GWS Giants vs Collingwood Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 1

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

The 2025 AFL season's opening round continues off with the clash between the GWS Giants and Collingwood at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 9th March, 2025: UK – 4:20am / US ET – 11:20pm (Saturday) / US PT – 8:20pm (Saturday)

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL

The Prediction

GWS come off a record-breaking 2024 season that ended in finals heartbreak, and they are eager to make amends and chase their elusive first premiership. However, they face significant challenges with the absence of key personnel Jesse Hogan, Jake Stringer, and Tom Green due to injuries for this opener.

Collingwood, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after narrowly missing the finals in 2024. The Magpies have bolstered their squad with off-season acquisitions Dan Houston, Tim Membrey, and former Giant Harry Perryman, aiming to recapture their 2023 premiership form.

The Giants hold a narrow 6-4 edge in the last ten encounters between these sides, including a resounding 32-point victory in last year's opening round fixture. However, Collingwood's impressive 83-point win over Richmond in their recent AAMI Community Series clash suggests they're in good form.

Despite GWS's home ground advantage, the absence of some key players could prove decisive and swing this in favour of the visitors. Expect a closely fought contest but one which Collingwood should ultimately clinch.

Tip: Collingwood to win