Four big games feature on Saturday including another chapter of the Bulldogs vs Giants rivalry, while Brisbane’s quest for a three-peat has taken an early hit with several key injuries and suspensions as they head to Sydney.
Western Bulldogs vs GWS Giants
Jesse Hogan 2+ Goals
The Bulldogs backline shapes as their Achilles heel, and with Jesse Hogan fit and firing to begin the 2026 season he looms as a major threat.
Hogan kicked three goals last week against the Hawks and followed that up with five goals in the State of Origin clash representing Western Australia.
He has also enjoyed this matchup across his career. The last time these sides met Hogan exited early with a foot injury, but in the six previous meetings he had kicked 2+ goals each time.
Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers
Murphy Reid 1+ Goals
It was 12 months ago when Murphy Reid travelled down to the Cattery for his AFL debut and kicked four goals in seven minutes.
There has been talk of Reid spending more time through the midfield this season, but that should only be in short bursts with Brayshaw and Serong doing most of the inside work and Jackson also rotating through.
Reid kicked a goal in 75% of his games last season and finished the year strongly with 1+ goals in his final six matches.
Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions
Justin McInerney 1+ Goals
McInerney kicked three goals last week in a best-on-ground performance for the Swans and could easily hit the scoreboard again here.
Bailey Williams managed 1.4 playing as a winger against Brisbane last week and realistically should have kicked three goals.
McInerney finished 2025 strongly with at least one goal in five of his final eight games and also hit the scoreboard in the Swans’ Community Series match.
Collingwood Magpies vs Adelaide Crows
Under 172.5 Total Points
Collingwood featured in the only Round 0 game that went under the total points, and another tight, defensive contest looks likely here.
The Magpies and Crows have played a number of close battles over the past four years, with nine of their last 11 meetings decided by 10 points or fewer.
As a result, the pressure has been high and scoring low. Nine of their last 10 matchups have gone under the total points line.
