Carlton vs Richmond
Richmond enter the game as the clear favourites fresh off the back of a preliminary final showing last season. Tom Lynch will make his debut for the yellow and black, while the Blues will unveil six debutants including number one draft pick Sam Walsh. 85 per cent of Big Footy’s tipsters have backed the Tigers to win.
Collingwood vs Geelong
A mouth-watering clash takes place at the MCG on Friday night when Collingwood host Geelong. Both sides are expected to play in September this season, with the Magpies hoping to avenge their Grand Final heartache, while the Cats want to prove they still have what it takes to go deep into the finals. The Magpies have the backing of the tipsters, with 69 per cent believing they will get the job done.
Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
The Demons enter 2019 with high expectations after their 2018 finals run saw them progress through to the preliminary final. With the addition of Steven May, the Demons could be one of the pacesetters this year. Renovations to the Port Adelaide squad in the off-season has taken the pressure off the Power to play finals in 2019. However, with talent such as Ryan Burton arriving through the doors, the Power could be in the hunt for a spot in the top eight. Despite the quality in the Power squad, 71 per cent of tipsters believe Melbourne will get the job done.
Adelaide vs Hawthorn
Adelaide have been tipped to be this year’s bolters and the support for the Crows has transcended into their popularity in round 1, with 62 per cent of tipsters expecting the Crows to beat the Hawks. Star recruits Chad Wingard and Tom Scully have been ruled out of the clash, which will only heap pressure on Jaeger O’Meara to lead the midfield, with Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell out for the season with a broken leg.
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney
2016 seems like a long time ago for the Western Bulldogs and Sydney, with the 2016 grand finalist fielding vastly different sides. The talented, young Bulldogs ended 2018 on a high by winning three of their last four games, but their good end to the season has gone unnoticed by most tipsters, with 72 per cent picking the Swans to win.
Brisbane Lions vs West Coast Eagles
Brisbane are expected to rise this year but will face stiff competition in round 1 as they host reigning premiers West Coast. Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons are expected to make their debuts for the Lions, while Andrew Gaff will lace up for the Eagles for the first time since his suspension for punching Andrew Brayshaw. 79 per cent of tipsters expect the Eagles to win the clash.
St Kilda vs Gold Coast
It’s a battle between 2018’s cellar dwellers when the Saints and Suns meet at Marvel Stadium. Both sides will unveil a wrath of new recruits, but it is St Kilda who the tipsters believe will come out on top with 85 per cent tipping them to win.
GWS vs Essendon
Essendon recruit Dylan Shiel will come up against his old side on Sunday as the Bombers travel to Sydney to face the Giants. Both teams will be without key talls in the forms of Shane Mumford and Joe Daniher who will miss the game through suspension and injury. 66 per cent of tipsters believe the Giants will begin the season with a win.
Fremantle vs North Melbourne
The round concludes when Fremantle host North Melbourne at Optus Stadium. Off-field issues have curtailed the Dockers preseason and the exclusion of Jesse Hogan will have a big impact on team structure. Good recruiting in the off-season has made North Melbourne a smoky for the finals in 2019. However, the Dockers are still expected to beat the Kangaroos with 63 per cent of tipsters tipping the Dockers to win.
