AFLW 2023 Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips

Collingwood vs Fremantle

Sunday 1:05pm AEST, Victoria Park

After a bright start on the opening night of the season, Collingwood fell away badly in a 43 point loss to Melbourne. Collingwood led the reigning premiers at half time, before conceding eight unanswered goals in the second half, despite Bri Davey’s remarkable return from injury. Davey recorded 35 disposals and 11 clearances, the most of any player across the competition in Round One, but had no support as the Pies were overrun in the second half.

Fremantle were less than convincing in their eight point derby win over West Coast, as the Dockers failed to break away from a young Eagles outfit. Although Fremantle were strong defensively, holding the Eagles to just 2.7, however they showed no improvement on their offensive game which went backwards in Season 7. Despite winning the inside 50 battle by sixteen, Fremantle registered less scoring shots than West Coast, and that sort of output doesn’t stack up against the better sides in the competition. 

Collingwood have some injury concerns, however as they showed in the opening half last week against Melbourne, their attacking game is excellent when they are on song. This week it’s about putting it together across four quarters, which will be an easier task against a weaker side in Fremantle. If the Pies can shift the ball off the line and make a free flowing contest as they did in the first half last week, Fremantle won’t be able to go with them. The Pies ran out 29 point winners the last time these sides met, and it will be more of the same on Sunday afternoon.

Collingwood -6.5

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North Melbourne vs Carlton

Sunday 3:05pm AEST, Arden Street

Two of the big winners from Round One face off in an intriguing clash on Sunday afternoon, as Carlton heads to Arden Street to take on North Melbourne. North Melbourne produced a dominant performance in a 40 point victory over St Kilda, led by Ash Garner’s 29 disposals and 11 clearances. It was a complete performance from the Kangaroos who held St Kilda scoreless in the first half, and to two goals for the entire game.

Carlton held on for dear life to secure a two point win against the Gold Coast in Matthew Buck’s first game as senior coach. After leading by 23 points early in the last quarter, the Blues conceded the last three goals of the game in what was a thrilling finish. Darcy Vescio kicked three goals, with the game showing Carlton’s ceiling and floor, as the Blues will be looking to find some consistency early in the season.

North Melbourne are clearly the better outfit in this clash, and are 3-0 in against the Blues across the history of the AFLW. However the line at 30.5 does make it difficult to have much confidence in this clash and despite once being a fortress, the Roos are winless from their last three games at Arden Street. Carlton showed their defensive capabilities holding the Suns to just one goal in the opening half last week, and although they won’t knock off North Melbourne, they’ll do enough to cover the line. 

Carlton +30.5

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More AFLW Round 2 Tips

Gold Coast vs West Coast - Heritage Bank Stadium, Saturday 11:05am AEST

The Suns will be out to make amends after a heartbreaking loss against Carlton in Round One. If the Suns can put together four quarters of footy against an inexperienced West Coast side, they should win comfortably. The Suns have won three of their four games against the Eagles by an average of 23 points.

Tip: Gold Coast -17.5, $1.88 with Ladbrokes

Port Adelaide vs Brisbane - Alberton Oval, Saturday 1:05pm AEST

Brisbane will be looking to bounce back from their shock loss to Richmond at home, when they head to Adelaide to take on the Power. Port Adelaide were brave in the opening half against the Crows last week, however they don’t have the depth and experience to run out four quarters against the better teams in the competition. Expect a ruthless performance from the Lions in this clash.

Tip: Brisbane -23.5, $1.88 with Ladbrokes

Sydney vs Geelong - North Sydney Oval, Saturday 1:05pm AEST

Sydney were the feel good story of the competition’s opening round, rallying from a 25 point third quarter deficit to register their first ever victory in the AFLW. The joy will be short lived however, as they come up against a Geelong that demolished the Bulldogs by 48 points. Geelong smashed the Swans by 75 points the last time these teams met, and their strong defence is going to make it a long afternoon for Sydney.

Tip: Geelong -29.5, $1.88 With Ladbrokes

Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn - Mars Stadium, Sunday 1:05pm AEST

The Dogs and Hawks will be out for redemption after disappointing outings on the opening weekend of the season. The Hawks showed some major improvement defensively as they stuck with Essendon for large periods of the contest, however it will be a tough task to overcome a Bulldogs side that beat them by 30 points last season. Expect a bounce back from the Dogs after an embarrassing performance in Round One.

Tip: Western Bulldogs -6.5, $1.88 with Ladbrokes

Essendon vs St Kilda - Windy Hill, Sunday 3:05pm AEST

Essendon has a golden opportunity to start 2-0 when they host St Kilda in their first game at the historic Windy Hill. After failing to score in the first half last week and only managing two majors for the entire game, the Saints attacking game looks lost without Caitlin Greiser and Kate Shierlaw. Essendon dominated inside 50’s last week, and if they can produce that territory dominance again, they’ll win comfortably against the Saints.

Tip: Essendon -16.5, $1.88 with Ladbrokes

GWS vs Melbourne - Manuka Oval, Sunday 5:05pm AEST

Two stark contrasts in from Round One, with Melbourne outstanding on the opening night of the season, while the Giants were shocked in an upset loss against Sydney. Melbourne flexed their muscles with a superb attacking performance in the second half against Collingwood, showing they are the team to beat this season. Melbourne have won four straight games against GWS, and it’s difficult to see the Giants slowing down the Dees forward half.

Tip: Melbourne -38.5, $1.88 with Ladbrokes