Almost anyone can win the AFL premiership, right? Surely that’s one thing we’ve learned the past three seasons.

The Western Bulldogs won it from seventh in 2016...we’ll forget what happened next. Richmond went from 13th to a flag in 2017. And last year West Coast were hot favourites to miss the eight. Some experts even had them pegged as wooden spooners. But the Eagles proved us all wrong and won a premiership from nowhere in 2018.

With such an open playing field, we decided to do a preview of the first rounds of the AFL season proper. Read on to see what games will get you frothing for the 2019 season!

Will the Tiger Army Stand Tall Again?

The Tigers will be out to stamp their feet in Round 1 against Carlton after a shock prelim exit in 2018.

The season kicks off early this year on March 21. It’s a clash of the titan membership bases with Carlton playing host to Richmond at the G. Expect 80,000+ plus for this clash and be sure to get in early for premium seats on Level 1.

The cleaners will be frantic getting the G ready for the second of two blockbuster opening games when the Pies host Geelong the following night. Expect another 80,000+ crowd as the AFL kicks into full gear for the season’s first Friday night arm-wrestle.

It’s a little meagher the rest of the weekend. The only exception being the face off between the Crows and Hawthorn at the Adelaide oval. Expect a capacity crowd for this game as the crow eaters launch their season at home.

Are the Pies One-Hit Wonders?

Can the pies repeat their stellar performance against Richmond in the 2018 prelim final?

Round two will again showcase a massive game at the G with Richmond hosting Collingwood. Richmond will be baying for blood after last year’s unexpected preliminary final drubbing.

Expect the pies to be red hot though as they look to prove the prelim final wasn’t a once-off. Tiger and Pie fans will be flocking to the G in hordes either way.

The other tightly held match will be Geelong vs Melbourne at GMHBA stadium on Saturday night. The cats had their pants pulled down by Melbourne in last year’s elimination final. The cats will be looking to get some respectability back and their loyal fan base will be chasing the rainbow for the clubs first game at home under the big lights.

In the west, West Coast vs GWS will be no snooze fest either. These two will go at it Saturday night at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Thursday Night It Is

Paddy Danger loves stepping up against his old team at home under lights at Adelaide Oval.

The AFL’s third of five Thursday night games will see Adelaide clash with Geelong under lights at the Adelaide Oval. This ground has become a fortress for the Crows so you can lock-in a capacity crowd for this game.

On Friday night, the Dees will host the Bombers at home under lights at the G. Melbourne is under pressure to continue their growth story while Bomber supporters are crying out for a continuation of the Dons late form in 2018. You can bet on a crowd of 80,000+ for the rejuvenated Dees and angry Dons.

The other game of note is the premiership rematch at the G on Saturday night. This game will be a ripper. It’s hard to believe Collingwood was up by six goals at quarter time in the Grand Final last year. They’re capable and there’ll be army of pies cajole them to greater heights in 2019. This game will no doubt be a highlight for the year.

Never Miss Another Big Game Again

We can’t wait for the round 1 action so bring it on! There’s a good mix of blockbuster games and some old-fashioned suburban wrestles.

Remember, if you miss any tickets for this year’s AFL fixture then be sure to check out The Ticket Merchant website for a full range of premium and discounted tickets selling the entirety of the AFL season.