Round 1 of the 2025 AFLW season kicks off on Thursday night with a double-header, and it’s Carlton vs Collingwood which gets us underway before we head out west for the Eagles vs Suns. Friday night footy sees the Swans take on the Tigers, while there are three games on Saturday and another three on Sunday to close out the weekend.
We bring you our best bets for all nine AFLW Round 1 matches below and if you’re keen to follow our tips, then consider joining Bet Right!
2025 AFLW Round 1 Betting Tips
Carlton vs Collingwood
Thursday 7:15pm AEST, IKON Park
The 2025 AFLW season will commence with a fierce Thursday night blockbuster as arch-rivals Carlton and Collingwood clash at Ikon Park, and we're predicted a little bit of an upset in the opening match.
The stakes are elevated, reigniting a feud that saw the Blues end a five-game losing streak to the Magpies with a memorable 32-28 victory last season. Carlton, having finished 14th with four wins, will be determined to build on that and push towards finals. Despite a 10-point preseason loss to Richmond, they possess a promising young list eager to make its mark.
Conversely, Collingwood is on a path to redemption. An injury-ravaged 2024 campaign resulted in a last-place finish with only a single win. The significant silver lining was securing generational talent Ash Centra with the number one draft pick. After a dominant preseason win against Port Adelaide, a team that went deep in the finals last season, the rejuvenated Magpies will unveil Centra in one of the competition’s most anticipated debuts. While Carlton will be a tough team to crack at home, Collingwood's fresh start and elite new addition should provide the edge required to reclaim bragging rights.
Collingwood to Win
$2.34 (2 Units)
West Coast vs Gold Coast
Thursday 9:15pm AEST, Mineral Resources Park
The second act of Thursday night's AFLW double-header sees the West Coast Eagles host the Gold Coast Suns in a clash between two teams on different trajectories.
The Suns are desperate to rebound after a difficult 2024 season saw them slide from a finals finish in 2023 to second-last on the ladder. While a kinder fixture should help them bounce back, they enter Round 1 battling significant injuries to key personnel.
In contrast, the Eagles are a team on the rise, aiming for a maiden finals berth after a competitive four-win season. Their preseason draw against the similarly-placed Bulldogs shows they're ready to build on that momentum. West Coast’s charge is led by superstar Ella Roberts, a genuine smokey for the league’s best and fairest award.
With the Suns undermanned and the Eagles brimming with confidence, this is a prime opportunity for West Coast. Expect them to start their season perfectly and cover the -3.5 point spread.
West Coast -3.5
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
Sydney vs Richmond
Friday 6:15pm AEST, North Sydney Oval
Friday night football returns to the AFLW as the Sydney Swans host the Richmond Tigers in a fascinating Round 1 encounter.
The Swans are determined to bounce back after injuries and a difficult fixture saw them slide from a maiden finals berth in 2023 to just three wins last season. Now with valuable experience under their belts, the young side will look to exciting first-year player Zippy Fish to provide an immediate spark.
Richmond, meanwhile, aims to build on a strong 2024 campaign that saw them finish seventh. However, their task is tougher this year with a more challenging draw and the significant loss of star defender Eilish Sheerin to the reigning premiers.
This clash presents a perfect opportunity for a revitalised Swans outfit to make an early statement. With Richmond adjusting to life without a key player, expect Sydney to get their season off to a winning start and cover the -4.5 point spread.
Sydney -4.5
$1.91 (2 Units)
Geelong vs North Melbourne
Saturday 3:35pm AEST, GMHBA Stadium
Saturday's AFLW action kicks off with a blockbuster as two premiership contenders, Geelong and North Melbourne, go head-to-head in a mouth-watering clash.
The reigning premiers, North Melbourne, finally broke through for a historic flag in 2024 and enter the new season as overwhelming favourites. In a scary proposition for the league, they’ve strengthened their list further, adding star defender Eilish Sheerin from Richmond to an already stacked lineup.
Geelong are tipped to surge back into finals contention this year. A young, talented list and a softer draw should see them improve on last season’s four wins, especially with superstar midfielder Georgie Prespakis firing on all cylinders after an injury-interrupted 2024, evidenced by a stunning 40-disposal preseason performance.
While the Cats will be a formidable opponent, the Kangaroos’ power is undeniable. Expect a high-quality contest, but the premiers should have the class to pull away and cover the -14.5 line.
North Melbourne -14.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
GWS vs Essendon
Saturday 5:35pm AEST, Corroboree Group Oval Manuka
The Saturday afternoon AFLW clash in Sydney sees the GWS Giants host Essendon in a fascinating matchup.
The Bombers, a consistent six-win team for the past two seasons, receive a massive boost with the return of Bonnie Toogood. Arguably the competition’s best forward when fit, her presence after an injury-plagued 2024 is a huge plus, though question marks remain over their midfield depth.
After winning just three games in two years, this season is circled as the one where the Giants' young list takes a significant step forward. They boast their own genuine star in forward Zarlie Goldsworthy, who should finally receive ample supply from a newly strengthened GWS midfield. This presents a tantalising battle of star forwards.
With the game on their home deck and an improved engine room ready to exploit the Bombers' potential weakness, this is a golden opportunity for GWS. Expect the young Giants to stand tall and potentially cause a significant Round 1 upset.
GWS to Win
$3.00 (1 Unit)
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne
Saturday 7:35pm AEST, Mission Whitten Oval
Saturday night's Round 1 action concludes with an intriguing clash as the Western Bulldogs host a Melbourne side determined to bounce back.
The Demons will be eager to atone for a surprisingly poor 2024, where a slow start saw them miss finals just one season after finishing second on the ladder. Widely tipped to return to the top four, Melbourne possesses a list filled with elite talent and will be looking to make a powerful statement from the outset.
However, the Bulldogs are a team on the rise. They showed significant improvement last year to climb from a wooden spoon to four wins and looked sharp in their preseason hit-out. With their own finals aspirations, they won't be an easy opponent.
While Melbourne is expected to win, the Bulldogs’ clear progress makes the large -19.5 point spread a difficult proposition. This shapes as a classic unknown of Round 1, and for punters, it might be one to simply watch and enjoy.
Melbourne -19.5
$1.91 (0.5 Units)
Brisbane vs Hawthorn
Sunday 12:40pm AEST, Brighton Homes Arena
Check back for our best bet after team announcements!
St Kilda vs Adelaide
Sunday 2:10pm AEST, RSEA Park
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Port Adelaide vs Fremantle
Sunday 4:10pm AEST, Alberton Oval
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