frederick are in doubt.
The Dockers weren't too impressive in pre-season and will need a mighty performance to get up.
Prediction: Brisbane by 24 points.
Best bet: Brisbane -12.5 points ($1.90)
