The upsets continued through the AFLW Semi Finals as Geelong blew the ALFW premiership race wide open, upsetting Melbourne to knock the reigning premiers out in straight sets. It’s the ultimate weekend of football with an AFLW Grand Final berth on the line, and we’ve got you covered with our preview for the AFLW Preliminary Finals!
The final fortnight of the season is upon us, and make sure you stay up to date with all of our AFLW content on our AFL Tips page!
AFLW 2023 Preliminary Finals Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane vs Geelong
Brighton Homes Arena, Saturday 7:45pm AEDT
Geelong are just one win away from a Grand Final after defeating Melbourne in a major boilover at Ikon Park last week. Geelong put together a stunning first three quarters that saw the Cats lead by 30 points at three quarter time, before surviving a fourth quarter surge to hold on by five points. Nina Morrison was enormous for the Cats recording 29 disposals, 18 contested possessions and 9 clearances as she dominated the midfield battle against the reigning premiers. Geelong’s pressure was crucial to their success, with the 78 tackles they recorded, well above their season average of 70.
Brisbane come into this game with plenty of momentum, having beaten Melbourne and Adelaide in their last two games leading into the Preliminary Final. The week off and home ground advantage will play a huge factor, with Geelong coming off a six day break as they travel interstate to face a fresh Lions outfit. This game will be a battle of Brisbane’s attacking game against Geelong’s defensive football. During the home & away season Brisbane were the third highest scoring team in the competition averaging 50.5 points per game this season, while Geelong had conceded the fourth fewest points per game (31.8).
Despite the momentum the Cats have built over the last fortnight, they don’t have the big game experience the Lions have had by consistently making it this deep in the finals. This will be Brisbane’s fourth appearance in a Preliminary Final, so go with their four Grand Final appearances. Brisbane and Geelong have only played each other three times across the history of the competition, however the Lions have won the last two meetings between the two sides. The Lions have won three of their last four games at Brighton Homes Arena, and will end the Cats fairytale finals run.
Brisbane -18.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
North Melbourne vs Adelaide
Ikon Park, Sunday 2:45pm AEDT
North Melbourne have the opportunity to secure their spot in a Grand Final for the first time in the AFLW when they host minor premiers Adelaide at Ikon Park. The Kangaroos earned the right to host the Preliminary Final after upsetting Melbourne in the Qualifying Final, while the Crows had to take the long road after losing to Brisbane in week one of the finals. Adelaide bounced with a 67 point hammering of Sydney in last week’s Semi Final, led by Anne Hatchard’s 36 disposals and 2 goals, in what was one of the greatest finals performances in the history of the league.
Much like the Brisbane vs Geelong game, this matchup pits a prolific forward half side and an elite defensive outfit. North Melbourne have the league’s best defence, conceding just 21.3 points per game during the home & away season. The Roos lived up to that standard in the Qualifying Final against Melbourne, holding the Demons to just one goal. On the other hand, Adelaide were ranked second in points per game, averaging 59 points per game. Adelaide are also the competition’s third ranked defence, with their consistency at both ends of the ground a key factor in this clash.
Although the Roos did knock off the Dees in their last outing, they’ve struggled against the upper echelon of the competition for quite some time and their record against Adelaide doesn’t make for great reading. Adelaide have won five of the six meetings between the two clubs, including when they last faced off in Round Nine of this season. Adelaide are serial winners, having featured in four of the six Grand Finals so far in AFLW, they know how to handle big moments and have an experienced group that is used to winning big games. The Crows balance at both ends and their experience will hold strong as they book another trip to the Grand Final.
Adelaide
$1.80 (1.5 Units)
