<p>The Men’s home and away season may be over but fear not footy fans, the footy is far from over.</p> <p>No, not the impending men’s finals, but the AFLW is days away from beginning to keep football on our screens till late November.</p> <p>Season nine kicks off on Friday night where the Swans host Collingwood from Sydney.</p> <p>After a massive off-season of comings and goings across the competition, we’re set for one of the biggest seasons of women’s footy ever.</p> <p>The Lions are sitting pretty as the reigning premiers and look like they are again the team to beat this season. The Roos will be smarting to go one better than last year while the usual suspects Melbourne and the Adelaide Crows will be around the mark again.</p> <p>But it’s a new year, with new possibilities for everyone. Check out our expert tips and predictions for AFLW Round 1 below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Swans vs Collingwood Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, August 30, 7:15 PM AEST – North Sydney Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After their amazing run to the finals in their second season, The Swans have the honour of opening the new season in the harbour city when they host the Pies.</p> <p>It’s a new era for the Pies under new coach Sam Wright, who will take time to hit the ground running properly.</p> <p>Can Chloe Molloy produce some more magic against her old side? Probably yes.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/sydney-w-v-collingwood-w--8501018">Sydney Swans.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Britt Bonnici (Collingwood) 25 + disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast Eagles vs Richmond Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, August 30, 9:15 PM – Mineral Resources Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>AFLW legend Daisy Pearce kicks off her coaching career as her Eagles host the Tigers at Mineral Resources Park.</p> <p>It’s been five sorry seasons for the Eagles since their AFLW inception and will be praying for some of that Daisy magic to come and lift their AFLW side from the competition's cellar.</p> <p>The Tigers are still licking their wounds after just missing out on finals last season. A season that was derailed by constant injury blows which continued to stifle any plans and, in some instances, scrape to field a team.</p> <p>Reigning competition best and fairest winner Monique Conti hasn’t missed a beat in the two pre-season hit outs and looks set to lead the Tigers engine room for another big year. She’ll lead the Tigers to a winning start.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/west-coast-w-v-richmond-w--8501019">Richmond.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Katie Brennan (Richmond) anytime goal.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 31, 1:05 PM – Manuka Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both these sides will be looking to start their seasons on winning notes after a collective three wins between them last year.</p> <p>The Dogs will start their season with a breath of fresh air under new coach Tamara Heyett, who replaced Nathan Burke in the off-season after a tumultuous year at Whitten Oval.</p> <p>The Giants have a young list and will continue to explore and fashion their way up the ladder. Alyce Parker and Zarlie Goldsworthy will have the keys to the midfield for a full season which is an exciting prospect for coach Cameron Bernasconi.</p> <p>Flip a coin in the battle of last year's cellar dwellers, we’re going the Giants. Just.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/gws-w-v-western-bulldogs-w--8501020">GWS Giants.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Aliesha Newman (Giants) first goal.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Fremantle Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 31, 3:05 PM – Windy Hill</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both these sides are set to be two of the most improved sides in the competition this year. The Dockers traded heavily to rejuvenate their list while the Dons will look to continue building after their maiden finals campaign last year.</p> <p>The addition of Daria Bannister, who missed the season last year with an ACL for the Bombers is set to give them a big boost in their front half, while the young superstar Maddy Prespakis will again lead their engine room.</p> <p>Dons should be too good at home in this one.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/essendon-w-v-fremantle-w--8501021">Essendon.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Maddy Prespakis (Essendon) most disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast Suns vs St Kilda Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 31, 5:05 PM – People First Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Suns made a pre-season statement when they put the Bulldogs to the sword in their practice game last week.</p> <p>After making finals last year for the first time, they look like they are ready to mount a charge up the ladder with all the right pieces now seemingly on their list.</p> <p>Meanwhile, it’s crunch time for Nick Dal Santo and his Saints, as he enters a crucial year in his tenure.</p> <p>&nbsp;It’s been another strong list turnover at Moorabbin, they’re hoping they can keep it on the park for long enough to make an impact in the season. Suns should be too good at home.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/gold-coast-w-v-st-kilda-w--8501023">Gold Coast Suns.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jamie Stanton (Suns) 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Melbourne Predictions</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, August 31, 7:15 PM – GMHBA Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A blockbuster at the Cattery in Round 1 sees the Cats Hosting the Demons in a rematch of last year’s epic Semi-Final.</p> <p>So, the Dees will no doubt have revenge on their mind, while the Cats will be hoping to restock and go a couple better than last year.</p> <p>Surprisingly, The Dees have lost both of their pre-season matches which puts one of the competition heavyweights on the back foot early.</p> <p>All eyes will be on the Dees medical room and if superstar Tayla Harris is fit to play and take her place in her new role in defence after being a mainstay forward in her eight-year AFLW career thus far.</p> <p>Kate Hore is the Dees captain and most important player. She’s ready to lead her team to several wins, starting against the Cats.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/geelong-w-v-melbourne-w--8501022">Melbourne.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting prediction: </strong>Kate Hore anytime goal scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Adelaide Crows Prediction</h2> <p><strong><em>Saturday, August 31, 7:45 PM – Alberton Oval</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There’s no bigger occasion to start off the AFLW season in South Australia than a Showdown.</p> <p>The Power are still chasing its first win against their crosstown rivals, and for the first time, might have a list of players capable of taking it to the Crows.</p> <p>However, the Crows&nbsp;expected to be among the contenders for the premiership again this season, so we think that wait might go on a little bit longer. Sorry Port fans.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/port-adelaide-w-v-adelaide-w--8501024">Adelaide Crows.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Ebony Marinoff (Crows) most disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 1, 1:05 PM – Kinetic Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sunday footy kicks off with a first-time-ever matchup in AFLW with the Hawks taking on the Blues.</p> <p>It’s the Hawks’ first game under new coach Daniel Webster after the shock resignation of inaugural coach Bec Goddard last year, while the Blues are entering their second year under Matthew Buck.</p> <p>The Blues split their two pre-season matches, showing some much-needed grit and fight that hasn’t been there in recent seasons.</p> <p>&nbsp;Lookout for Irishwoman Dayna Finn to show off her zip and class in a role on the wing as she continues learning the game while superstar goalkicker Darcy Vescio looks set to spend time further up the ground this season too.</p> <p>The Hawks have plenty of skilful players on their list and have set themselves, much like their male counterparts in making a rush up the AFLW ladder.</p> <p>If ‘Hokball’ is indeed transferable across M and W programs, the rest of the league might as well go home.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/hawthorn-w-v-carlton-w--8501025">Hawthorn.</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Mia Austin (Carlton) anytime goal scorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs North Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 1, 3:05 PM – Brighton Homes Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>They’ve certainly saved the best one till last here. A Grand Final rematch to finish off Round 1? Yes, please!</p> <p>Even if you’re still not sure about the quality of women’s football, give this one a watch and it might put you at ease.</p> <p>If there’s any team that could stop the Lions this year, it’s probably going to be the Kangaroos who after getting so close last year, have signaled their intent to be a team to watch rise this year with two big practice match wins.</p> <p>Superstars, everywhere you look in this one. I suspect it won’t be the only time these two sides meet this season.</p> <p>We like the Lions because they are playing at home but toss a coin here.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/brisbane-w-v-north-melbourne-w--8501026">Brisbane Lions.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Dakota Davidson (Lions) anytime goal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFLW Premiership Odds</h2>