The odds are out for Round 1 of the AFL season, and there are some surprises!
2022 premiers Geelong will face Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG where the Cats are the dominant favourites over last year’s preliminary finalists.
Richmond and Carlton will kick off the season in their traditional Thursday night clash at the ‘G, where the Tigers have been listed a firm $1.68 favourite compared to the Blues at $2.20.
Sportsday’s Kane Cornes and Gerard Healy reacted to the odds for each game as the former Port Adelaide great guessed who he felt would go in favourites.
Odds thanks to Sportsbet are correct at time of publishing.
Thursday, March 16
Richmond $1.68 v Carlton $2.20, MCG
Healy: “Richmond or Carlton, who is going to win that?”
Cornes: “Hmm, Carlton.”
“Healy*: “Carlton are $2.20 outsiders and Richmond are $1.68.”
Cornes: “Oh, really.”
Friday, March 17
Geelong $1.45 v Collingwood $2.76, MCG
Healy: “What about Geelong v Collingwood?”
Cornes: “Oh, Geelong would start favourites, but not by much.”
Healy: “They’re short-priced favourites, $1.45 to $2.76 the Pies.”
Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne $1.73 v West Coast Eagles $2.12, Marvel
Healy: “North are $1.73 to the Eagles at $2.12, that’s a bit closer than people would expect.”
Port Adelaide $1.73 v Brisbane $2.12, Adelaide Oval
Healy: “Brisbane or Port Adelaide, who starts favourite there?”
Cornes: “It’d be Brisbane at home, but in Adelaide it’ll be Port Adelaide.”
Melbourne $1.58 v Western Bulldogs $2.39, MCG
Healy: “Melbourne or the Dogs, midfield v midfield.”
Cornes: “We have some good games in Round 1, the tips are going to be a nightmare, but probably Melbourne.”
Healy: “They’re $1.58 short-priced favourites.”
Gold Coast $2.36 v Sydney $1.59, Metricon Stadium
Healy: “Gold Coast or Sydney.”
Cornes: “Sydney will be favourites.”
Sunday, March 19
GWS $1.56 v Adelaide $2.45, Giants Stadium
Healy: “The Orange Tsunami v Adelaide, they’ll play at home the Giants.”
Cornes: “In Sydney, I’ll go with the Giants, just.”
Hawthorn $2.31 v Essendon $1.62, MCG
Healy: “Hawthorn v Essendon, could be Sicily v Merrett.”
Cornes: “Essendon, comfortably.”
St Kilda $2.10 v Fremantle $1.77, Marvel
Healy: “The final game is Ross Lyon versus Fremantle.”
Cornes: “In Melbourne, it should be Fremantle, but not by much.”
Healy: “You’re right, there’s some great games of footy there.”
Cornes: “It’s a cracking round of footy.”
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