North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power Tips and Prediction AFL Round 1 2026

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 11 Mar 2026

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Adam Cusworth 11 Mar 2026

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North Melbourne has a home-field advantage with a strong midfield.
Port Adelaide struggles in away games, winning only once in 10 outings last season.
Key players like Harry Sheezel and Nick Larkey could make a difference for the Roos.
The game will be played at Marvel Stadium on Sunday 15th March, with the bounce at 1:10 PM (AEDT).

Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power Tips and Prediction

North Melbourne and Port Adelaide open their seasons at Marvel Stadium in what looks like one of the tighter games of Round 1.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power Tips and Prediction
How this game shapes up
Best Bets
North Melbourne Kangaroos Moneyline
Harry Sheezel 30+ Disposals
What could go wrong?
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power AFL Round 1 FAQ’s

The Roos have been slowly building toward this moment and against a Port side that struggled away from home last year, the value might sit with the home team.

Best Bet: North Melbourne Kangaroos Head to Head

How this game shapes up

North Melbourne’s rebuild has taken time, but there are finally signs the young core is starting to come together. Harry Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke give the Roos genuine midfield drive and they now have enough support around them to stay competitive for longer stretches.

At Marvel Stadium, Nick Larkey also becomes a serious threat inside 50. If North can generate enough supply through the middle, he’s capable of turning momentum quickly.

Port Adelaide still have plenty of talent, particularly through Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis, but their interstate form last season remains a concern.

The Power managed just one win from ten games away from Adelaide in 2025, and until they prove otherwise those road trips remain a question mark.

Best Bets

North Melbourne Kangaroos Moneyline

This shapes as a genuinely even contest, but North Melbourne look to have the right matchup advantages at home. Their midfield is trending upward and if they can control territory, the Roos should be right in the fight late.

Harry Sheezel 30+ Disposals

Sheezel has quickly become one of the Kangaroos’ most reliable ball winners and looks set to spend more time around stoppages this season. If the game turns into the midfield battle it appears likely to be, he should again rack up big numbers.

What could go wrong?

Port Adelaide’s midfield still carries serious firepower and if Butters, Rozee and Horne-Francis get on top early the game could quickly tilt their way.

And while North are improving, trusting the Roos has burned punters before if their young side loses composure under pressure.

Which is why this probably turns into a tight contest either way.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power AFL Round 1 FAQ’s

How to watch North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power AFL Round 1?

You can watch the North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power AFL Round 1 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power AFL Round 1?

To buy tickets check the AFL website or the official North Melbourne Kangaroos or Port Adelaide Power sites.

Verdict

North Melbourne Kangaroos v Port Adelaide Power

North Melbourne finally look ready to turn some of their competitiveness into wins.
If the Roos can get enough supply inside 50 and Harry Sheezel controls the midfield, they look capable of edging Port Adelaide in a close Marvel Stadium clash.

North Melbourne

Match Result

@125.00 - 1 Unit

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Harry Sheezel

30+ disposals

@-114.94 - 1 Unit

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3+ goals

@-111.11 - 1 Unit

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Nick Larkey

3+ goals

@130.00 - 1 Unit

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