After a weekend that saw more records tumble, we’re set for the grandstand finish everyone hoped for in the AFLW season!
Yes, the Roos locked up the minor premiership weeks ago, and the top four teams are set. But there’s still some jostling to determine final positions and matchups. The real drama, however, lies in the bottom half of the eight.
With one round to go, six teams are fighting for four finals spots. Want more spice and higher stakes? Four of those sides face off against each other this round in what are effectively early elimination finals.
By Sunday night, only eight teams will remain with their eyes on the ultimate prize. Or, perhaps more accurately, a shot at dethroning North Melbourne.
For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our AFLW Round 12 predictions below.
Hawthorn vs North Melbourne Prediction
Friday, October 31, 7:15 pm AEDT - Kinetic Stadium, Frankston
The Roos take on the Hawks for the first time ever, completing the set of all 18 W teams to face off against every team in an AFLW match.
And, we might not be waiting long for the second edition of the Roos vs Hawks in the W. That’s if, of course, the Kangaroos do what they do and win.
They saluted with their VFL/AFL/AFLW record-equalling 23rd consecutive win against the Saints and kept on rolling.
The Hawks locked in a top-four spot by sweeping the Bombers away. This looms as a brilliant test of their premiership credentials.
Head-to-head prediction: Roos by 17 points
Betting tip: Anie McDonagh 2+ goals & Blaithin Bogue 2+ goals
West Coast vs Carlton Prediction
Friday, October 31, 9:15 pm AEDT - Leederville Oval, Perth
The biggest game of the round and the most consequential game of the season.
For the winner, it’s win and you’re in. For the loser, it’s sit back and wait and see if you get lucky.
The Blues did what they had to against the Giants, despite a lightning delay interrupting play and costing them some valuable percentage points. Even so, they emerged with a handy percentage boost.
Both sides will strengthen for this must-win clash, with Ella Roberts and Blues skipper Abbie McKay, along with midfield star Mimi Hill, expected to return after late withdrawals last week.
The Eagles were disappointing in their loss to Sydney, but aside from the Fremantle derby, they’re yet to drop a home game this season. That could be the omen they need.
Head-to-head prediction: Eagles by 4 points
Betting tip: Lily Goss 20+ disposals & Ella Roberts 2+ goals
GWS Giants vs Port Adelaide Prediction
Saturday, November 1, 1:05 pm AEDT - Henson Park, Sydney
The Power has finally flicked the switch, but it’s too little, too late.
They’ll be ruing those early-season losses because if they were playing finals, no team would want to face them.
Indy Tahau continues to light it up in front of goal, adding more highlights each week. She now holds the record for the most goals in a single AFLW season. Quite the feat considering she didn’t play the first three rounds.
The Giants were underwhelming against the Blues but showed some spark late after the lightning delay. Back at home, they’ll hope to finish strongly — but expect the Power to close their season with authority.
Head-to-head prediction: Power by 43 points
Betting tip: Jess Doyle anytime goal
Richmond vs Gold Coast Prediction
Saturday, November 1, 3:05 pm AEDT - Ikon Park, Melbourne
One for the true believers and rusted ons here.
The Suns secured the spoon after losing to Collingwood last week, while the Tigers were equally disappointing, again against the Dockers, and are looking to put a sorry season behind them.
They should look to do that with a smile, though.
Head-to-head prediction: Tigers by 32 points
Betting tip: Ellie McKenzie 20+ disposals & anytime goal
Sydney vs Essendon Prediction
Saturday, November 1, 5:05 pm AEDT - Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
For Sydney, the equation is simple: win and you’re in.
Luckily, they’re facing Essendon, so that’s already a good start. The Swans were impressive last week against the Eagles, even without Chloe Molloy and after losing Cynthia Hamilton to injury, which could keep her out of finals (fingers crossed it’s not serious).
It would take something monumental for the Dons to upset them here. Still, in Coffs Harbour, there’s always the chance of a banana peel or two.
Head-to-head prediction: Swans by 24 points
Betting tip: Montana Ham first goal
Geelong vs Melbourne Prediction
Saturday, November 1, 7:15 pm AEDT - GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Mathematically, the Cats are still a chance.
Realistically, they’d need to belt the Demons and hope every other result goes their way.
Melbourne has hit the skids with two losses in their last three games. They’ll finish top four, but their finals position remains up in the air.
The Cats will look to finish on a high and reflect on what might have been.
Head-to-head prediction: Demons by 4 points
Betting tip: Ash Moloney 2+ goals
Collingwood vs Brisbane Prediction
Sunday, November 2, 1:05 pm AEDT - Victoria Park, Melbourne
Some late-season joy for the Pies, who recorded their third win of the season over a woeful Gold Coast.
After a promising start, it’s been a disappointing fade-out, and they’re likely to face another tough lesson against the finals-bound Lions. They’re a side peaking at the perfect time.
Brisbane looks the most likely team to challenge the Roos on their best day. A big win here could even secure them a home final, so expect them to go hard.
Head-to-head prediction: Lions by 34 points
Betting tip: Sophie Conway 25+ disposals
St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs Prediction
Sunday, November 2, 3:05pm AEDT - RSEA Park, Melbourne
For the Saints, it’s win and you’re in for your first AFLW Finals series ever.
They’ve been so good this season in finding wins and defying their ridiculous injury toll to get themselves in a strong position to make a finals run. But if there’s a team that could force you into a slip-up, it would be the Dogs, who are finishing the season strongly.
Last week’s slog in Ballarat was tough — the Cats’ three early goals effectively killed the contest in swamp-like conditions, and the Dogs may be heavy-legged as a result.
That’s what the Saints will bank on, along with another big outing from their bookends, Wardlaw and Watson, to get them over the line.
Head-to-head prediction: Saints by 11 points
Betting tip: Tyanna Smith 30+ disposals
Adelaide vs Fremantle Prediction
Sunday, November 2, 5:05 pm AEDT - Norwood Oval, Adelaide
So you’re telling me there’s a chance?
Freo’s late-season surge, capped by last week’s big win over Richmond, has turned a finals pipe dream into a live possibility. They’ll still need results elsewhere to fall their way, but getting this far is an achievement in itself.
For Adelaide, the stakes are higher. Could this be Matthew Clarke’s final game as senior coach — and will it end without finals footy?
Starting the round in eighth and playing last, the Crows will know exactly what’s required to qualify. And, as they’ve shown time and again, they have the quality to get the job done.
Head-to-head prediction: Crows by 15 points
Betting tip: Eloise Jones 15+ disposals