Follow AFL opening round 2026, results, odds, squads and start time from SCG in Sydney
Snapshot: Sydney is always a tough opponent at home. Tonight looks no different. Although they may be disappointed in 2025, there are three factors that will allow them to rise this year: Errol Gulden returning from injury, the hiring of Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley, who was recovered and fired. This is an impressive trio. Blues is also a fascinating watch. True, they’ve lost Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, but thanks to a healthy roster (touch board, Cartlon fans), they look to have considerable depth, highlighted by a backline comprising rebounders Adam Saad, Zac Williams and Oliver Florent. Their biggest concern is the lack of A-list talent outside of Cripps, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering.
Main event: All eyes will be on Curnow and Weitering. Will the blue defender go straight to his former teammate? Has Weitering recovered enough from the heavy blow he suffered in Perth during the State Of Origin match to withstand the Swans’ damaging side? We’re about to find out and we can’t wait. We also expect Blues captain Cripps to serve Curnow.
Jagga Smith (left) and Will Hayward will make their debuts for Carlton tonight. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Recent history: The Swans won their last two home matches, 11.12 (78) – 9.8 (62) in May last year and 17.15 (117) – 9.11 (65) in May 2024. Sydney has also led head-to-head matches 3-2 in the last five meetings.
Selection table: There’s plenty to get Carlton fans excited. Draft picks Jagga Smith and Harry Dean make their debuts, while the Blues bring in new faces such as Oliver Florent (Swans), Will Hayward (Swans), Ben Ainsworth (Suns), Campbell Chesser (Eagles) and Liam Reidy (Dockers) for their debuts in the dark blue.
The Swans have three new faces in forward Curnow (Blues), small forward Malcolm Rosas (Suns) and key defender Jai Serong (Hawks).
What the coaches say:
Michael Voss from Carlton: “I think everyone else is focusing on Charlie, we’re not making this about him. We’ve got a job to do and we’re pretty committed to doing it.”
Dean Cox from Sydney: “This time last year there were injuries, I think there were over a dozen. There were probably a few selection crunches this time around in terms of leaving players out.”
What experts say: It’s a Sydney whitewash. All 16 of our AFL tipsters predict a Swans victory. Chief football writer Jake Niall had them finishing 20 points ahead at the final siren.
Click here for our panel’s full Opening Round tips HERE.
