Sunday of Round 1 presents three intriguing matchups and after some major uspets on Saturday it’s hard to tell which direction they might go in.
West Coast, GWS and Geelong are all heading into their matches today as the favourites, but are travelling interstate when they do so – how much of an impact will that have?
Can any of North Melbourne, Adelaide or Fremantle snag an upset win to kick off their seasons?
Here’s what our live bloggers for today’s matches are predicting.
North have won eight of their thirteen games at Etihad Stadium last season compared to West Coast who lost their only encounter at Etihad Stadium last year.
North Melbourne will cause an upset and beat West Coast in what should be a good battle.
North Melbourne Kangaroos by 4 points.
Head to head, these sides have met on seven occasions with Adelaide taking the spoils 6-1. The last time they met was in Round 10 2016 when the Crows were victorious by 22 points.
The Giants have too much class across the board and will be bathing Taranto and Mzungu in Gatorade after the match.
GWS Giants by 15 points.
I’ve tipped the Cats for the premiership, oddly enough, so I know which way I’m going this week.
But it’s going to be fascinating to see whether coaches Ross Lyon and Chris Scott allow Fyfe and Dangerfield to go head-to-head in midfield like they did in the now-infamous Adelaide versus Fremantle clash of 2015.
It’s a battle within a battle, but I’ll go for Danger, and his Cats, to win this round in a tight one.
Geelong Cats by 12 points.
Who are you tipping today? Let us know in the comments.
We’ll have live blog coverage of all three matches today right here on The Roar.
Don Freo
Guest
They did OK. Just a few shabby skills. Balic should be there next week...in place of Suban or Pearce.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I was born March 26, 1998. Balic was born January 5th, 1997. He's definitely 20. Not that it matters. On the evidence of tonight's game, I don't think a debut from Balic would do the team much harm. I'd certainly welcome it.
Don Freo
Guest
Mind you, he's 19 also. I think I can call him a kid but he might be older than you if you are only 19 today.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Balic got 36 touches? This kid needs to debut, asap. You heading to the game today, Don? I'm heading to Adelaide Oval in a weeks time for the Port game.
Ryan
Guest
Please GWS will be spooked by the big crowd, Adelaide easy win. Betts will have a stormer.
Gyfox
Guest
I know GWS are everyone's favourite - but I can't see them beating Adelaide at home. Would like to see that, but.......!
Don Freo
Guest
The Peel boys gave you a present yesterday AD. Balic 36 touches, Tabs 5 goals, Darcy creamed the ruck and the Rookie, Luke Strdnadica, is one out of the box. His marking in defence and attack is great and is a 200cm tackling machine. Dockers today by 25points...conservatively.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Who are you tipping, Tom? Or do you not like to reveal your tips. All I'm hoping is for Freo to get a win because I don't think I could think of a better birthday present for me.
TomC
Roar Guru
Here's hoping for three games as good as the first six. Great round of footy.