Snapshot: Sydney at home are always a formidable opponent. Tonight does not look any different. While they disappointed in 2025, three factors point towards them scooting up the ladder this year: Errol Gulden returning from injury, the recruitment of Charlie Curnow and a fit-and-firing Tom Papley. That’s an impressive trio. The Blues are also a fascinating watch. True, they have lost Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, but thanks to a healthy list (touch wood, Cartlon fans), they appear to have considerable depth, highlighted by a backline that boasts rebounders Adam Saad, Zac Williams and Oliver Florent. Their biggest concern is a shortage of A-grade talent outside Cripps, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering.
The main event: All eyes will be on Curnow and Weitering. Will the big Blue defender go straight to his former teammate? Has Weitering recovered enough from a heavy knock in Perth during the State Of Origin game to stand the damaging Swans recruit? We are about to find out, and we can’t wait. Expect Blues skipper Cripps to serve it up to Curnow as well.
Jagga Smith (left) and Will Hayward will play their first game for Carlton tonight. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Recent history: The Swans have won their past two clashes, both at home – 11.12 (78) to 9.8 (62) in May last year, and 17.15 (117) to 9.11 (65) in May 2024. Sydney also lead their head-to-head clashes 3-2 across the past five encounters.
Selection table: There’s a lot to keep Carlton fans excited. Top draft picks Jagga Smith and Harry Dean will make their debuts, while the Blues are bringing in new faces Oliver Florent (Swans), Will Hayward (Swans), Ben Ainsworth (Suns), Campbell Chesser (Eagles) and Liam Reidy (Dockers) for their first games in the navy blue.
The Swans have three new faces in gun forward Curnow (Blues), small forward Malcolm Rosas (Suns) and key defender Jai Serong (Hawks).
What the coaches say:
Carlton’s Michael Voss: “I think everyone else is Charlie-focused, we don’t make it about him. We’ve got a job to do, and we’re pretty determined to get it done.”
Sydney’s Dean Cox: “This time last year there were injuries, I think it was over a dozen. Probably a few selection headaches in terms of leaving guys out this time around.”
What the experts say: It’s a Sydney whitewash. All 16 of our AFL tipsters have forecast a Swans victory. Chief footy writer Jake Niall has them finishing 20 points in front by the final siren.
For our panel’s tips for the entire Opening Round, click HERE.
