SCG will play host to Thursday's Round 1 AFL game between Sydney Swans and Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Swans vs. Carlton Blues game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday March 5, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Where: SCG
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Sydney Swans vs Carlton Blues Odds
Sydney Swans vs Carlton Blues Preview
The 2026 AFL season begins under lights at the SCG, where Sydney hosts Carlton in a season-opener rich with storylines. All eyes will be on Charlie Curnow as he lines up in red and white against his former club, having requested a trade from the Blues in a deal that saw Will Hayward and three first-round picks head to Princes Park.
Carlton enters the new campaign in transition after a nine-win 2025, farewelling Sam Docherty to retirement while Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni joined St Kilda. The Swans also fell short of expectations, missing the finals for just the fourth time in 23 years despite 12 wins.
Sydney claimed a 16-point victory in this fixture last season, with Isaac Heeney starring in a dominant midfield display. Thursday night shapes as an early litmus test for both clubs’ new eras.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Carlton Blues to win at $3.35 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Harry McKay at $9.50.
Sydney Swans vs Carlton Blues Teams
SYDNEY
B: L.Melican 43 T.McCartin 30 D.Rampe 24
HB: C.Mills – C 14 N.Blakey 22 S.Wicks 15
C: J.Jordon 17 I.Heeney 5 M.Roberts 34
HF: M.Rosas 10 J.Rowbottom 8 T.Papley 11
F: J.Amartey 36 C.Curnow 35 L.McDonald 6
Foll: B.Grundy 4 E.Gulden 21 Ch.Warner 1
I/C: R.Bice 26 J.McInerney 27 J.Serong 13 J.Lloyd 44 A.Sheldrick 12
Emerg: P.Ladhams 19 Co.Warner 37 H.McLean 2
Notable absentees: Braeden Campbell, Harry Cunningham, Jesse Dattoli
CARLTON
B: O.Florent 14 J.Weitering 23 L.Young 33
HB: H.Dean 35 M.McGovern 11 A.Saad 42
C: O.Hollands 4 P.Cripps – C 9 W.Hayward 19
HF: L.Fogarty 8 H.McKay 10 B.Ainsworth 12
F: J.Smith 7 B.Kemp 17 A.Moir 43
Foll: M.Pittonet 27 G.Hewett 29 S.Walsh 18
I/C: Z.Williams 6 L.Reidy 25 E.Hollands 20 C.Chesser 31 C.Lord 36
Emerg: T.Byrne 39 H.O’Keeffe 40 J.Boyd 37
Notable absentees: Adam Cerra, Matt Cottrell, Francis Evans, Nick Haynes, Jesse Motlop, Nic Newman
