Last week gave us records, big games, and of course, the upset of the season!
The Tigers getting over the Crows for their first win of the season left the perennial contenders deep in a hole.
Here at the Huddle, Courtney Hodder, Mim Hill, and the Hawks girls saluted for us in a so-so week of tipping. Ash Riddell brought her own footy to Tassie again to help the Roos to another massive win, as they close in on another slice of VFL/AFL/AFLW history.
With just four rounds to go, finals spots are precariously placed. As are double chances where any slip-up could be fatal. So, let’s get stuck into Round 9.
For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our AFLW Round 9 tips and predictions below.
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Prediction
Friday, October 10, 7:15pm AEDT - Whitten Oval, Melbourne
As has been the case for so much of this season, the Dogs failed again to string four quarters together as the Power ran over the top of them.
It’s to be expected with a young team, but it would no doubt be frustrating to know that they keep getting themselves in these good positions and not being able to finish the job.
The Dons were ok against Melbourne last week; they just couldn’t go with them when the Dees lifted after half-time.
They still have a faint chance at finals, but have to win all their remaining games. They should get up here, but it won’t be an easy task.
Head-to-head prediction: Dons by 10 points
Betting tip: Georgia Gee 2+ goals
Adelaide vs West Coast Prediction
Saturday, October 11, 1:05pm AEDT - Norwood Oval, Adelaide
Umm, Adelaide, you all good?
We’re all still shocked after the Crows went down to the previously winless Tigers in the upset of the season. While they will be smarting and out for revenge to rebound swiftly, Daisy’s Eagles will be stiff opposition.
The Crows have a perfect record against the Eagles, but this is a different group in 2025. Despite the injury troubles, they are there, fighting and pushing for a home final spot, while, remarkably, the Crows are in a scrap to even get there now.
They’d want to get on their bike to ensure the Doc Clarke era doesn’t finish in disappointment.
Head-to-head prediction: Crows by 14 points
Betting tip: Jess Rentsch 25+ disposals
Geelong vs GWS Giants Prediction
Saturday, October 11, 3:05pm AEDT - GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
The Cats are hanging in there. They’re among the best teams in it this season, but they’re at risk of missing the Finals if they don’t get a serious move on.
They were outgunned by the Blues in one of the games of the season last week, but they showed that they can match it with the contenders at the pointy end.
The Giants have been plucky, but after the high point of two wins in a row, they have come back to earth.
This should be business-like for the Cats.
Head-to-head prediction: Cats by 24 points
Betting tip: Mikayla Bowen 20+ disposals & anytime goal
Hawthorn vs Gold Coast Prediction
Saturday, October 11, 3:05pm AEDT - Kinetic Stadium, Frankston
The Hawks haven’t put many feet out of line this season. And, they get a perfect opportunity to lock up a top-four spot when they host the bottom-placed Suns.
We do feel for Rhyce Shaw in his first year as Suns coach. Smashed by injuries and not able to bed down his game plan in one season, it’s been a tough re-initiation to the coaching landscape.
The Hawks' pressure game is in tip-top shape, while the Suns' transition game continuously breaks down. Whether it be through lack of personnel or skill.
They’ll be without their skipper, Emily Bates, but this one might just be the percentage booster the Hawks were after on the run home.
Head-to-head prediction: Hawks by 45 points
Betting tip: Greta Bodey first goal
Brisbane vs Port Adelaide Prediction
Saturday, October 11, 5:05pm AEDT - Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich
After a yo-yo start to the season, the Lions are suddenly eying off four wins in a row and are gunning for a top-four spot.
The Power responded after their shock loss to the Saints to remain in the hunt for the finals, but like a clump of teams around them, they need to win every game to get there.
The Lions have struggled at home this year again, so they will take some solace in that. But the Lions, the Lions should have renewed energy and have a whole city and state cheering them on as they chase the Australian sporting ‘superfecta’ (dual NRL and AFL premierships), all hoping to be claimed by the state.
Add in its skipper, Bre Konen’s 100th game, that should be all the motivation they need.
Head-to-head prediction: Lions by 17 points
Betting tip: Belle Dawes 25+ disposals
Richmond vs North Melbourne Prediction
Saturday, October 1, 7:15pm AEDT - Ikon Park, Melbourne
Breathe, Tigers fans! Breathe, Ryan Ferguson!
Finally, there’s a 1 in the W column, and it came, most unexpectedly, against the Adelaide Crows.
But don’t get too comfy and on your high horse yet…cos you have to play North Melbourne this week… Who are closing in on another piece of history.
No, it’s not just Ash Riddell breaking her most disposals record again, but they’re hunting down the longest streak ever of consecutive wins in VFL/AFL/AFLW history. And, it looks like they will get there and blitz through it.
Head-to-head prediction: Roos by 42 points
Betting tip: Mia King 30 disposals
Sydney vs Carlton Prediction
Sunday, October 12, 1:05pm AEDT - Henson Park, Sydney
The Blues are on the march and are close to sealing their first finals appearance since 2020.
While they let some opportunities slip to put the game to bed early against the Cats, the maturity shown when they drew closer to find another gear has been the most pleasing part of their evolution in 2025.
While the Swans, after a hot start, have now lost four in a row. They’re either all attack or all defence. Not much middle ground.
With their season hanging by a thread, it’s time for Scott Gowans to get creative. Skipper Chloe Molloy will need to lead from the front, while we’re imploring the Swans coaching panel to just throw Zippy Fish in the midfield full-time and let her swim around as she wants!
Head-to-head prediction: Swans by 5 points
Betting tip: Dayna Finn 20+ disposals
St Kilda vs Collingwood Prediction
Sunday, October 12, 3:05pm AEDT - RSEA Park, Melbourne
Despite being smashed by injuries, the Saints are still finding ways to win.
Gunning for five wins in a row this week against the Pies, their finals hopes remain alive.
Will they be able to continue pushing against the injury toll? They might be able to while their fixture remains kind to them. The Pies have shown plenty of improvement in patches this season, but are fading away.
They will be hopeful their skipper returns from injury and push for another win in a year that many predicted them to get none.
Head-to-head prediction: Saints by 10 points
Betting tip: Jaimee Lambert anytime goal
Fremantle vs Melbourne Prediction
Sunday, September 12, 5:05 pm AEDT - Fremantle Oval, Perth
The Dockers have been one of the disappointments of the season. Meanwhile, the Demons have bounced back in a way that we kind of expected them too, but have certainly found a new level.
The Dees' mix of firepower up forward and relentless pressure around the contest has kept them firmly in the hunt for top spot. It’s unlikely to see the Roos slipping out of there, but they still need to keep winning to lock in the home Qualifying Final and double chance.
Fremantle, meanwhile, sits 13th, but will be desperate to claim a fourth win for the season and build momentum heading into the final rounds.
Head-to-head prediction: Demons by 30 points
Betting tip: Alyssa Bannan 15+ disposals & anytime goal