AFL Round 1 Preview: You Need To Know | The Sporting Base
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AFL Round 1 Preview: Supercoach Insights, Stats & Everything You Need To Know

March 22, 2019

By Michael
AFL Round 1 Preview: Supercoach Insights, Stats & Everything You Need To Know

CARLTON BLUES VS RICHMOND TIGERS – THURSDAY 21 MARCH, 7:25PM, MCG

The 2019 Toyota AFL Season will begin in usual fashion with rivals Carlton and Richmond battling it out at the MCG Thursday night.

Richmond were flag favourites last season but were bundled out of the finals in sensational fashion against Collingwood after securing the minor premiership at the end of the home and away season. Carlton managed just two wins in 2018 which resulted in yet another wooden spoon.

Carlton were dealt a harsh blow when newly appointed co-captain Sam Docherty succumbing to another ACL injury which will see him miss another season. Patrick Cripps, the other new co-captain is a terrific footballer and will take charge of his troops.

Carlton appeared to have recruited well in the off season with the inclusions of Mitch McGovern, Will Setterfield, Nick Newman along with first round draft picks Sam Walsh and Liam Stocker.

Richmond welcome prized recruit Tom Lynch to Punt Road after beginning his career at the Gold Coast Suns. Has been battling the clock to put his hand up for selection after a modified pre-season following surgery last year to repair an injured posterior cruciate ligament suffered in round 14. His inclusion to the team adds an interesting dimension as he will combine with Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt in the forward lines.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Carlton: NEW – Sam Walsh, Mitch McGovern, Alex Fasolo, Nic Newman, Michael Gibbons & Will Setterfield

Richmond: NEW – Tom J. Lynch, Maverick Weller & Noah Balta

Supercoach Tips:

Carlton – Purchase Patrick Cripps ($648,200) & Sam Walsh ($207,300)

Richmond – Purchase Noah Balta ($123,900).

Betting Insights:

Richmond have won 25 of its last 26 matches in Melbourne.

Patrick Cripps has recorded 30+ disposals in each of Carlton’s last four night matches in Victoria.

Each of Carlton’s last eight Round 1 matches have gone over the total match points line.

TIP: Richmond too classy here



 

COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES VS GEELONG CATS – FRIDAY 22 MARCH, 7:20PM, MCG

 

Friday night football will host last year’s runners up Collingwood as they take on Geelong at the MCG.

Collingwood completed a huge form reversal after finishing in the bottom half of the ladder in the 2017 season. There were plenty of the Pies faithful calling for the head of one of their favourite sons Nathan Buckley but he managed to lead his side to reach a Grand Final 12 months on and secure a contract extension in the process.

Geelong had large expectations last season with Gary Ablett Jnr returning to his old club to team up with the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood and Mitch Duncan. Their performances were a little underwhelming during the home and away season and were subsequently bundled out in an elimination final against Melbourne.

Geelong recruited well in the off season with Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan joining the cattery while there will no doubt be questions raised about the future of Tim Kelly after West Coast were unable to secure a trade.

It should be a close encounter on Friday night footy with the Pies to win narrowly.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Collingwood: NEW – Jordan Roughead

Geelong: NEW – Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Atkins, Gary Rohan, Jordan Clark, Charlie Constable & Gryan Miers

Supercoach Tips:

Collingwood – Purchase Darcy Moore ($233,300), Brayden Sier ($435,000) and Jamie Elliot ($280,300).

Geelong – Purchase Jordan Clark ($144,300), Brandon Parfitt ($434,300) and Darcy Fort ($117,300).

Betting Insights:

  • Collingwood has won each of its last six night games in Victoria by a margin of 1-39 points.
  • Geelong has lost each of its last six matches in Melbourne.
  • Gary Ablett has recorded 30+ disposals in six of his last seven appearances against Collingwood.

TIP: Collingwood to win



 

MELBOURNE DEMONS VS PORT ADELAIDE POWER – SATURDAY 23 MARCH, 1:45PM, MCG

 

Saturday afternoon football will see Melbourne take on Port Adelaide at the MCG.

Melbourne are progressing nicely through their rebuilding phase under coach Simon Goodwin and finished fifth in 2018, losing to West Coast in the preliminary final at Optus Stadium in Perth.

The pressure is well and truly on Power coach Ken Hinkley with his side not featuring in finals football for three out of their previous four seasons.

Port looked well positioned going into the half way mark last season but their form capitulated late losing five of their final six matches to finish in 10th. Chad Wingard, Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard are all massive omissions from the Powers squad but do welcome Ryan Burton and Sam Mayes.

Melbourne appear to be on an upward spiral and should begin their season with a reasonably comfortable win over Port.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Melbourne: NEW – Marty Hore & Corey Wagner

Port Adelaide: NEW – Ryan Burton, Connor Rozee, Scott Lycett, Willem Drew, Zak Butters & Xavier Duursma

Supercoach Tips:

Melbourne – Purchase Max Gawn ($692,100), Marty Hore ($117,300) and Jack Viney ($449,500).

Port Adelaide – Purchase Robbie Gray ($525,500), Xavier Duursma ($130,800) and Connor Rozee ($189,300).

Betting Insights:

  • Port Adelaide have won the fourth quarter in each of their last nine away matches against Melbourne.
  • Clayton Oliver has recorded 30+ disposals in five of Melbourne’s last six home matches.
  • Melbourne has won three of its last four Round 1 matches by a margin of 1-39 points.

TIP: Melbourne too strong



 

ADELAIDE CROWS VS HAWTHORN HAWKS – SATURDAY 23 MARCH, 4:05PM, ADELAIDE OVAL

 

Saturday twilight football will be brought to you from Adelaide Oval as the Crows take on Hawthorn.

Adelaide are tipped to be big improvers and are expected to recapture their 2017 form which saw them reach the Grand Final. A few key injuries to some of their star players early last season sent them into damage control only managing a 12thplace position.

The new 6-6-6 spread should suit Adelaide’s game plan and their forward line potency is still as dangerous as previous seasons although Eddie Betts must turnaround a very ordinary past 12 months.

There was plenty of talk about the controversial pre-season camp where players were subject of alleged physical and mental torture with the group Collective Minds engaged to assist in “strengthening the mind”. The positive influence of fan favourite Rory Sloane as new co-captain will help take some pressure of Taylor Walker who copped a lot of criticism over his captaincy.

Hawthorn also have a change in leadership with Ben Stratton being appointed Hawks skipper after Jarryd Roughead stood down from the position at the end of last season. Hawthorn have been an unbelievable side over the past 10 years but look to have some challenges ahead of them this season.

Expecting Adelaide to register a win on their home deck.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Adelaide: NEW – Chayce Jones

Hawthorn: NEW – Jack Scrimshaw

Supercoach Tips:

Adelaide – Purchase Rory Laird ($587,600), Brodie Smith ($332,300) and Chayce Jones ($171,300).

Hawthorn – Purchase Chad Wingard ($481,100), Jaeger O’Meara ($503,200) and Jack Scrimshaw ($149,800).

Betting Insights:

  • Rory Laird has recorded 40 disposals in each of Adelaide’s last two Round 1 matches.
  • Jaeger O’Meara has recorded 30+ disposals in three of his four previous appearances against Adelaide.
  • The underdog has covered the line in each of the last nine matches at the Adelaide Oval.

TIP: Adelaide at home, expecting to be big improvers.



 

WESTERN BULLDOGS VS SYDNEY SWANS – SATURDAY 23 MARCH, 7:25PM, MARVEL STADIUM

Western Bulldogs in their much talked about Thor guernsey will take on the Sydney Swans in the first game at the newly named Marvel Stadium.

The Dogs have been disappointing since their Premiership in 2016 but did close out last season in positive fashion.

AFL experts are tipping Sydney to have an ordinary year. They were horrible against GWS in the elimination final last year and are expected to slide in 2019.

It will be an ordinary spectacle with Sydney to win in a close one.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Western Bulldogs: NEW – Taylor Duryea, Sam Lloyd & Bailey Smith

Sydney: NEW – Ryan Clarke & Nick Blakey

Supercoach Tips:

Western Bulldogs – Purchase Josh Dunkley ($516,300), Sam Lloyd ($386,000) and Ben Cavarra ($117,300).

Sydney – Purchase Callum Mills ($428,900), Isaac Heeney ($529,200) and Nick Blakey ($166,800).

Betting Insights:

  • Sydney has won three of its last four away games by a margin of 1-39 points.
  • Eighteen of the last 20 night matches at Marvel Stadium have been won by the favourites.
  • Sydney has lost the fourth quarter in each of its last seven night matches.

TIP: Sydney to show superhero strength against Western Bulldogs



 

BRISBANE LIONS VS WEST COAST EAGLES – SATURDAY 23 MARCH, 7:20PM, GABBA

West Coast Eagles begin their 2019 campaign and premiership defence against the Brisbane Lions at the GABBA on Saturday night. The Lions are tipped to be big improvers this season and welcome elite footballer Lachie Neale to the side which will bolster their stocks after the departure of Dayne Beams back to Collingwood.

The Eagles were seemingly given little chance of progressing deep into September with several injuries, including another ACL injury to Nic Naitanui along with star midfielder Andrew Gaff who was suspended for eight matches for striking Andrew Brayshaw in the local derby. It was a fairytale finish with Dom Sheed kicking the match winner from the boundary line to take the premiership cup out of Collingwood’s grasp.

Looking forward to the match up of Josh Kennedy and Harris Andrews. Many say Andrews was unlucky not to be included in the All Australian team.

I think the defending premiers will make the longest trip in AFL a winning one for the team.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Brisbane: NEW – Lachie Neale, Lincoln McCarthy & Jarryd Lyons

West Coast: NEW – Tom Hickey

Supercoach Tips:

Brisbane – Purchase Cam Rayner ($327,700), Marcus Adams ($339,600) and Ely Smith ($117,300).

West Coast – Purchase Josh Kennedy ($397,800), Luke Shuey ($492,700) and Keegan Brooksby ($202,700).

Betting Insights:

  • West Coast have won their last eight matches against Brisbane.
  • Brisbane has won the fourth quarter in each of its last five matches in Queensland.
  • Dom Sheed has recorded 30 disposals in each of West Coast’s last two matches in Queensland.

TIP: West Coast



 

ST KILDA SAINTS VS GOLD COAST SUNS – SUNDAY 24 MARCH, 1:10PM, MARVEL STADIUM

Only the committed will be tuning into Sunday’s match at Marvel Stadium between St Kilda and the Gold Coast Suns.

Both teams were extremely disappointing last season only managing four wins each with the Saints also managing a draw against GWS earlier in the year.

The future of the Gold Coast Suns walked out the door with co-captains Steven May and Tom Lynch departing the club at seasons end. Coach Stuart Dew looks to be a more than capable coach but unfortunately doesn’t have the cattle playing underneath him.

The Suns JLT form was ok with a win against Western Bulldogs and a loss to Sydney.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is tipped to be the first to face the axe if the Saints are unable to be competitive this season. Richardson has been at the helm since 2014 and will be hoping that his side can begin the season in positive fashion.

Although injury depleted prior to the opening round, St Kilda had registered wins in the JLT comp against Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

St Kilda: NEW – Dean Kent, Matthew Parker, Nick Hind & Callum Wilkie.

Gold Coast Suns: NEW – Sam Collins, Jordan Murdoch, Jack Hombsch, George Horlin-Smith, Jack Lukosius, Chris Burgess, Anthony Miles & Ben King.

Supercoach Tips:

St Kilda- Purchase Jade Gresham ($429,600), Dean Kent ($279,800) and Callum Wilkie ($124,900).

Gold Coast – Purchase Jack Lukosius ($202,800), Izak Rankine ($198,300) and Ben King ($184,800).

Betting Insights:

  • Gold Coast has won the first quarter in seven of its last eight matches against St Kilda.
  • Sebastian Ross has recorded 30+ disposals in each of St Kilda’s last six matches.
  • St Kilda has won each of its last 14 Sunday matches as a favourite.

TIP: It will be an ugly watch by St Kilda should win.



 

GWS GIANTS VS ESSENDON BOMBERS – SUNDAY 24 MARCH, 3:20PM, SYDNEY SHOWGROUND STADIUM

Without doubt the match of the round will be contested between GWS Giants and Essendon. Dylan Shiel will face his old club after requesting a trade to the Bombers in the off season.

It has been a long drought for Bombers fans having not experienced a finals win since 2004. They started poorly last season losing six of their first eight matches but managed to string a few wins together in the second half of the season.

The Giants should again play finals football but encounter a tricky draw in the first half of the season. Josh Kelly is in doubt for home side which will be a big loss but it will be a difficult task for Essendon to kick a winning score without Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker in the side.

Whitfield to rack up 30+ possessions and lead the Giants to victory.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

GWS Giants: NEW – Jackson Hately & Matthew Flynn

Gold Coast Suns: NEW – Dylan Shiel, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher & Zac Clarke

Supercoach Tips:

GWS Giants – Purchase Lachie Whitfield ($542,100), Zac Williams ($407,800) and Jackson Hately ($148,800).

Essendon – Purchase Dylan Shiel ($487,000), Aaron Francis ($350,900) and Zac Clarke ($142,600).

Betting Insights:

  • GWS has won each of its last 10 Sunday home matches.
  • Jeremy Cameron has been the first goal scorer in each of GWS’s last two Sunday matches as a home favourite.
  • In six of Essendon’s last nine away matches, the highest scoring quarter has been the fourth.

TIP: GWS narrowly in a great spectacle.



 

FREMANTLE DOCKERS VS NORTH MELBOURNE – SUNDAY 24 MARCH, 3:20PM, OPTUS STADIUM

The closing match of the first round will be played between Fremantle and North Melbourne at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

New recruit Jesse Hogan has been in the headlines this week for the wrong reasons after being in an unfit state to train at Fremantle’s Sunday session.

Fremantle performed poorly in their two JLT games with losses to Collingwood and West Coast. North Melbourne also turned in ordinary pre-season performances being defeated by St Kilda and Port Adelaide

North Melbourne appeared to be the team with more upside based on 2018 performances with decent wins over Hawthorn, Sydney and West Coast late last year should account.

How To Watch:

Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo

Team News:

Fremantle: NEW – Reece Conca, Travis Colyer, Rory Lobb & Lachie Schultz.

North Melbourne: NEW – Jasper Pittard, Jared Polec, Aaron Hall, Bailey Scott, Dom Tyson & Tarryn Thomas.

Supercoach Tips:

Fremantle – Purchase Nat Fyfe ($618,100), Stephen Hill ($389,200) and Brett Bewley ($117,300).

North Melbourne – Purchase Shaun Higgins ($560,200), Jasper Pittard ($365,700) and Tarryn Thomas ($175,800).

Betting Insights:

  • North Melbourne has lost the second quarter in each of its last nine Round 1 matches.
  • Fremantle has lost each of its last three Round 1 matches by a margin of 40+ points.
  • North Melbourne has won six of its last seven interstate matches.

TIP: North Melbourne to win in the West.

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