AFLW is back and it's better than ever with eighteen clubs taking part in what is set to be an epic season. The AFLW season kicks off with arch rivals Carlton and Collingwood at Ikon Park on Thursday night, and we’ve got you covered with AFLW tips for all nine games this weekend!
In addition, if you're looking for some pre-season notes then don't forget to check out our AFLW Season 7 Preview.
AFLW Round 1 Betting Tips
Carlton vs Collingwood
Thursday 7:25pm AEST, Ikon Park
Once again the season begins under lights at Ikon Park with the Blues and Pies going head to head. These two rivals have been on opposing trends in recent seasons, with Collingwood making finals the last three seasons after not featuring in finals for the three years of the AFLW. Carlton made finals in 2019 and 2020, before two below par campaigns in 2021 and 2022. After losing their best player in Maddy Prespakis, it’s going to be another tough ask for the Blues in Season 7.
Collingwood’s defensive game has been their trademark over the last two seasons and their system should be too strong for the Blues. If they can develop some consistency with their ball movement, they’ll be a dangerous team in Season 7.
Collingwood have won three consecutive games against Carlton, with two of those three games covering the -13.5 line. It’s been a horror offseason for the Blues with the amount of talent they’ve lost, and they won’t be able to bridge the gap between a side that’s had the wood over them for a few years.
Collingwood -13.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Adelaide vs Melbourne
Friday 7:40pm AEST, Glenelg Oval
It’s a Friday night blockbuster in Adelaide, with a Grand Final rematch between the Crows and Demons, only 140 days after they met in the 2022 Grand Final. Adelaide have lost some key players to their crosstown rivals Port Adelaide which will test their depth, while the Demons have largely kept the same side that has been at the pointy end across the last three seasons.
Adelaide have had the wood over the Demons, winning five of the seven encounters between the two sides across the history of the AFLW. The biggest factor in the game will be if the Crows can stop Tayla Harris up forward and ruck Lauren Pearce. Pearce will have a massive say in the midfield battle between two outstanding units.
These two clubs are the two best teams in the competition, and this game will be an absolute classic. Melbourne’s continuity is going to be crucial given most teams have lost talent to the expansion clubs. Melbourne will be out for redemption, and they’ll make a statement in Round One.
Melbourne
$1.70 (1.5 Units)
Essendon vs Hawthorn
Saturday 7:10pm AEST, Marvel Stadium
A game which was originally slated to be played in Port Melbourne has been moved to Marvel Stadium after extraordinary ticket sales for Essendon and Hawthorn’s first AFLW game. The Bombers and Hawks will add a new chapter to their historic rivalry under the bright lights of Saturday night football, with both expansion sides taking different ideologies to compile their lists.
Essendon went after star talent like Maddy Prespakis and Bonnie Toogood, while the Hawks heavily invested in the draft. So the balance of which approach is better short term and long term will be an interesting storyline that follows both these teams this season.
The more high quality senior players Essendon possess in the likes of Prespakis, Toogood, Stephanie Cain, Georgia Gee, and Catherine Phillips will prove crucial in this clash. The Bombers could have nine players with over 25 AFLW games experience in the side that runs out on Saturday night.
Essendon -22.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
More Round One Tips
North Melbourne vs Gold Coast - Blundstone Arena, Saturday 1:10pm AEST
Despite losing a few players to expansion sides, the Kangaroos look destined for another finals berth in Season 7. Gold Coast had a disappointing end to last season, however through the first seven games of the season the Suns had a 3-1-3, with no loss above 15 points. The 28.5 line is too big for the Roos in their first game at Blundstone Arena.
Tip: Gold Coast +28.5, $1.90 with TAB
West Coast vs Port Adelaide - Mineral Resources Park, Saturday 3:10pm AEST
West Coast’s three seasons in the AFLW have been underwhelming to say the least, the Eagles have finished 14th (wooden spoon), 12th and 7th (bottom of conference). Despite being the less experienced club, Port Adelaide will be confident given the star talent they signed in the expansion window. This is a tough clash to pick, but the Power have enough proven talent in their side to win their first ever game.
Tip: Port Adelaide -9.5, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Sydney vs St Kilda - North Sydney Oval, Saturday 5:10pm AEST
Another expansion side makes their debut as the Swans host St Kilda. Like the Power, Sydney will be confident given the lack of success their opponents have had. The Saints have finished 5th (conference system), 11th and 13th in their three seasons. However, given the Swans haven’t signed a lot of proven AFLW players, it’s tough to pick them in this clash.
Tip: St Kilda, $1.65 with TAB
Western Bulldogs vs GWS - Ikon Park, Sunday 12:10pm AEST
The Bulldogs just missed out on the finals in 2022, and with a top eight in place, it’s finals or bust for the Bulldogs this season. These two sides are evenly matched, however the Bulldogs ability to bridge the gap between themselves and the better teams in the competition last season should give them confidence of further improvement this year.
Tip: Western Bulldogs -9.5, $1.90 with TAB
Brisbane vs Fremantle - Gabba, Sunday 2:10pm AEST
Two perennial finalists face off on Sunday as the Dockers head north to take on Brisbane. Kara (hamstring) and Ebony Antonio (knee) are expected to miss the entirety of the season in a massive blow for Fremantle. With Gemma Houghton signing with the Power, Fremantle won’t have three of their four top goal kickers from last season on the field this season. Brisbane are a dominant force at home, and will be too good for an injury riddled Dockers outfit.
Tip: Brisbane -20.5, $1.90 with TAB
Geelong vs Richmond - GMHBA Stadium, Sunday 4:10pm AEST
Round One concludes with Richmond heading down the highway to take on Geelong, with both sides looking to push for a finals berth after improved campaigns in 2022. After being on the end of countless blowouts in 2021, the Cats defence vastly improved last season, with their average losing margin only eight points last season. Geelong have won two of the three meetings between these two sides, and will be too good at the Cattery.
Tip: Geelong, $1.85 with TAB
