Follow AFL opening round 2026, results, odds, squads and start time from People First Stadium, Gold Coast

Both teams are missing some key players tonight, but both also welcome some high-profile off-season recruits.

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For the Suns, the biggest name on the sidelines is Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell. He suffered a finger injury playing for Victoria in last month’s State of Origin game, and a timeline for his return is yet to be revealed, the Suns simply listing his estimated return date as TBC.

Of course, the upside for Damien Hardwick’s team is that former Melbourne star Christian Petracca is stepping out for his new team. He’s been named on a half-forward flank.

Geelong are starting their season without skipper Patrick Dangerfield (calf) and also last year’s Coleman medallist Jeremy cameron (quadriceps), although both should not be sidelined for long. Bailey Smith (calf) and Gryan Miers (thumb) were both listed to have fitness tests this week, but were selected in the 23 for tonight’s game alongside midfield recruit James Worpel, playing his first game for the Cats since crossing from Hawthorn.

You can catch up with all the selected teams for opening round here.