AFL 2025 Round 1 – Betting tips & Predictions

We are treated to our first full round of the 2025 AFL season, with nine games in total. This is the first time that we will see the majority of the teams step out and all will be vying to get off to the best start possible. Will the favourites triumph, or will the underdogs cause a shock.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck into some 2025 AFL tips for Round 1 action!

Well, you don’t see head-to-head odds like this very often! The Tigers are given virtually no chance by the bookies, with Bet365 currently offering $9.50 for the Tigers to win. It’s easy to see why, many think the Tigers will claim the wooden spoon this season.

Last season, the Blues got the better of the Tigers twice, with the other match ending in a draw. Anything but a blowout is very unlikely, even with Charlie Curnow ruled out. The line for the Blues to cover is obviously a massive one, but I think they can do it.

For something different, look for Patrick Cripps to get his season off with a massive game. He averaged 25.7 disposals last year and I think he’s in for another big season in the disposal department. The Blues to get a statement win to start their season.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Blues -49.5	$1.88
	Patrick Cripps 30+ disposals	$1.87
	Blues -49.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

Richmond Tigers: N. Broad, B. Miller, N. Vlastuin, T. Brown, J. Blight, J. Short, K. McIntosh, J. Hopper, S. Banks, T. Sonsie, J. Bauer, S. Lalor, S. Campbell, T. Lynch, R. Mansell, T. Nankervis, T. Taranto, J. Ross, T. Dow, L. Trainor, H. Armstrong, J. Trezise & M. Rioli

Carlton Blues: A. Saad, J. Weitering, J. Boyd, N. Haynes, M. McGovern, O. Hollands, B. Acres, P. Cripps, S. Docherty, E. Hollands, H. McKay, M. Cottrell, Z. Williams, B. Kemp, J. Motlop, T. De Koning, A. Cerra, S. Walsh, G. Hewett, L. Cowan, J. Silvagni, C. Lord & L. Camporeale

The Hawks will be looking to continue their winning streak after beating the Swans in Sydney last week as the underdogs. Playing at home, the Hawks aren’t the underdogs this time and I think we’re looking at another victory for the Hawks here.

They will have to get the win without James Worpel, who will probably miss three to four weeks after suffering a syndesmosis injury last round. With the Bombers just kicking off their campaign, I think the Hawks will not only win but also cover the line.

It seems as though the Bombers lack a little depth and might struggle against a team that has already had some match experience under their belts for this season. There are just too many holes and question marks around the Bombers for my liking.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Hawks -21.5	$1.88
	Hawks -20.5	$1.91
	Hawks -21.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

Hawthorn Hawks: T. Barrass, B. Hardwick, J. Scrimshaw, J. Weddle, J. Impey, J. Battle, J. Sicily, J. Newcombe, M. D’Ambrosio, C. Nash, H. Morrison, N. Watson, J. Ginnivan, M. Chol, W. Day, L. Meek, D. Moore, F. Maginness, C. Macdonald, S. Frost, C. Mackenzie & K. Amon

Essendon Bombers: A. McGrath, B. McKay, J. Ridley, M. Redman, Z. Reid, D. Shiel, X. Duursma, Z. Merrett, N. Martin, J. Gresham, H. Jones, A. Perkins, I. Kako, N. Caddy, K. Langford, S. Draper, J. Caldwell, S. Durham, N. Bryan, A. Roberts, E. Tsatas, B. Hobbs & J. Prior

Two teams do battle for the first time this season and this is going to be a doozy. The Cats and Dockers are both genuine Premiership contenders in my eyes. I don’t think there will be much between the two teams and it is difficult to simply go with the home team for the home advantage as the visiting team has won the last two clashes.

Fremantle looks to have some injury woes early on, but I’m expecting to see draftee Murphy Reid line up after an excellent preseason. So, I’ll be going against the recent trend of the visiting team winning and tip the Cats to get the job done.

The Cats are the current favourites and I’m also looking to Max Holmes to make his mark early in the 2025 season. Last season, his average disposals per game was 18.5 and I think he’ll get off to a flyer this year. This is the perfect game to show off what he can do.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Cats to win	$1.48
	Cats to win	$1.47
	Max Holmes 25+ disposals	$1.56

Predicted Squads

Geelong Cats: Z. Guthrie, J. Henry, J. Kolodjashnij, L. Humphries, C. O’Sullivan, T. Stewart, G. Miers, B. Smith, O. Dempsey, P. Dangerfield, J. Cameron, B. Close, T. Stengle, S. Neale, O. Henry, S. De Koning, M. Knevitt, M. Holmes, T. Atkins, S. Mannagh, M. Duncan, M. Blicavs & J. Bowes

Fremantle Dockers: L. Ryan, A. Pearce, B. Walker, J. Clark, B. Cox, H. Chapman, J. Sharp, J. O’Meara, N. O’Driscoll, S. Bolton, J. Treacy, M. Frederick, S. Switkowski, J. Amiss, S. Sturt, L. Jackson, C. Serong, A. Brayshaw, M. Johnson, M. Reid, J. Draper, L. Reidy & C. Wagner

The Swannies will be looking for a bounce-back performance after going down to the Hawks in the Opening Round, at home, as the favourites. That doesn’t bode well for what’s about to happen, a game against the reigning Premiers, a team they lost to in the final by 60 points.

I’m going to give the edge to the Swans for this one. They do have a match under their belts and while it was a loss, Isaac Heeney wasn’t his dominant self, so look for him to prove a point in this one against the team that put them to the sword in the final in 2024.

The Swans are a team that needs a win, they are off to Perth next round, which looks like a challenging assignment. That desperation and the home crowd will hopefully be enough for the Swans to notch their first win of the 2025 season.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Swans to win	$2.02
	Swans to win	$2.05
	Swans to win	$2.05

Predicted Squads

Sydney Swans: N. Blakey, L. Melican, S. Wicks, M. Roberts, D. Rampe, B. Paton, J. Lloyd, I. Heeney, J. McInerney, B. Campbell, T. McCartin, T. Papley, W. Hayward, J. Amartey, J. Jordon, B. Grundy, Ch. Warner, J. Rowbottom, O. Florent, A. Sheldrick, Co. Warner & T. Hanily

Brisbane Lions: B. Starcevich, H. Andrews, R. Lester, D. Zorko, J. Payne, D. Wilmot, J. Fletcher, W. Ashcroft, H. McCluggage, C. Rayner, L. Morris, J. Berry, C. Cameron, E. Hipwood, Z. Bailey, O. McInerney, L. Neale, J. Dunkley, K. Lohmann, C. Ah Chee, N. Answerth, S. Day & L. Ashcroft

It looks like another long year for the Kangaroos, who seem to be in a constant rebuild year. Despite the lopsided odds (the Bulldogs are the heavy favourites), I think this one will be pretty close. The Dogs are missing a lot of key players here and those who will take their place on the field don’t seem match fit.

As I’m thinking this will be a close one, it’s an easy pick for me. Take the Kangaroos on the line, they should keep this one close. There should be improvement with the Roos, but I’ll need to see them play first to show that they can notch up a couple more wins than last year.

The Bulldogs, despite missing a lot of major players, will in all likelihood, take care of the Kangaroos, but I don’t think it will be the runaway game some may think it will be. Looks like the Kangaroos will be fighting the Tigers for the wooden spoon, but a win here might change things.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Kangaroos +20.5	$1.88
	Kangaroos +19.5	$1.91
	Kangaroos +19.5	$1.90

Predicted Squads

Western Bulldogs: T. Duryea, R. Lobb, L. Bramble, J. Freijah, B. Khamis, B. Dale, R. Sanders, T. Liberatore, B. Williams, L. Vandermeer, A. Naughton, L. McNeil, R. Garcia, S. Darcy, R. West, T. English, M. Kennedy, E. Richards, J. O’Donnell, J. Harmes, H. Gallagher, S. Davidson & L. Cleary

North Melbourne Kangaroos: J. Archer, G. Logue, A. Corr, C. Daniel, C. Comben, D. Tucker, C. McKercher, J. Simpkin, B. Scott, L. Parker, N. Larkey, R. Hansen Jr, P. Curtis, J. Darling, C. Zurhaar, T. Xerri, L. Davies-Uniacke, H. Sheezel, W. Phillips, Z. Fisher, J. Konstanty, T. Powell & F. O’Sullivan

The Magpies come into this one after suffering a loss against the GWS Giants in Sydney. Now, they are back at home and are the favourites in this one against the Port Adelaide Power. It was a convincing loss in the Opening Round and Magpie fans will be looking for a bounce-back performance.

The Power haven’t played yet this season and there are a few question marks around the team. Todd Marshall looks to be out for the majority of the season, while one of their key players, Zak Butters will miss this match. It was a tough watch last game with Nick Daicos continually cramping up, but I think he’ll still play on Saturday.

There are a lot of holes in the Power and playing on the road, I think the Pies can get a win on the board here. Collingwood will be looking to atone here for their poor effort in the Opening Round, especially now that they are playing in front of their home crowd.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Magpies to win	$1.58
	Magpies to win	$1.58
	Magpies to win	$1.58

Predicted Squads

Collingwood Magpies: B. Maynard, D. Moore, R. McInnes, I. Quaynor, J. Howe, J. Daicos, H. Perryman, S. Pendlebury, P. Lipinski, Bo. Hill, B. Mihocek, B. McCreery, D. McStay, W. Hoskin-Elliott, L. Schultz, D. Cameron, J. Crisp, N. Daicos, N. Long, S. Sidebottom, J. Elliott, T. Membrey & D. Houston

Port Adelaide Power: M. Bergman, J. Finlayson, L. Evans, J. Burgoyne, A. Aliir, J. Sinn, T. Boak, W. Drew, K. Farrell, J. Horne-Francis, J. Lukosius, D. Byrne-Jones, W. Rioli, M. Georgiades, J. Richards, J. Sweet, O. Wines, C. Rozee, O. Lord, S. Powell-Pepper, J. Mead, J. Berry & L. Jones

The Adelaide Crows kick off their 2025 season with a game in front of their home crowd. The additions for the Crows in the offseason will hopefully give them more stability and depth. Comparing the two teams, the Crows look good enough to take care of St Kilda, especially when you consider all the injuries. 

We see the likes of Max King (knee), Mattaes Phillipou (leg), Dougal Howard (shoulder), Alix Tauru (back), Cooper Sharman (thumb), Liam Henry (knee) and Mitch Owens (shoulder) all out for this opening clash. If the Saints can overcome all those injuries and get a victory on the road, I would be very surprised.

Adelaide have won their last two encounters against the Saints and in a convincing manner at that. So, take the Crows on the line as I’m expecting another runaway performance from the Crows. If the Saints aren’t careful, this one could get ugly, even a 40+ victory is on the cards.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Crows 40+	$3.13
	Crows -19.5	$1.91
	Crows -17.5	$1.88

Predicted Squads

Adelaide Crows: J. Worrell, M. Keane, M. Michalanney, R. Laird, N. Murray, W. Milera, L. Sholl, J. Soligo, I. Cumming, A. Neal-Bullen, D. Fogarty, B. Keays, R. Thilthorpe, T. Walker, J. Rachele, R. O’Brien, J. Dawson, I. Rankine, M. Crouch, J. Peatling, S. Draper, D. Curtin & M. Hinge

St Kilda Saints: J. Webster, I. Keeler, A. Hastie, J. Sinclair, C. Wilkie, N. Wanganeen-Milera, D. Wilson, J. Steele, B. Hill, M. Owens, A. Caminiti, H. Garcia, D. Butler, H. Boyd, J. Higgins, R. Marshall, J. Macrae, M. Windhager, L. O’Connell, M. Wood, H. Boxshall, T. Travaglia & R. Byrnes

The GWS Giants head to Melbourne after their convincing win in the Opening Round in Sydney (as the underdog). Despite playing on the road, they do come into this clash on Sunday against the Melbourne Demons as the favourites, although, there isn’t a lot in it.

Star Tom Green will be back for this one, giving the Giants another boost as he joins in with Josh Kelly, Finn Callaghan, Brent Daniels, Darcy Jones and co. On the flip side, there is a lot to like about the Demons, their preseason was good, with Petracca performing well.

Both teams have the talent, but the Giants look like the more well-rounded team, they have that match fitness under their belt and are coming into Melbourne full of confidence from their convincing win. I’m siding with the GWS Giants to upset the Demons fans on Sunday.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Giants to win	$1.77
	Giants to win	$1.82
	Giants to win	$1.80

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Demons: H. Petty, S. May, J. Bowey, C. Windsor, J. Lever, C. Salem, E. Langdon, J. Viney, T. Rivers, T. Sparrow, D. Turner, H. Langford, K. Chandler, J. van Rooyen, B. Fritsch, M. Gawn, C. Petracca, C. Oliver, H. Sharp, M. Jefferson, B. Howes, J. Billings & X. Lindsay

GWS Giants: C. Idun, S. Taylor, H. Himmelberg, L. Whitfield, J. Buckley, T. Green, L. Ash, J. Kelly, C. Ward, X. O’Halloran, T. Bedford, T. Greene, B. Daniels, D. Jones, A. Cadman, L. Keeffe, K. Briggs, S. Coniglio, F. Callaghan, C. Brown, M. Gruzewski, C. Stone, J. Leake & J. Wehr

The West Coast Eagles are playing at home to open their 2025 season. They had a season to forget last year, finishing in 16th on the ladder, with just 20 points, in comparison the Gold Coast Suns finished with 44 points, placing them in 13th. 

The Suns do come into this one as favourites and on one hand, I can see why, but don’t forget about their terrible record on the road last year. They will be looking to set the record straight in this one I reckon and not give the media more ammo. 

The Eagles defence will be without Tom Barrass and this should allow Benny King to pile on the goals on Sunday. You could play it safe and go with the Gold Coast Suns for the win, or mix things up and get on Ben King to bag a handful of goals.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Suns to win	$1.50
	Ben King 4+ goals	$4.75
	Suns to win	$1.49

Predicted Squads

West Coast Eagles: R. Ginbey, H. Edwards, B. Hough, T. Cole, J. McGovern, L. Baker, J. Hutchinson, L. Duggan, J. Hunt, J. Graham, J. Waterman, L. Ryan, M. Owies, O. Allen, J. Cripps, M. Flynn, T. Kelly, H. Reid, A. Reid, R. Maric, E. Hewett, N. Long & T. Dewar

Gold Coast Suns: M. Andrew, S. Collins, B. Uwland, D. Rioli, C. Ballard, J. Noble, S. Clohesy, N. Anderson, L. Weller, B. Ainsworth, E. Read, B. Humphrey, B. Long, B. King, J. Rogers, J. Witts, M. Rowell, T. Miller, W. Graham, T. Berry, C. Budarick, W. Powell & J. Jeffrey

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