AFL Round 01 Tickets

We couldn't be more excited for the return of the AFL in 2025. Here is our expert predictions for what the sides will look like in round one for every team

About this Event

It's nearly time for the 2025 AFL season, and clubs are putting the finishing touches on their preparations for Round 1. With practice matches just around the corner, let's dive into how each team might line up to kick off their campaign.

Adelaide Crows

The Crows are heading into 2025 with nearly a full deck to choose from, which is a luxury few clubs enjoy. The addition of Alex Neal-Bullen adds some serious grunt to their forward line, while the move of Rory Laird to half-back alongside Isaac Cumming could prove a masterstroke. Keep an eye on young gun Sid Draper, who's been turning heads during pre-season and looks ready for an immediate debut.

Brisbane Lions

The defending premiers have some interesting decisions to make, particularly in their forward line following Joe Daniher's retirement. Eric Hipwood and Logan Morris look set to lead the attack, though Sam Day is waiting in the wings if they need more height. The Lions' depth will be tested early, with Tom Doedee still working his way back from injury. Still, father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft appears primed for an Opening Round debut despite recent shoulder surgery.

Carlton Blues

The Blues' defensive setup will be fascinating to watch, with Jack Silvagni potentially getting the nod ahead of Lewis Young and Brodie Kemp. The absence of Nic Newman (knee) and Alex Cincotta (hip) opens doors for Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan to showcase their rebounding abilities. The small forward mix remains competitive, with Jesse Motlop, Matt Cottrell, and Ashton Moir currently holding the inside running.

Collingwood Magpies

The reigning premiers will need to navigate the early absence of Dan Houston due to suspension, while Tom Mitchell's foot concerns add another layer of complexity. Former Giant Harry Perryman has hit the ground running and looks set to make an immediate impact. The ruck-forward combination remains intriguing, with Tim Membrey and Mason Cox battling for the final tall forward spot alongside Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay.

Essendon Bombers

The Bombers' medical team has been busy managing several interrupted pre-seasons, including those of Darcy Parish, Sam Durham, and Jordan Ridley. However, the excitement surrounds draftee Isaac Kako, who looks set to debut in a revamped forward line. Dylan Shiel's transition to half-back has shown promise, while Elijah Tsatas appears ready to explode after his best pre-season yet.

Fremantle Dockers

The Dockers face an early test with Sean Darcy likely missing Round 1, thrusting Luke Jackson into the primary ruck role. The addition of Shai Bolton adds some serious x-factor to their forward line, while the selection squeeze in midfield means some tough calls are looming. Veterans like Michael Walters and Jaeger O'Meara might initially find themselves on the outer side as the Dockers look to blood some youth.

Geelong Cats

The Cats have loaded up for another tilt at the flag, with Bailey Smith and Jack Martin adding serious depth to their squad. Max Holmes looks set for more midfield minutes, while Sam De Koning's flexibility between defence and ruck gives Chris Scott some interesting options. Mitch Knevitt has been turning heads on the track and appears ready to cement his spot in the best 22.

Gold Coast Suns

The Suns will need to navigate the early absence of Jed Walter due to suspension, but Ethan Read looks ready to step up in the forward line while providing ruck support to Jarrod Witts. The additions of Daniel Rioli and John Noble add some serious zip across half-back, while first-year player Leo Lombard appears set for an immediate debut in attack.

GWS Giants

The Giants' defensive reshuffle following the departures of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming opens opportunities for Jacob Wehr and James Leake to establish themselves. Jake Stringer's arrival adds another dimension to their forward line, while suspensions to Harvey Thomas and Jake Riccardi force some early-season reshuffling. The depth of their squad will be tested early, but their talent pipeline remains strong.

Hawthorn Hawks

The Hawks' defensive setup has received a major boost, with Josh Battle and Tom Barrass arriving over the summer. Blake Hardwick's likely move forward adds another dimension to their attack, while Max Ramsden gets his opportunity in the absence of Mitch Lewis. The versatility of James Sicily remains a huge asset, though the Hawks might need his presence up forward more than initially planned.

Melbourne Demons

The Demons' draft class looks ready to make an immediate impact, with Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay pushing hard for Round 1 debuts. The suspension of Kysaiah Pickett opens the door for Charlie Spargo to rejuvenate his career, while Shane McAdam's strong pre-season suggests he's ready to make his mark. The loss of Koltyn Tholstrup to injury is a blow, but Melbourne's depth appears strong enough to cover his absence.

North Melbourne Kangaroos

The Kangaroos have been dealt an early blow with George Wardlaw's hamstring injury, but the arrivals of Caleb Daniel and Luke Parker add some serious experience to their young squad. The emergence of Charlie Comben in defence has created some selection headaches, while Finn O'Sullivan's pre-season form on the wing suggests he's ready for senior football.

Port Adelaide Power

The Power face some interesting structural decisions following Todd Marshall's Achilles injury. The battle between Esava Ratugolea, Jeremy Finlayson, and Ollie Lord for the key forward position remains intriguing, while Jack Lukosius and Mitch Georgiades appear certain starters. First-round pick Joe Berry has impressed enough to be in the Round 1 conversation.

Richmond Tigers

The Tigers' defensive setup needs some early-season rejigging with Noah Balta suspended and Josh Gibcus still sidelined. Jacob Blight gets his opportunity alongside Ben Miller, while number-one pick Sam Lalor appears certain to debut straight away. The return of Tom Lynch from concussion will be crucial for their forward structure.

St Kilda Saints

The Saints have had their depth tested early with injuries to several key players, though they've dodged bullets with Max King, Jack Sinclair, and Mason Wood avoiding serious issues despite recent scares. The loss of Dougal Howard opens opportunities for Anthony Caminiti and Arie Schoenmaker, while Jack Macrae's arrival adds some serious midfield depth.

Sydney Swans

The Swans enter a new era under Dean Cox with minimal personnel changes from 2024. The most intriguing positional switch sees Tom McCartin spending time forward, though Logan McDonald's delayed preparation following ankle surgery complicates matters. Matt Roberts has impressed at half-back, while Angus Sheldrick's strong summer puts him firmly in the Round 1 frame.

West Coast Eagles

The Eagles begin their rebuild under Andrew McQualter without Dom Sheed (season) and potentially Elliot Yeo for Round 1. The additions of Liam Baker and Jack Graham add some much-needed experience, while Matt Owies brings excitement to their forward line. The ruck battle between Bailey Williams and Matt Flynn remains tight, with youth likely to be given plenty of opportunities throughout the year.

Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs enter 2025 with several selection challenges, including injuries to Adam Treloar and Liam Jones, plus uncertainty around Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's availability. The losses of Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, and Caleb Daniel have been offset somewhat by strong pre-seasons from Ryley Sanders and Matthew Kennedy, while Sam Davidson and Jordan Croft provide exciting options across multiple positions.

Where to get your 2025 AFL tickets

The best resource for tickets to the 2025 AFL season is Queen of Tickets. We have a range of ticket options for every round and every match, all at great prices. Bookmark our AFL section to quickly find your tickets, and don’t miss a moment of the action this year.