Week 2 of the 2024 AFLW Finals looked as though it was a straightforward one for the favourites – that was until the Power overcame the biggest three-quarter-time deficit in competition history to topple the Hawks. That result also saw us go 2/2 for +1.81 units for the weekend, taking us to a huge +15.84 units for the season. We bring you our best bets for preliminary final weekend below!
AFLW Finals Week 3 Betting Tips
North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
Saturday 3:05pm AEDT, IKON Park
After a tough first half of their qualifying final against the Crows where they were on the backfoot for almost its entirety, the Kangaroos showed their class and put their foot down to record a seven-point win. Of course, that means the Kangaroos are still undefeated in season 2024 and it’ll have to remain that way if they’re to win their first ever AFLW premiership. The bonus for the Roos is they’ve now had an extra week off to recover, and that’s allowed superstar defender, Emma Kearney a chance to return on Saturday after missing a chunk of footy with a hamstring injury.
Port Adelaide’s fairy-tale season looked as though it was coming to an end against the Hawks last weekend – that was until they pulled off yet another miraculous win. In fact, the Power overcame a 22-point three-quarter-time deficit, which is now the largest comeback from that stage in AFLW history. Amazingly, the Power started the season with only one win from their first five games, but have now won eight in a row including two huge finals.
It's been a terrific season for the Power who achieved their maiden finals berth as well as two finals wins, but it will certainly be coming to an end on Saturday. The Kangaroos are the best team in the competition by some way in my estimation, and they dominated the Power when they met back in Round 4 (6.6.42 vs 1.0.6). The Power have clearly improved since then but they’ll still be well and truly up against it here. The Kangaroos, with extra run in their legs from a week off, will run home very easy winners in this one in my opinion.
North Melbourne -25.5
$1.87 (2 Units)
Brisbane vs Adelaide
Saturday 7:30pm AEDT, Brighton Homes Arena
The Lions entered this season as the reigning premiers and have put together another great season, giving themselves the chance to become the first ever AFLW team to win back-to-back premierships. They found themselves in an arm-wrestle against the plucky Hawks in the qualifying final a couple of weeks ago, but did enough to come away with the crucial win on enemy soil. The Lions have now had an extra week off to prepare for their home preliminary final and most importantly, they also have a clean bill of health.
The Crows have been perennial premiership contenders ever since winning the inaugural AFLW premiership in 2017, and nothing has changed this season after yet another top four finish. However, they’ve had to do it the hard way to make it to the third week of finals after losing to the Kangaroos in the qualifying final. Crucially, they managed to bounce back in strong fashion at home against the Dockers last weekend where they ran home 37-point winners. The Crows also have a near clean bill of health, with only two players on the injury list.
These clubs have played in some thrilling matches over the years, one of which came just a couple of months ago when the Lions stormed home late to record a two-point win at home. The Lions have been in the better form since that clash and have also performed stronger in big matches in recent seasons, so I’m a tad surprised to see this match priced at near even money. With home ground advantage also on their side, I’m more than happy to be with the Lions on Saturday night.
Brisbane to Win
$1.80 (2 Units)
