The tenth season of the AFLW is set to ignite on Thursday, August 14th, 2025, kicking off what promises to be the most fiercely contested season in the league's history. As the competition enters its milestone tenth year, the evolution of the game is undeniable, with the skill level, strategic depth, and athletic prowess on display reaching unprecedented heights. Each season has seen the standard of play elevate, and with talent now spread more evenly across all 18 clubs, the gap between premiership contenders and the chasing pack has never been narrower. This on-field parity, coupled with the league's surging popularity and growing fanbases, sets the stage for a landmark season that will celebrate a decade of women's professional football with a thrilling and unpredictable fight for the premiership.
Here, we take a look at the revamped season format, premiership contenders, and offer our tip for the flag. Also, make sure to check out our AFL Tips page regularly throughout the season as we've got you covered with free previews and expert betting tips for each and every AFLW match!
2025 AFLW Season Preview & Betting Tips
AFLW Season Format
The 2025 AFLW season introduces a revamped format designed to enhance competition and player welfare. For the first time, the home-and-away season has been extended to 12 rounds, played over 12 consecutive weeks, eliminating the compressed scheduling and mid-week games of previous years. This change ensures players have adequate recovery and preparation time between matches. A significant strategic alteration is the introduction of a "6-6-6" fixturing model, which replaces the former top and bottom-nine split. This weighted system groups the 18 teams into three tiers based on the previous season's ladder positions, aiming to create more balanced and competitive matchups throughout the season. Furthermore, to accommodate the increased overlap with the men's competition, a flexible fixture framework will be utilised to minimise clashes, while themed rounds like the Pride Round have been expanded to span two weeks, allowing all teams a home game to celebrate the occasion.
AFLW Premiership Market
As the tenth AFLW season dawns, the race for the premiership cup looks more open and fiercely contested than ever before. While the evolution of skill and strategy across the league has been meteoric, a clear group of front-runners has emerged, poised to battle for ultimate glory. The betting markets have identified a top tier of six clubs, each with a compelling case for why they could be the last team standing in November. From the dominant reigning premier to a rapidly ascending young side, this season’s flag contention is a tantalising prospect.
Leading the pack are the formidable North Melbourne ($3.00), and for good reason. Coming off a near-perfect, undefeated premiership season, the Kangaroos have not rested on their laurels. Their list, already brimming with elite talent, arguably became stronger in the off-season. The midfield is the competition’s benchmark, powered by the incomparable Jasmine Garner, the prolific Ash Riddell, and the tough Jenna Bruton. Up forward, Kate Shierlaw provides a commanding target, and the addition of two-time All-Australian defender Eilish Sheerin from Richmond only adds to their incredible depth. With a proven system and talent on every line, the Kangaroos are deservedly the team everyone is chasing.
Breathing down their necks are the two perennial powerhouses, Adelaide ($6.00) and Brisbane ($6.00). The Crows are a modern-day dynasty, a club that knows nothing but contention. Led by the relentless Ebony Marinoff and defensive general Sarah Allan, and boasting the class of Anne Hatchard and Chelsea Randall, their experience in big games is second to none. With the added motivation of it being coach Matthew Clarke’s final season, expect Adelaide to be right at the pointy end. Similarly, Brisbane, last year’s grand finalists, are a model of consistency under Craig Starcevich. While the retirement of defensive legend Kate Lutkins is a blow, their system has repeatedly proven it can overcome personnel changes. With Brownlow medallist Ally Anderson leading the midfield and the likes of Dakota Davidson and Courtney Hodder providing explosive forward power, the Lions will be a formidable opponent once again.
Lurking just behind the top three are two Victorian clubs ready to make the leap: Geelong ($10) and Melbourne ($10). The Cats have built a powerful list founded on a stingy defence and a dynamic, hard-nosed midfield. Led by Meghan McDonald at the back and the explosive duo of Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison at the contest, Geelong plays a tough, contested brand of football that stands up in finals. With Aishling Moloney providing X-factor in the forward half, they have the weapons to challenge anyone. Melbourne, a recent premier themselves, are stacked with A-grade talent. After what was, by their lofty standards, a slightly disappointing season, the Demons will be hungry for redemption. A forward line boasting the triple threat of captain Kate Hore, Eden Zanker, and a returning Tayla Harris has the potential to be the most potent in the league, and they possess class on every line.
The most intriguing of the contenders is Hawthorn ($19), a club on a rapid upward trajectory. After making finals for the first time in their short history last season, the young Hawks are poised to take another significant step. Their list is brimming with exciting young talent, including the silky-skilled Jasmine Fleming, and they have recruited smartly to add experience and depth. While still developing, their fearless game style and high ceiling make them a genuine threat to the established order. They are the definition of a dark horse, capable of causing major upsets on their day.
While the expanded 12-round season will test the depth of every club, the premiership will almost certainly be decided amongst this elite group. For those looking for value, the rapidly improving Hawthorn ($19) presents as a dark horse, capable of shaking up the finals race. However, it is impossible to look past the sheer power, depth, and proven success of the reigning premiers. North Melbourne ($3.00) boasts a list without weakness and a winning culture that will be incredibly difficult to overcome, making them the top tip to create their own dynasty and secure back-to-back flags.
Value: Hawthorn Premiers ($19)
North Melbourne Premiers
$3.00
AFLW Best & Fairest Market
The race for the AFLW League Best & Fairest award is shaping up to be a battle of champions and challengers. Leading the pack is last year's winner, Adelaide's tough-as-nails midfielder Ebony Marinoff, who is the clear favourite at $5.00. After a dominant season where she was also crowned the AFLPA MVP, Marinoff has established herself as the competition's premier player. Her relentless tackling and elite ball-winning ability make her the benchmark and the one to beat for the league's highest individual honour.
Hot on her heels is Richmond's superstar Monique Conti, priced at $10. A former winner of the award herself two years ago and a fourth-place finisher last season, the 25-year-old is a perennial contender. Conti's consistency and game-breaking talent ensure she is always in the umpires' minds, making her a formidable threat to reclaim her crown.
For those seeking exceptional value, West Coast's prodigious talent Ella Roberts presents a compelling case at $41. The 20-year-old stormed home to finish ninth last year and is primed for an even bigger season. With her Eagles team set to improve and benefit from a kinder draw, the supremely skilled Roberts has the potential to become a true elite and offers a fantastic roughie price.
Value: Ella Roberts B&F ($41)
