The eleventh season of the AFLW is set to launch on Sunday, 9 August 2026, kicking off what shapes up to be another cracking year of football. As the competition enters its latest era, the skill level and strategic depth have never been better. While the talent pool continues to spread across all 18 clubs, one side has well and truly established a modern dynasty.
Here, we take a look at the season format, the top premiership contenders, and offer our tip for the flag. Make sure to check out our AFL Tips page regularly throughout the season, as we have you covered with free previews and expert betting tips for every match!
2026 AFLW Season Preview & Betting Tips
AFLW 2026 Season Format & Fixtures
The 2026 AFLW season rolls on with a 12 round home and away fixture, followed by a four week finals series culminating on the last weekend of November. A massive drawcard for Season 11 is the introduction of historic AFL and AFLW double headers at major venues during the crossover period. This begins right from the opening bounce on Sunday, 9 August, with St Kilda and Carlton headlining a blockbuster standalone opener at Marvel Stadium for Spud's Game.
AFLW 2026 Premiership Predictions
There is one dominant powerhouse at the top of the tree right now and a trailing pack desperate to catch them.
The undisputed benchmark of the competition is North Melbourne ($2.00). The reigning premiers have not dropped a single game since 2024, coming off a flawless 2025 campaign that saw them secure back to back flags. Their list is absolutely stacked with elite talent and is virtually devoid of weaknesses. The midfield is simply the best in the business, driven by superstar captain Jasmine Garner and prolific ball winner Ash Riddell. Up forward, they have supreme firepower with Tahlia Randall and Irish sensation Blaithin Bogue, while the likes of Emma Kearney and Libby Birch provide incredible structure across half back. With a proven system, a fierce winning culture, and unmatched depth, they are unquestionably the best side in the league.
Looking past the Roos, the Brisbane Lions ($8.00) and Melbourne ($8.00) sit next in line. Brisbane remains a model of consistency under Craig Starcevich and repeatedly proves its system stands up in big finals. Melbourne is similarly loaded with premium talent and will be desperate to reclaim its spot at the summit. Lurking just behind are the Sydney Swans ($10.00) and Carlton ($12.00), two improving sides poised to take massive strides this year, whilst a perennial contender like Adelaide ($15.00) can never be discounted although they have lost some elite talent over the offseason.
While the 12 round format will test the depth of every squad, it is impossible to look past the sheer dominance of the Kangaroos. North Melbourne at $2.00 is absolutely the best team in the competition, boasting an incredibly talented list and a flawless winning streak stretching back to 2024. They are our definitive tip to secure the flag once again.
North Melbourne Premiers
$2.00
AFLW 2026 Top 4 Betting Tip
Port Adelaide offers fantastic appeal in the 'To Make Top 4' market at $3.80. The Power finished 10th last season with an even 6-6 record, largely due to a brutal fixture stemming from their preliminary final appearance the year prior. Thanks to last year's disappointing finish, they receive a much kinder draw in 2026, setting the stage for a major bounce back. They enter the season with a new coach and a refreshed game plan, ready to unlock a young list that now boasts plenty of hardened AFLW experience. A massive key to their chances is Matilda Scholz, who is arguably the best ruck in the competition. The new ruck rules will heavily favour her elite leap, allowing her to dominate hitouts and feed first possession to a hungry midfield group.
Port Adelaide Top 4
$3.80
