The 2025 AFL season is finally here! It’s time to kick off the year with some exciting matchups, and our experts—Jimmy and The Machine—are here to give you their insights, tips and same game multi bets on every game
Sydney vs. Hawthorn
7/3/2025
Jimmy’s Prediction: Sydney by 4
Opening Round will be really heating up the awful weather up north, and I reckon this will be Match of the round. Everyone is dying to see how the Hawks will go this year, after their scary run home last season. And the Swans, after their woeful Grand Final performance last year, it’ll be interesting to see where they are at.
Still, the Swans were top tier for most of 2024, and with little list changes there’s no reason to assume they won’t be at the pointy end based on a few bad games. With talent like Heeney, Papley and Warner running a muck when they want to, Hawthorn need more going right to be competitive – although the whole Hawthorn team plays amazing together, and I’m keen to see how Barrass goes.
Sydney, in a nail biter.
Jimmy’s Tips: Sydney to Win
1.85 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
Same Game Multi:
- Sydney to Win
- Nick Watson 2+ Goals
- Jack Ginnivan 2+ Goals
SGM is paying 14.00 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
The Machine’s Prediction: Sydney by 9
The Swans, aiming to rebound from their disappointing Grand Final appearance last season, have retained much of their core lineup. With dynamic players like Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, and Isaac Heeney leading the charge, Sydney’s midfield and forward line boast both flair and firepower.
On the other side, the Hawks concluded 2024 with a strong surge, showcasing a cohesive unit that plays with synergy. The addition of Tom Barrass to their defensive lineup adds stability, while forwards like Marbyr Chol and Jack Gunston provide scoring options. The midfield battle will be crucial, with both teams possessing the talent to dominate clearances.
Given the Swans’ home-ground advantage and their desire to make amends for last year’s shortcomings, they are slight favorites. However, the Hawks’ momentum from late last season cannot be overlooked.
The Machine’s Tips: Sydney to Win
1.85 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
Same Game Multi:
- Sydney Swans to Win
- Isaac Heeney 2+ Goals
- Chad Warner 25+ Disposals
- Jack Gunston 2+ Goals
SGM is paying 19.25 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
GWS vs. Collingwood
9/3/2025
Jimmy’s Prediction: GWS by 18
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Will the orange tsunami be causing another natural disaster this weekend? I think so!
The Giants finals series was heartbreaking last year. They were who I was backing and they went out in straight sets in two of the best matches of the entire final series. The fire will still be in the belly..
Collingwood, in my humble opinion are massively overrated and will be on the slide this year. They will still show some ticker in some games as they always do, but I’ll eat my shoe before admitting “they are back”.
Jimmy’s Tips: GWS to Win
1.84 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
Same Game Multi:
- GWS to Win
- Josh Daicos 1+ Goal
- Jack Crisp 1+ Goal
SGM is paying 15.75 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
The Machine’s Prediction: GWS by 12
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GWS comes into the match with confidence after a solid pre-season, and their home-ground advantage at ENGIE Stadium will be a big factor. Players like Toby Greene and Josh Kelly will be key, with Greene’s ability to hit the scoreboard and Kelly’s ball-winning capabilities in midfield providing a lot of the drive for the Giants.
Collingwood, on the other hand, has the star power to cause an upset, with players like Nick Daicos providing excitement and class. Their pressure and intensity will be vital, but they’ll need to be at their best to overcome a strong GWS side on the road.
The Machine’s Tips: GWS to Win
1.84 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)
Same Game Multi:
- GWS Giants to Win
- Toby Greene 2+ Goals
- Josh Kelly 25+ Disposals
- Nick Daicos 25+ Disposals
SGM is paying 7.50 at Sportsbet (3/3/25)