Not quite a Super Saturday with only two games in Round 0, but we still get two fascinating contests. The Giants host the Hawks in a replay of last year’s Elimination Final, while reigning premiers Brisbane face a Bulldogs side eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
GWS Giants vs Hawthorn Hawks
LEG 1 - Hawthorn -13.5
The Giants are already dealing with a long injury list before the season has even begun. Tom Green, Josh Kelly, Aaron Cadman, Sam Taylor, Brent Daniels and Toby Bedford are among the names missing.
Hawthorn has won three of the last four meetings against the Giants and has covered the line in five of the last six clashes with the Orange Tsunami.
Jai Newcombe getting off at the tribunal was a huge boost for the Hawks, and they should prove too strong for this undermanned Giants outfit.
LEG 2 - Max Gruzewski 1+ Goals
This is a big opportunity for Gruzewski in the absence of Aaron Cadman.
The 2022 Pick 22 has largely been stuck in the VFL due to the Giants’ key forward depth, but he showed plenty late last season, kicking eight goals across his final four games.
He also averaged just under three goals per game in the VFL last year on his way to 43 goals.
Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs
LEG 3 - Under 166.5 Total Points
Although both teams possess plenty of firepower, night games at the Gabba often promise shootouts but deliver lower scores.
Only one of Brisbane’s last 11 night matches at the Gabba has gone over the total points line. That includes just one of eight Gabba night games last season, including the last time they faced the Bulldogs.
With Sam Darcy in doubt and wet weather possible, the unders looks the play again.
LEG 4 - Darcy Wilmot 20+ Disposals
Darcy Wilmot finished the 2025 season in excellent form and looks primed for a breakout year.
He recorded 20+ disposals in six of his final seven games last season, with the only miss a 17-disposal effort in the Grand Final.
Wilmot also collected 27 disposals in last week’s Community Series win over the Suns and shapes as a genuine All Australian contender in 2026.
