The AFLW returns for its eighth installment, with the season kicking off on Friday night as Melbourne begins their premiership defence against Collingwood. There’s plenty of blockbuster fixtures on the opening weekend of the season, and we’ve got you covered with our tips for all nine games!
Also, make sure to head over to our AFL Tips page regularly for our best bets for every AFLW round, as well as all upcoming AFL finals!
AFLW Round 1 Betting Tips
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Friday 7:20pm AEST, Ikon Park
The AFLW season kicks off on Friday night as Melbourne host Collingwood at Ikon Park. Both sides featured in the finals last season, and will be expected to feature at the pointy end of the season once again, so both sides will be looking to make a statement.
Melbourne have done an outstanding job keeping their squad intact, not losing any players during the league’s priority signing period. Collingwood lost arguably their best player Chloe Molloy to Sydney during the signing period, in what will be a major blow to the Pies front half game. The two time All Australian averaged 13 disposals per game and was Collingwood’s second highest goal scorer in Season 7. With Melbourne possessing the league’s best defence over the last over the last two seasons, it’s an area of the ground that they can contain Collingwood in. Kate Hore (17), Eden Zanker (14) and Talya Harris (11) all ranked inside the top 12 goal kickers in the league last season, giving the Demons a potent attack to pair with their elite defence.
Melbourne holds a slight advantage in the head to head battle, with the Demons holding a 3-2 record from five meetings against the Pies. The two sides haven’t faced off since 2021, so plenty has changed in that time period. The Demons are the most rounded team in the competition, and although the Pies midfield will be boosted by the returns of Brianna Davey and Britt Bonnici who were on the inactive list last season, if the Dees break even in the midfield they’ll be too strong for Collingwood.
Melbourne -20.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Adelaide vs Port Adelaide
Saturday 3:05pm AEST, Norwood Oval
The second AFLW Showdown takes place on Saturday afternoon as the Crows and Power add another chapter to their historic rivalry. Adelaide dominated Port in the inaugural AFLW Showdown last season, with a ten goal victory and will be looking to be dishing out some more pain for their crosstown rivals.
The clash will be made even spicer after Ash Woodland’s defection to Port Adelaide. Woodland was third in the AFLW goal kicking in Season 7, kicking 14 goals. Danielle Ponter and Chelsea Randall will take on greater responsibility, after both finishing inside the top 20 goal kickers in the competition last season. The Crows still have plenty of weapons up forward, however their big advantage will come through their elite midfield. Adelaide had two of the top four ball winners last season in Ebony Marinoff (24 disposals) and Anne Hatchard (23 disposals).
The Crows will be able to give their forwards consistent opportunities against an inexperienced Power defence, and it’s difficult to see the Power holding up against the Crows. Port Adelaide had a 1-1-8 record in Season 7, with their seven losses coming by an average losing margin of 21 points.
Adelaide -20.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Brisbane vs Richmond
Sunday 3:05pm AEST, Brighton Homes Arena
It’s a rematch of the Season 7 Qualifying Final as Richmond head north to take on Brisbane on Sunday afternoon. Brisbane will be out for redemption after a heartbreaking loss in last season’s Grand Final, while the Tigers will be looking to continue their rise after their first finals appearance.
Brisbane have had an excellent run over the past two seasons, winning the 2023 premiership and finishing the home & away season as minor premiers in Season 7. The Lions success has been built on free flowing ball movement and a potent forward line. Brisbane have been the highest scoring team across the last two seasons, averaging 54.5 and 49.6 points respectively.
The Lions were utterly dominant in Queensland last season, winning seven of their eight games by an average of 39 points. Brisbane have won two of the three games they’ve played against the Tigers, with their two wins coming by an average margin of 23 points. Brisbane have been unstoppable in their home state, and they’ll have too much attacking firepower for the Tigers.
Brisbane -22.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
More AFLW Round 1 Tips
Gold Coast vs Carlton - Ikon Park, Saturday 1:05pm AEST
There’s been an abundance of change at Carlton after failing to make the finals in the last three seasons. The Blues host a Gold Coast outfit stacked with young talent, that were on the cusp of making finals last season, and look primed to be a finals threat in 2023. The Suns made light work of Carlton last season, and provide excellent value in this clash.
Tip: Gold Coast, $2.16 with Ladbrokes
Geelong vs Western Bulldogs - GMHBA Stadium, Saturday 5:05pm AEST
Geelong’s improvement last season came on the back of a gritty defence that conceded just 22 points per game en route to finishing fifth. The Cats made GMHBA Stadium a fortress winning three of their four home and away games at the Cattery, and will grind out a typical Cats victory.
Tip: Geelong -12.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Hawthorn vs Essendon - Kinetic Stadium, Saturday 7:15pm AEST
Essendon were impressive in their maiden AFLW campaign finishing 10th, comfortably the best of last season’s expansion clubs. The Hawks struggled in their first season winning just three games and having an average losing margin of 29 points per game. The Bombers accounted for their rivals by 26 points last season, and possess too much established talent for the Hawks to compete with.
Tip: Essendon -10.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
North Melbourne vs St Kilda - Blundstone Arena, Sunday 1:05pm AEST
North Melbourne made one of the biggest signings in the off season, securing Kate Shierlaw from the Saints in a three team trade. Shierlaw will give the Roos a spearhead that they haven’t had before, meaning the Roos will be a dangerous side heading into this after making the Preliminary Final from eighth place in Season 7. St Kilda have never beaten North Melbourne, and that won’t be changing on Sunday afternoon.
Tip: North Melbourne -22.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Sydney vs GWS - North Sydney Oval, Sunday 3:05pm AEST
The two Sydney sides go head to head for the second time, with the Giants dominating their crosstown rivals in their debut season. After going winless in their first season the Swans have made some big splashes signing Chloe Molloy and Lucy McEvoy, however they still lack the experience and depth to challenge the Giants.
Tip: GWS -9.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Fremantle vs West Coast - Fremantle Community Bank Oval, 5:05pm AEST
Round One concludes with the Western Derby as Fremantle hosts West Coast on Sunday evening. Fremantle will be looking to bounce back after failing to make the finals for the first time since 2018, and they get an excellent opportunity against an Eagles side that has won just six games across their four seasons in the competition.
Tip: Fremantle -20.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes.
