AFL 2025 Round 3 – Betting Tips, Odds & Predictions

The AFL season is just two weeks old (or three, in the case of the Hawks, Pies and Swans…or one, in the case of the Suns) but a handful of teams have already made big statements, while at the other end of the spectrum there are a number of sides on whom the pressure is already piling up. The Bombers are one of those, and they will kick off Round 3 against the Power on Thursday night, while elsewhere over the weekend the Blues will face the Dogs, the Hawks take on the Giants, the Lions host the Cats and the weekend concludes with a pressure-filled Western Derby between the bottom-placed Eagles and 17th-placed Dockers. Enthralling match-ups abound this weekend, so check out our previews and predictions of all eight of them below.

Nobody really expected the Bombers to be world-beaters this year, but the nature of their second-round loss to the Crows has put a huge amount of heat on Brad Scott and the club more broadly. Call it a rebuild, call it an overturning of the list, call it whatever you want…this team in its current form doesn’t have nearly the talent to get near the top of the ladder or probably even the top eight. Of course, such black and white comments so early in the season are folly (I’m aware that I’m the one who made the comment), and a win this weekend would change the narrative pretty quickly – or at least get the media off their back for a week. They need look only as far as their opponents this weekend for an example.

After losing by 15 goals to the Magpies, the Power were in the media’s firing line just one game into the season, but they turned things around with a thumping 12-goal win which could easily have been more over the young Tigers. Of course, despite their win over the Blues two weeks ago, Richmond is probably the worst team in the league, and the Bombers, for all their problems, will pose a bit more of a challenge, particularly in Melbourne. This is an intriguing game and the loser will be on the receiving end of plenty of pressure, and as bad as the Power were in Melbourne two weeks ago, they are the better side here and can creep over the line.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Power to win	$1.60
	Power 1-39	$2.40
	Power/Power half-time/full-time double	$2.00

Predicted Squads

Essendon Bombers: B: A. McGrath, B. McKay, J. Prior HB: M. Redman, Z. Reid, J. Ridley C: X. Duursma, J. Caldwell, A. Roberts HF: J. Gresham, N. Caddy, B. Hobbs F: H. Jones, S. Draper, I. Kako FOLL: N. Bryan, S. Durham, Z. Merrett I/C: N. Martin, S. El-Hawli, D. Shiel, T. Edwards, J. Menzie EMG: L. Hayes, L. Lual, D. Parish

Port Adelaide Power: B: E. Ratugolea, A. Aliir, J. Burgoyne HB: L. Evans, M. Bergman, K. Farrell C: T. Boak, C. Rozee, J. Mead HF: S. Powell-Pepper, M. Georgiades, W. Rioli F: D. Byrne-Jones, J. Finlayson, J. Richards FOLL: J. Sweet, J. Horne-Francis, W. Drew I/C: J. Berry, J. Sinn, T. Cochrane, O. Wines, C. Moraes EMG: J. McEntee, R. Atkins, I. Soldo

Speaking of sides under pressure, the Blues will be feeling the weight of the world on their collective shoulders this week after two losses in a row to kick off the season. In fairness they weren’t bad against the Hawks, but for a team with lofty ambitions, a 0-2 start is far from ideal and they will have to play some good footy to avoid making it 0-3 against the Dogs.

The Doggies were unable to frank their 100-year celebrations with a win against the Pies, though they did go mighty close in a fantastic game of footy. The Kangaroos’ impressive win over the Dees, meanwhile, gave the Western Bulldogs’ win over the Roos the week prior a little more credibility. They are ravaged by injuries, but have looked pretty good regardless and have a couple of key backs set to return this weekend. This is a big game for both teams and could go down to the wire, but the Doggies have looked better a fortnight into the season and can get the job done in a close one.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Bulldogs to win	$1.85
	Bulldogs 1-24	$3.50
	Bulldogs 1-39	$2.40

Predicted Squads

Carlton Blues: B: L. Cowan, J. Weitering, O. Hollands HB: A. Saad, M. McGovern, N. Haynes C: B. Acres, P. Cripps, L. Camporeale HF: S. Docherty, J. Silvagni, H. McKay F: L. Fogarty, C. Curnow, M. Cottrell FOLL: T. De Koning, A. Cerra, G. Hewett I/C: S. Walsh, Z. Williams, J. Motlop, B. Kemp, C. Lord  EMG: A. Moir, F. Evans, J. Binns

Western Bulldogs: B: J. Freijah, L. Jones, T. Duryea HB: L. Bramble, R. Lobb, B. Dale C: B. Williams, T. Liberatore, S. Davidson HF: L. McNeil, A. Naughton, M. Kennedy F: L. Vandermeer, S. Darcy, J. Harmes FOLL: T. English, R. Sanders, E. Richards I/C: J. O’Donnell, H. Gallagher, A. Jones, R. West, B. Khamis EMG: J. Busslinger, R. Gardner, C. Poulter

Though they came up short, the Demons were good in Round 1 against the Giants, but the same can’t be said for last week’s defeat. The Kangaroos should be a much-improved team this year, but a 59-point loss to them was a dreadful result for a Demons team trying to prove that they are capable of bouncing back from last year’s effort and pushing for finals, at the very least. They can ill-afford to fall to 0-3 if they want to do that.

The Suns, meanwhile, are the only team that have played just one game so far this season, but they played about as well as they could have in it. After having their Opening Round clash delayed due to Cyclone Alfred, they pumped the Eagles by 87 points, then had the bye. It’s hard to get much of a read of them as a result, but while they will very possibly show some improvement this season, they have not exactly excelled away from home in recent years, and this presents a good opportunity for the Demons to get their first win of the season.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Demons to win	$2.00
	Demons 1-24	$3.70
	Demons 1-39	$2.60

Predicted Squads

Melbourne Demons: B: J. Lever, S. May, C. Salem HB: B. Howes, H. Petty, J. Bowey C: E. Langdon, C. Oliver, X. Lindsay HF: T. Sparrow, A. Johnson, J. Henderson F: B. Fritsch, J. van Rooyen, K. Chandler FOLL: M. Gawn, C. Petracca, J. Viney I/C: C. Spargo, D. Turner, T. Rivers, T. McDonald, T. Woewodin EMG: B. Laurie, H. Langford, J. Adams

Gold Coast Suns: B: W. Powell, S. Collins, B. Uwland HB: J. Noble, M. Andrew, D. Rioli C: L. Weller, M. Rowell, S. Clohesy HF: W. Graham, T. Miller, B. Ainsworth F: J. Rogers, B. King, E. Read FOLL: J. Witts, S. Flanders, N. Anderson I/C: B. Humphrey, B. Long, C. Budarick, J. Jeffrey, A. Sexton EMG: B. Fiorini, N. Moyle, C. Graham

• In the past two seasons, the Suns have a 16-7 record at home, and an 8-18 record interstate.
• The Crows have averaged an incredible 148 points per game over their first two, and while the Roos are improved, last year they conceded the most points in the league by quite a long way.
• Poor old Brisbane is forecast for more heavy rain throughout the course of the week and particularly on Saturday, so expect a wet and low-scoring affair between the Lions and the Cats.

Multi of the Week

The Saints’ were pitiful in Round 1 against the Crows, but Round 2 was a much better weekend for them. Firstly, the Crows showed again that they might be pretty damn good this year, but more importantly, St. Kilda responded in emphatic fashion with a fantastic win over the Cats. That performance was a far cry from what they displayed in their opening game, and while they probably still have a limited ceiling, they showed in that game that they are capable of playing some decent footy.

The Tigers, meanwhile, have suffered the reverse fortunes over the first fortnight of their season. Their almost-unbelievable Round 1 win over the Blues was a distant memory as they were pounded from pillar to post over the first two or three quarters against the Power, their young team simply no match for their established opposition. A number of their new recruits still showed plenty of good signs and they fought back well to avoid an absolute shellacking, but that game was nonetheless a likely indication of what we can expect from them this year. They’ll probably have their moments this year, but the Saints should be far too strong for them on Saturday evening.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Saints -27.5	$1.90
	Saints 25+	$1.80
	Over 173.5 total match points	$1.88

Predicted Squads

St. Kilda Saints: B: A. Caminiti, C. Wilkie, J. Webster HB: R. Byrnes, N. Wanganeen-Milera, J. Sinclair C: M. Wood, H. Clark, M. Windhager HF: Z. Jones, M. Owens, B. Hill F: J. Higgins, I. Keeler, D. Wilson FOLL: R. Marshall, J. Steele, J. Macrae I/C: L. Collard, T. Travaglia, M. Hall, L. O’Connell, H. Garcia EMG: L. Henry, A. Schoenmaker, H. Boyd

Richmond Tigers: B: B. Miller, J. Blight, N. Broad HB: J. Short, N. Vlastuin, T. Brown C: K. McAuliffe, K. McIntosh, J. Trezise HF: R. Mansell, T. Lynch, S. Green F: J. Bauer, H. Armstrong, S. Lalor FOLL: T. Nankervis, T. Taranto, J. Hopper I/C: L. Trainor, T. Dow, S. Campbell, J. Ross, L. Trainor EMG: L. Fawcett, K. Smith, S. Ryan

This will be an excellent Saturday night of footy, with two games between four Premiership contenders kicking off at exactly the same time – not ideal fixturing for those wanting to watch them both but we can blame Cyclone Alfred for that. The Hawks and the Giants are two of just four teams remaining undefeated, and the Hawks are the only one of them to have played three games. None of those wins have been dominant but none have been close either, and they have showed that their thrilling run to the semis last year was far from a one-off. They are the real deal in 2025, and a win against the Giants would only solidify that fact.

Greater Western Sydney came into this season with a number of players missing the first few games through suspension and a tough draw to start, but they have handled it with aplomb. After pumping the Magpies in Round 1 they came to Melbourne and just held off the Demons before an early-season bye, but this will likely be their toughest challenge yet. They’ll be disappointed this one isn’t being played at the home of footy in what could easily be a preview of a game that will be repeated late in the finals, particularly given the Hawks are never easy to beat in Tassie. The Hawks are deserved favourites on their home away from home in this one, but I would not be surprised to see the Giants give them a serious run for their money.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Giants to win	$2.60
	Giants +11.5	$1.91
	Giants 1-39	$3.10

Predicted Squads

Hawthorn Hawks: B: T. Barrass, B. Hardwick, J. Sicily HB: C. Jiath, J. Impey, M. D’Ambrosio C: K. Amon, J. Ward, J. Battle HF: F. Maginness, N. Watson, C. Mackenzie F: J. Ginnivan, M. Chol, J. Newcombe FOLL: L. Meek, W. Day, D. Moore I/C: J. Weddle, H. Morrison, C. Nash, L. Breust, J. Gunston EMG: S. Frost, H. Hustwaite, S. Mitchell

Greater Western Sydney Giants: B: C. Idun, S. Taylor, H. Himmelberg HB: L. Whitfield, J. Buckley, L. Ash C: J. Kelly, T. Green, S. Coniglio HF: X. O’Halloran, T. Greene, B. Daniels F: D. Jones, J. Hogan, J. Stringer FOLL: K. Briggs, T. Bedford, F. Callaghan I/C: C. Brown, C. Ward, A. Cadman, J. Wehr, J. Leake EMG: L. Keeffe, O. Hannaford, L. Aleer

After initially being scheduled for Opening Round but postponed due to the cyclone, the Lions will take on the Cats this Saturday night the weekend they were both due for their early-season bye. And what a game it should be. Neither was at their best last weekend, but make no mistake – these are two Premiership contenders and if they both play to their best, this will be a brilliant game. The Lions will be looking to go three from three to start the season, a stark contrast to last year – a frightening prospect given after that slow start, they went on to win the flag. As mentioned, they were far from their best last weekend, beating the Eagles by just 19 points in Brisbane, but they did what they needed to do after hanging on against the Swans the week prior.

The Cats, meanwhile, were brilliant in Round One but could not back it up last week, going down to the Saints by seven points after pumping the Dockers a week earlier. Boom recruit Bailey Smith was a late withdrawal from that one while star defender Tom Stewart injured a knee, but the latter was cleared of serious damage and could even return this weekend while so too could Smith. The health of those two is pretty significant for this team, but whether they play or not, beating Brisbane at the Gabba is probably the toughest ask in footy. They’re capable of giving it a good shake, but it’s tough to go past the reigning Premiers in this one.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Lions 1-39	$2.12
	Lions 1-24	$3.20
	Under 154.5 total match points	$1.88

Predicted Squads

Brisbane Lions: B: D. Zorko, J. Payne, R. Lester HB: N. Answerth, H. Andrews, D. Wilmot C: J. Fletcher, H. McCluggage, J. Berry HF: W. Ashcroft, E. Hipwood, Z. Bailey F: C. Rayner, L. Morris, C. Cameron FOLL: O. McInerney, J. Dunkley, L. Neale I/C: W. McLachlan, C. Ah Chee, L. Ashcroft, S. Day, C. McKenna EMG: H. Smith, D. Robertson, D. Joyce

Geelong Cats: B: C. O’Sullivan, J. Henry, M. Blicavs HB: Z. Guthrie, J. Bowes, L. Humphries C: J. Clark, M. Holmes, O. Dempsey HF: B. Close, G. Miers, T. Stengle F: S. Neale, J. Cameron, P. Dangerfield FOLL: S. De Koning, T. Atkins, T. Stewart I/C: B. Smith, M. O’Connor, O. Henry, M. Knevitt, O. Mullin EMG: M. Duncan, R. Stanley, T. Clohesy

The Crows were expected to jump into the top eight last year and potentially even challenge for the top four, but instead missed the finals. But they are well on their way to proving that was no more than a blip on the radar and look well-poised to do what many expected from them last year in 2025 instead. They have admittedly not played elite opposition, but they have been brilliant in their first two games, incredibly scoring the most points in the league despite the fact that three other teams have played three games. They backed up their 135-72 win over the Saints with an even better 161-100 defeat of the Bombers, and back on their home turf against the young Roos they will be again looking to post a huge score.

Of course, the Roos look likely to be a long way from the easy beats they have been for so long in 2025. They were very competitive in Round 1 against the Bulldogs and then pumped the Demons last year, and with their talented youth appearing to have taken a step forward and being complemented by the injection of experience in the form of Luke Parker, Caleb Daniel and Jack Darling, they look likely to be a really competitive team this year. But with so much youth in their team, consistency is likely to remain an issue, and this will be a very difficult trip if the first two weeks of the season is anything to go by. Expect another big score from the Crows in this one, and likely a big win. 

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Crows over 139.5 points	$4.20
	Crows -38.5	$1.91
	Over 188.5 total match points	$1.88

Predicted Squads

Adelaide Crows: B: J. Worrell, M. Keane, R. Laird HB: W. Milera, N. Murray, M. Hinge C: I. Cumming, J. Dawson, L. Sholl HF: B. Keays, R. Thilthorpe, I. Rankine F: D. Fogarty, T. Walker, A. Neal-Bullen FOLL: R. O’Brien, J. Soligo, M. Crouch I/C: J. Rachele, J. Peatling, M. Michalanney, D. Curtin, S. Draper EMG: L. Nankervis, L. Murphy, T. Murray

North Melbourne Kangaroos: B: C. Comben, A. Corr, L. McDonald HB: B. Scott, C. Daniel, C. McKercher C: F. O’Sullivan, L. Davies-Uniacke, J. Simpkin HF: H. Sheezel, N. Larkey, R. Hansen Jr F: P. Curtis, J. Darling, C. Zurhaar FOLL: T. Xerri, T. Powell, L. Parker I/C: T. Pink, D. Tucker, W. Phillips, J. Konstanty, D. Stephens EMG: M. Bergman, F. Maley, B. Teakle

There is always plenty of spice in the Western Derby even if the Eagles have been far from their best over the past few years, but with the Eagles and Dockers currently occupying the bottom two spots there will be even more incentive to put in a good showing in this one. Of course, it’s no great surprise to see the Eagles there, and after a dreadful Round 1 performance they were substantially better against the Lions at the Gabba last weekend. But they will again need to play out of their skins if they’re to knock off their cross-town rivals.

The Dockers, in a season they entered with high expectations, badly need a win after losing their first two games of the season. But while their season-opening performance was dreadful against the Cats, they were much-improved and were simply on the wrong end of the scoreboard when the siren sounded against the Swans last weekend. That has become something of a habit for them after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory numerous times last year, and they will be keen not to leave this one up to chance. Expect plenty of intensity early in this one, but the Dockers are a far superior team and should be able to win easily.

Bookmaker	James’ Tip	Odds
	Dockers -27.5	1.90
	Dockers 16+	$1.55
	Dockers 40+	$2.60

Predicted Squads

West Coast Eagles: B: B. Hough, H. Edwards, R. Maric HB: R. Ginbey, J. McGovern, L. Baker C: J. Hunt, H. Reid, T. Dewar HF: T. Brockman, A. Reid, M. Owies F: L. Ryan, O. Allen, J. Cripps FOLL: B. Williams, L. Duggan, T. Kelly I/C: E. Hewett, B. Allan, C. Hall, T. Cole, J. Petruccelle EMG: H. Johnston, M. Flynn, N. Long

Fremantle Dockers: B: C. Wagner, A. Pearce, B. Cox HB: L. Ryan, J. Draper, J. Clark C: M. Johnson, J. O’Meara, N. O’Driscoll HF: J. Sharp, M. Frederick, S. Bolton F: M. Reid, J. Treacy, J. Amiss FOLL: L. Jackson, C. Serong, A. Brayshaw I/C: H. Chapman, B. Banfield, N. Erasmus, P. Voss, Q. Narkle EMG: L. Reidy, K. Worner, W. Brodie

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