Who should you be tipping in Round 1 of the AFL? Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPN Footytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!
We got a taster last week, but every footy fan will be able to enjoy this week, as all 18 teams are back! It starts of with a bang, as two old foes go at it with Richmond and Carlton gracing Melbourne for the first time this year. Brodie Grundy will play against another former team as Collingwood returns to the MCG to take on Sydney.
Plus an old line-in-the-sand game to start off your Saturday -- does Hawthorn or Essendon get off to a perfect start in 2024?
This weekend is going to be big, and luckily we have your best interests in mind.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 2
Season total: 2
Certainty and why: Port Adelaide simply aren't losing their season-opener at home to the lowly Eagles. Ken Hinkley's side failed last September and will be eager to make amends and remind the footy public they are a legitimate flag contender.
Upset and why: Call me crazy but I don't see an upset this week. I'm riding with nine favourites ... risky, I know!
Tips for the week:
Carlton vs. Richmond
Collingwood vs. Sydney
Essendon vs. Hawthorn
GWS vs. North Melbourne
Geelong vs. St Kilda
Gold Coast vs. Adelaide
Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast
Fremantle vs. Brisbane
Matt Walsh
Last week: 0
Season total: 0
Certainty and why: After watching them dismantle the reigning premiers on the weekend, the Giants seem to be the early benchmark in season 2024. I think they'll be far too strong for the Roos at home.
Upset and why: Is Geelong's era of home domination over? The Cats missed finals last season and the Saints scraped in, and have a second preseason under Ross Lyon in the books. I can see the Saints ruining the 'GMHBA is finally finished' party.
Tips for the week:
Carlton vs. Richmond
Collingwood vs. Sydney
Essendon vs. Hawthorn
GWS vs. North Melbourne
Geelong vs. St Kilda
Gold Coast vs. Adelaide
Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast
Fremantle vs. Brisbane
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 1
Season total: 1
Certainty and why: Lock in GWS against North Melbourne. Not a lot needs to be said here. The Giants are the best team in the competition, and the Roos are still developing. Could get messy.
Upset and why: As much as I am tipping Gold Coast due to the fact they have the benefit of a match under their belt, the Crows should improve this season and could even be a top four smokey. A win here wouldn't shock.
Tips for the week:
Carlton vs. Richmond
Collingwood vs. Sydney
Essendon vs. Hawthorn
GWS vs. North Melbourne
Geelong vs. St Kilda
Gold Coast vs. Adelaide
Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast
Fremantle vs. Brisbane