Another week of the 2017 AFL Women's League season is coming up as I offer my AFLW Round 2 betting tips with the action kicking off on Friday night.
What can I say about the opening round of the inaugural AFL Women's League that hasn't already been said? It was simply huge crowds, massive TV audience and great, tough football. There were certainly some nerves and I have no doubt the quality of play will improve every week.
We have some more information in regards to betting on the AFLW, but still proceed with caution until we get some more data. Last week we found massive value betting on the Total Game Score lines with the bookies being completely off the mark. It's not surprising that those markets aren't even available at the moment, but be sure to watch out for markets like this as they become available. I'll be sure to share any value AFLW betting I find on my twitter @AFLBYB.
AFL Women's Round 2 Betting Tips
Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide Crows (Friday, February 10th at 7:35pm AEDT)
After their victory over the fancied Dockers, the Western Bulldogs firmed into $2.65 favourites to take out the 2017 AFL Women's league premiership. In Round 2 they take on the Crows and find themselves as 10-point favourites. Last week saw Katie Brennan prove why she is one of the best players in the competition. She had 16 disposals, kicked 2 goals and was ferocious at the ball with 6 tackles. She will lead the Dogs on Friday in what will no doubt be a tough game for the Crows.
It's hard to get a good read on Adelaide after the opening round of the AFLW season. They managed a convincing victory, but the Giants truly look like they are going to struggle. This Round 2 game will be the real tester. The Bulldogs will look to contain Erin Phillips who kicked 3 goals, 3 behinds last week.
The Bulldogs should get the win here, but with low scoring, I can’t see the Dogs winning by more than four goals against a competitive team. Can get the 1-24 margin at William Hill Australia at $2.50, while it is only $1.90 at some other Australian betting sites.
Prediction: Western Bulldogs to win
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 1-24 points - $2.50 at William Hill (1.5 units)
Carlton Blues vs GWS Giants (Saturday, February 11th at 3:35pm AEDT)
The Blues were no doubt the surprise package of the opening round. I really rated Collingwood's list as very dangerous, but Carlton simply dismantled them in a 46-11 victory. If they put in that kind of performance against GWS in AFLW Round 2 we could see the first real blow out. The biggest story out of Carlton's victory last week was everyone's new favourite player Darcy Vescio. The pocket rocket kicked four goals and looks like a star in the making. Vescio probably stole the spotlight off some of her team mates, such as Brianna Davey who had 26 touches and kicked a goal.
The Giants really struggled against the Crows last week. They only managed one goal and never really looked a threat. There weren't many positive to draw out of the game, except perhaps vindication that Nicola Barr was a good number 1 draft choice as she was clearly the Giants best player.
The bookies have the line set at 26 points here and while I do think the Blues could easily demolish the Giants, there are still too many unknowns around both teams to pull the trigger on such a big line.
Prediction: Carlton to win
Tip: No Bet
Collingwood Magpies vs Melbourne Demons (Saturday, February 11th at 7:40pm AEDT)
This one looks like it might be the toughest game of the round to judge. I think Collingwood underperformed against Carlton last week, but ultimately they were destroyed. And despite the Demons losing to the Lions, let's not forget that the were playing in torrential conditions down in Casey on a ground that has no coverage from the elements.
I think we need to look at this game with a blank slate. If it was played in Round 1, the Demons would have been slight favourites. However, the Pies are favoured by 5 points at William Hill after Melbourne's loss last week (they are only 3-point favourites elsewhere). I'm happy to take that small head start on a team who I think will flourish with better conditions this weekend. Collingwood's ball movement was not great against Carlton and I think the Demons will be able to capitalise with players like Daisy Pearce cutting them up a bit like Davey and Vescio did against Collingwood.
Prediction: Melbourne to win
Tip: Melbourne at the line (+5.5) - $1.90 at William Hill (1 unit)
Fremantle Dockers vs Brisbane Lions (Sunday, February 12th at 7:05pm AEDT)
The Dockers and Lions are another couple of teams that are hard to judge on one performance. The Dockers were previously premiership favourites, but were smashed by the Dogs, while the Lions were the roughies for the premiership and defeated the highly-fancied Demons. On face value, the Lions should be a real chance to win this Round 2 game, but we have to remember they played in torrential rain last week. I really like Brisbane's list, but this game is just simply too hard to bet. I lean towards taking Brisbane at a 14-point line or even the value play in a winning margin, but have to fade this one.
Prediction: Brisbane to win
Tip: No Bet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
