The 2019 AFLW decider takes place on Sunday as the Crows face the Blues. Adelaide is aiming for their 2nd title in the competition’s history. While the Blues are aiming to win the Grand Final after finishing with the wooden spoon in 2018.
2019 AFLW Grand Final Betting Tips
Adelaide Crows vs Carlton Blues (Sunday 31 March - 1:00pm)
On Sunday afternoon at the Adelaide Oval, the Adelaide Crows and Carlton Blues will battle it out for the 2019 AFLW Premiership Cup. Adelaide has opened the betting markets as the clear favourite after a dominant display in both the regular season and the Preliminary final. Against the Cats at this venue, Adelaide absolutely dominated in the 73-7 scoreline. In fact, it was so dominant the Cats had not kicked a single point until 5 minutes remained in the 4th quarter!
The road to the Grand Final for the Crows started with a shocking display in front of goals as they kicked 1.11 in a one-point loss to the Bulldogs. Since that game, Adelaide has looked like the best side in the competition by a fair margin. They finished the regular season as comfortably the best scoring team and #1 for Inside 50s. While in defence, they allowed just 26 points per game. Their players to watch in the Grand Final will be the superstar that is Erin Phillips, ball magnet Ebony Marinoff and Stevie-Lee Thompson in the forward line.
Carlton were clear underdogs coming into their final against the Dockers. But with home advantage at Ikon Park and Tayla Harris in fine form after a tough week, they outclassed Fremantle in an impressive display. Obviously, the weaker Conference B helped their cause (with a home final) but the 6 goal win over the Dockers should give them huge confidence of causing another upset. They're led by Brianna Davey and her injury really hurt the Blues last season as they earnt the wooden spoon. So it's no surprise they're back in form with her out on the field. Harris will obviously be the key up forward and she'll need support from the likes of Vescio. Madison Prespakis is one of the favourites for the Rising Star award and she was one of the best on the field in the last meeting against the Crows (20 dis, 1 goal).
The two sides have played 3 games against each other in AFLW history and the Crows hold a perfect 3-0 record. However, the only meeting this season was a close call and it required a comeback from the Crows. Late in the 3rd term, the Blues did lead 37-20 but were run down by the Crows in the latter stages. Leading goal-kicker in the competition Stevie-Lee Thompson was the star on that occasion with 4 goals and she'll be one of the best bets for first goal kicker.
The trend in AFLW Grand Finals thus far has been close finishes and we'll be hoping for a similar close call in 2019. In 2017, it was the Crows in a close finish against the Lions. Last season, the Bulldogs and Lions played off in a very tight Grand Final. The fact that Carlton had a sizeable lead against the Crows in the earlier meeting should give them the confidence of keeping this one within reach. They have a number of talented forwards and they showed no troubles getting the ball into the forward line last week. While Adelaide should win at their home ground, don't be surprised if the Blues make this a contest.
