Follow AFL opening round 2026, results, odds, squads and start time from People First Stadium, Gold Coast

Both teams are missing some key players tonight, but both also welcome back some key players in the offseason.

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The biggest name in the side for the Suns is Brownlow medalist Matt Rowell. He injured his finger while playing for Victoria in last month’s State of Origin match and a timetable for his return has not yet been announced; The Suns listed his estimated return date as TBC.

Of course, the bright side for Damien Hardwick’s team is that former Melbourne star Christian Petracca is making the move to his new team. His name is on the half-forward wing.

Geelong start the season without captain Patrick Dangerfield (calf) as well as last year’s Coleman medalist Jeremy Cameron (quadriceps), but neither should be sidelined for long. Bailey Smith (calf) and Gryan Miers (thumb) were listed as undergoing fitness tests this week, but they have been selected at pick 23 for tonight’s game, along with midfielder James Worpel, who is playing his first game for the Cats since leaving Hawthorn.

You can follow all the teams selected for the opening round here.