The 2022 AFL season is here, with 198 home and away games plus finals set to satisfy the appetite of starved footy fans.

A rematch of last year's grand final between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will open the new season, with the two sides set to fight for early bragging rights as the focus on a new campaign begins.

The Wednesday night affair won't be the only contest that's anticipated to go down to the wire, with the Blues having their best chance yet to snap their losing streak to fellow powerhouse club Richmond.

The Cats and Bombers will both be looking to stamp their place among the top half of the competition early as their bout is scheduled for Saturday, while two flag contenders in Brisbane and Port Adelaide will clash at the Gabba later that evening.

For any footy fan looking to settle their tips for Round 1, we've got you covered!

Senior Reporter Jack Fitzpatrick has given his selections for TOPTIPPERS ahead of this week's action.

Demons vs Bulldogs

A grand final rematch to kick-off the new season, with the season opener set to be a fiery affair following a lengthy build-up and off-season of excitement. The Demons will firm as the favourites, but you can expect the Doggies to go the distance in what is sure to be a tight affair.

Blues vs Tigers

The traditional season starter won't be opening the curtains this year, but will take its place on the first Thursday night of the season as Carlton and Richmond clash at the MCG. The match will be senior coach Michael Voss' first in charge of the navy blue, while the Tigers will be eyeing a return to the top after missing the top eight in 2021. Both sides will be evenly matched this year, something that hasn't been the case in years gone by.

Saints vs Magpies

A match with plenty to play for in the opening round, with St Kilda looking to return to their winning ways after a disappointing campaign. Across the pond, Collingwood will embark on their new journey under rookie coach Craig McRae, who will enter his first match at the helm unfavoured as his side continues to develop.

Cats vs Bombers

Two sides that have contrasting list demographics, with the Cats hoping to hold onto their premiership relevance while the Bombers stake their claim as a finals threat following last season's stunning campaign under Ben Rutten. Can we expect Geelong's experience to overrun the Bombers' hopes of a 1-0 record?

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Giants vs Swans 

Could this be the game the great Lance Franklin brings up goal 1,000? The Swans veteran is just five majors away from the historic milestone and may reach the feat against cross-town rivals in the Giants. For Leon Cameron's side, they'll be hoping to spoil the party, but will need to do so without Toby Greene due to suspension.

Lions vs Power

Two high-flying sides from last season, Brisbane will welcome Port Adelaide to the Gabba as both teams look set to contend for the premiership in 2022. Round 1 will see the Power blood new recruit Jeremy Finlayson as questions around Charlie Dixon's fitness continue, while the Lions are set to welcome back former Pick 1 Cam Rayner from a season-long ACL injury.

Hawks vs Kangaroos

In the opening game for Sunday, both sides are set to step into new eras of their respective clubs, with the Hawks welcoming club great Sam Mitchell as their senior coach. For the Roos, prized pick Jason Horne-Francis will represent the Shinboners as all eyes are placed on the No.1 draft selection from last year.

Crows vs Dockers

In the penultimate match of the opening round, Fremantle will fly to the Crows' nest as they look to start their 2022 campaign on the right foot. Adelaide stunned many with their hot start last season, with Matthew Nicks set to require another upset in hope of beginning 2022 1-0.

 

Eagles vs Suns

To conclude the round, West Coast will host the Suns as both sides look to begin campaigns anticipated to be arduous. The Eagles have been hampered by an extensive injury list across the pre-season, while Gold Coast have lost their spearhead in Ben King for the season. This match is sure to give fans an insight into what's to come for the year ahead.

The 2022 season is your chance to break away from the traditional tipping model and instead give TOPTIPPERS a go for the new year.

While the traditional tipping model favours the “safe” tipper - the player who will take all the favourites and then crow that they consistently tip six or seven out of eight each week - TOPTIPPERS has a built in model which will favour the risk-takers, if they get enough of them right.

Instead of employing the traditional model of tipping - one point per game and margins as a tie-breaker - TOPTIPPERS has new and innovative ways to reward tippers and keep you in the hunt right until the final whistle on grand final day, with multiple bonuses able to multiply on themselves throughout the year.

That’s a good place to start of course, with every single match during the finals being worth double points.

The other bonuses include being able to select a round worth double points, and another worth triple points - that means strategy will be all crucial throughout the season in terms of getting the right rounds to double and triple your points.

There is also a bonus for going on a streak of correct tips, with each game worth double points once you have tipped four consecutive games in a row.

You’ll also get double points if you are the only one in your competition to tip a certain game - again, rewarding tipping the outsider.

The best bit about all of that?

There is also the battle to beat “The Kingbot” - a highly sophisticated piece of software that uses algorithms to determine its tipping strategy.

Time is running out, so get your Round 1 tips on now.

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