The 2026 AFL season launches on Thursday night with a spicy storyline as Charlie Curnow faces his former club for the first time in new colours.
Sydney Swans vs Carlton Blues
The Swans were one of the disappointments of the 2025 season, but they open 2026 with a near full-strength lineup when they host Carlton at the SCG. Their forward line also features the huge off-season addition of former Blue Charlie Curnow.
What will the star key forward produce against his old club in his first game in the red and white?
Carlton enters the season with plenty of optimism. A new game style and some fresh faces headline the changes, including young gun Jagga Smith making his AFL debut after missing the entire 2025 season.
LEG 1 - Sydney Swans 1-39
Despite Carlton showing promising signs in the pre-season with a quicker style of play against Brisbane and Geelong, the reality is they bring seven new players into their side for Round 1.
Sydney has also impressed during the pre-season after an injury-interrupted 2025 campaign, and the addition of Charlie Curnow strengthens their attack.
The Swans have won five of the last six meetings against Carlton at the SCG, with four of those victories coming by 1–39 points. Carlton should be more competitive this season, but Sydney still looks the stronger side.
LEG 2 - Ashton Moir 1+ Goals
Ashton Moir appears to have locked down a role in Carlton’s forward line after finishing the 2025 season strongly.
He kicked at least one goal in five of his last six games last year and added another in the pre-season clash against Geelong.
With Curnow departing in the off-season, Moir shapes as an important piece of Carlton’s forward setup.
LEG 3 - Nick Blakey 20+ Disposals
The renewed focus on the stand rule could see elite runners and ball-users off half-back become even more influential.
Nick Blakey’s role expanded significantly in the second half of 2025, recording 20+ disposals in 10 of his last 11 matches.
He collected 26 disposals in last week’s Community Series hit-out against the Giants and looks set to be heavily involved again in 2026.
LEG 4 - Jagga Smith 20+ Disposals
There’s plenty of hype around Jagga Smith, but the young midfielder has already shown he can find the football.
Smith finished with 37 disposals in Carlton’s Community Series clash against Geelong. While replicating that number will be difficult, he was a prolific ball-winner as a junior and also impressed at VFL level.
Playing three games for Richmond’s VFL side in 2024 as an 18-year-old, Smith recorded 24+ disposals in all three appearances.
Same Game Multi
Swans 1–39 / Moir 1+ Goals / Blakey 20+ Disposals / Smith 20+ Disposals = $5.20
