The certainties for every remaining Round 3 game

Back for another week, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.

But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.

Here is what we consider certainties for the seven remaining games in Round 3 across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Carlton versus Western Bulldogs

Darcy to kick 2+ goals

The unicorn put the AFL world on notice in Round 2, taking eight marks and booting four goals from six scoring shots in the Bulldogs’ narrow loss to Collingwood.

Standing at a ridiculous 205cm, Darcy’s unmatched ability to clunk the ball at its highest point proved too much for Darcy Moore in one on one situations.

Despite Carlton’s back half looking worse for wear to start the season, taking on a premium defender in Jacob Weitering will prove a challenge for young Darcy, with Weitering sitting third in the AFL for interceptions per game with just over 10.

However, the last time these two teams faced off, Sam Darcy secured one goal from three scoring shots in a contest well before the peak of his powers.

With Darcy cementing his place as the number one forward option for the Dogs, we can mark him down for a cruisy two goals.

Jaiden Sciberras

Melbourne versus Gold Coast

Anderson 30+ disposals

The Gold Coast Suns opened their season with a bang, demolishing the Eagles in a statement victory away from home.

Within that contest, the Suns’ newly appointed captain looked every bit a superstar, with all metrics suggesting that Noah Anderson had taken his game to the next level.

Anderson was electric in his side’s only fixture this season, collecting 36 touches and nine clearances in a dominant win.

Coming up against a Demons side with the second worst clearance win-loss ratio in the AFL (-12 per game), it’s safe to say that the Suns have all the tools necessary to clean up on the inside, and with Anderson on the outside fresh off a break, we can lock him in for 30+.

Jaiden Sciberras

St Kilda versus Richmond

Macrae 25+ disposals

After a disappointing 2024 with the Western Bulldogs, Jack Macrae over the last two weeks has seemingly returned back to his 2021 form.

With games of 34 disposals against Adelaide and 35 disposals against Geelong this season, his return as a inside midfield has seen an uptick in disposals albeit with a small sample size.

In his last 10 games against Richmond, he averages 30.3 disposals showing which means 25 disposals on Saturday afternoon is well within his wheelhouse.

Nicholas Quinlan

Hawthorn versus GWS

Hogan to kick at least one goal

Currently undefeated, the Giants will be looking for a statement win against the Hawks to certify their premiership.

For the game, the addition of the current Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan is a major in considering his form against Hawthorn.

Hogan has always kicked at least one goal in his eight career games against the Hawks including a five-goal haul in his last outing against them.

While he is coming off a broken thumb, he should manage at least one goal and maintain his 32-game goal streak.

Nicholas Quinlan

Brisbane versus Geelong

Neale 20+ disposals

Lachie Neale has been the heart of Brisbane’s midfield since joining the club in 2019 from Fremantle as they pushed up the ladder which saw them win the premiership last year.

Neale will need to bring some of that Brownlow form against Geelong, given the Cats have the best away record at the Gabba which will mitigate the home ground advantage the Lions have.

Historically, he has got past 20 disposals in the last six games against the Cats.

And with the Cats tagger, Mark O’Connor being out, this should give Brisbane and Neale freer reign to get disposals

Nicholas Quinlan

Adelaide versus North Melbourne

Adelaide to go 3-0

Both sides made a statement last weekend with the Crows easily taking care of the Bombers while the Shinboners thrashed the Demons under the roof.

A win for the Crows on Sunday afternoon would be a momentous occasion with the side going undefeated across the first three rounds of the season for the first time since 2017.

Matthew Nicks’ men have a good record against the Kangaroos, winning their last six with their biggest win coming back in Round 16 2023 when they won by 11 goals.

North Melbourne have never won at the Adelaide Oval in their 11 encounters at the venue and only recorded back-to-back wins once in the last five years.

Luke Mathews

West Coast versus Fremantle

Serong 30+ disposals

The reigning two-time Doig medallist was successfully stopped by Swans tagger James Jordon last Sunday with the midfielder finishing with only 19 disposals and one goal.

The Gippsland Power product loves the stage of a Western Derby winning three Glendinning-Allan Medals with the highlight being his match winning goal against the Eagles in 2021.

West Coast have struggled to stop ball magnets in 2025 with Lachie Neale and Noah Anderson finishing with 35 and 36 disposals against them in the first two rounds of the season.

The Dockers will need Caleb Serong to fire if they want break their run of six consecutive losses dating back to the end of 2024.

Luke Mathews

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au