After some cyclone-related disruptions, the AFL kicks off its new season on Friday night at the SCG with the Swans hosting the Hawks.
Best Bet
The Swans were the punters’ pal in 2024 and are being disrespected in this market.
Last year’s runners-up covered the line in 16 of 26 games, including 9 of 14 at home. While much has been made of their Grand Final collapse, a coaching change to the hard-nosed Dean Cox seems to have reinvigorated the squad. They cruised past both the Giants and Suns in pre-season, showing no signs of a hangover.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have looked sluggish in pre-season, falling to the Cats and an injury-hit Bulldogs side. As we noted in our season preview, some regression was always likely after their giant-killing run in 2024, and early signs suggest that’s exactly what’s happening.
Even without Errol Gulden, the home side should enjoy the advantage in the midfield so back the Swans to start 2025 with a win.
Same Game Multi
Heeney is a super-consistent goal-kicking mid, kicking at least one in 19 of 24 last year.
Sicily should get more opportunity as a half-back distributor with Battle and Barrass on board. He’s had 20+ in four straight against Sydney.
Roberts had 20+ in seven of his last 10 matches last year.
Value Bet
Roberts became Sydney’s primary distributor off half-back last year and he looks set to continue with that role in 2025. He had 27 in his last praccy against Gold Coast and 30+ in two of his last eight last year.
Betseeker’s expert tipsters have you covered for the best AFL tips, predictions, same-game multis, and more, for each game of the 2025 AFL season.
