As Australian sports enthusiasts gear up for Round 3 of the 2025 AFL season, excitement mounts with key clashes on the horizon. This week's matches promise to showcase intense rivalries and pivotal moments for teams aiming to solidify their standings early in the season. Round 3 kicks off on March 27, 2025, with the first showdown between the Essendon Bombers and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium, followed by a series of exciting games culminating on March 30 with the Western Derby featuring West Coast and Fremantle.
The Bombers will look to bounce back from a challenging start as they face the Power. With a win probability of 51%, Port Adelaide is slightly favored over Essendon, who has a 49% chance, showcasing how closely matched these teams are. A key player to watch will be Essendon’s Jordan Ridley, returning from concussion protocols.
In another highly anticipated match, the Carlton Blues will take on the Western Bulldogs on March 28, 2025. Stats Insider projects Carlton with a 57% chance of victory, while the Bulldogs sit at 43%. Both teams have their strengths; Carlton's recent form has been impressive, especially at home, which might give them the edge in this contest.
Saturday's fixture sees Melbourne battling the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG. With the Suns carrying a 55% win probability as they look to capitalize on the Demons’ struggles, injuries could again prove pivotal. Melbourne’s Matthew Jefferson, unfortunately, finds himself sidelined with a fractured hand, while Gold Coast's Charlie Ballard will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
The St Kilda Saints are in fine form as they prepare to meet Richmond on March 29, with a staggering 81% win probability against the Tigers, who languish at 19%. The return of key players could significantly bolster Richmond's attempts to challenge, particularly with Tom Lynch back in the mix following suspension.
As the night unfolds, Hawthorn will face off against the GWS Giants, with Hawthorn carrying a 64% chance to win. The Giants, welcoming back several stars, have a 36% chance, and their performance will hinge on how well their injury returnees integrate back into the team.
For another gripping matchup, Brisbane hosts the Geelong Cats. The predictive analytics favor Brisbane at 64% over Geelong’s 36%, reflecting the Lions' upward trajectory following their successful title defense. Fans will be keenly watching for the fitness tests of some key players, including Charlie Cameron.
As the weekend wraps up, Adelaide will take on North Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval. The Crows are currently dominating the field with a projected 92% chance of winning, while North Melbourne sits at just 8%. The Kangaroos will need a tremendous effort to upset their opponents, especially after a previous win has given them the confidence boost they need.
Finally, the Round 3 action concludes with the highly anticipated derby between West Coast and Fremantle in Perth, where the Dockers are tipped to secure victory with a strong 77% chance against the Eagles’ 23%. This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to establish dominance in Western Australia.
As fans anticipate these thrilling encounters, Stats Insider provides in-depth expert tips for every match, powered by reliable data and previous performances. Whether for casual spectating or serious betting, these insights aim to give fans an edge in their AFL tipping endeavors. So grab the chips, gather friends, and gear up for a weekend filled with heart-stopping AFL action!
