AFL 2023 Premiership Winner Prediction
Geelong Cats - The Cats were easily the best side in the AFL last season, highlighted by an 81-point thrashing of the Swans in the GF. The only question mark coming into 2023 will be how they recover after losing Joel Selwood to retirement. However, they had a nice offseason with some handy pickups and Dangerfield looks to be the perfect replacement as the Cats skipper. Top 4 is a lock but going back to back is always a tough challenge.
Melbourne Demons - The Dees were hugely disappointing in the finals last year after a straight sets exit at the MCG against two interstate sides (Swans, Lions). However, they've recruited some experience in the offseason, headlined by a one-two ruck combination between Gawn and Grundy. If that can improve their forward line, the Demons should be right in the thick of the flag race. Their midfield has a nice balance of youth and experience. Meanwhile, their defence is tough to score against with the likes of May and Lever on the field.
Brisbane Lions - Despite a poor performance in the Preliminary Final last season, there are plenty of positives about the Lions in 2023. They overcame their MCG hoodoo in 2022 and have recruited some key players in Dunkley, Ashcroft and Gunston. If they can improve their points against down back, the Lions should easily finish in the top 4 and contend for the flag.
Richmond Tigers - The Tigers jumped back into the top 8 in 2022 but their premiership window is likely coming to an end. Adding Tim Taranto to their midfield is a good move. However, the likes of Martin, Cotchin and Reiwoldt are nearing retirement. I still think the Tigers will make the top 8 but a Grand Final appearance will likely be a tough challenge.
Collingwood Magpies - The Pies were one of the stories of the 2022 season after finishing in the top 4 after finishing 17th in 2021. They were the kings of close games in the regular season but lost both finals by under a kick. In the offseason, they added Tom Mitchell to improve their midfield and McStay into the forward line. While they do have a tougher draw in 2023, if they can continue to win the close games, a top 4 spot is still a chance.
Sydney Swans - The Swans were nowhere near it in the GF last season and you can probably expect a bit of a slow start in 2023 to get their confidence back. They're still a young team with a lot of talent in their prime and there's no reason to suggest that they will fall out of the top 8. However, they get a much tougher draw in 2023 and it's hard to see them getting back to GF.
Carlton Blues - There's a lot of optimism about the Blues despite their epic collapse in the last few weeks of the season last year. They have a strong midfield headlined by Brownlow medalist Patty Cripps and two of the best forwards in the game (McKay & Curnow). Along with a favourable draw, 2023 should be the year that the Blues finally break their top 8 hoodoo.
Best Bet
AFL 2023 Top 4
Melbourne Demons - In the last 2 seasons, the Dees haven't fallen out of the top 4. In 2023, they get stronger with the additions of Grundy and Hunter to an already experienced squad. In terms of their fixture, they have a nice total of 13 games at the MCG and won't have to face the Cats twice.
Best Bet
AFL 2023 Top 8
Fremantle Dockers - After finishing 5th last season, the Dockers aren't getting a huge amount of love to make the top 8 again. However, this price does look good value. They added some experience in O'Meara and Jackson to their squad. Looking at their draw, they could easily be 5-0 after the first five rounds and they're always a tough team to beat at Optus Stadium.
Best Bet
AFL 2023 Season Wins
Port Adelaide Power
There's a lot of expectation for the Power to make the finals in 2023 but I'm not fully sold. It's mainly because their fixture looks very difficult, such as playing four top 8 sides and a showdown in the first five rounds. Last season, they started slowly as well at 0-5 and simply couldn't recover. So there's every chance that can happen again and the pressure will be on Ken Hinkley to deliver.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Under 12.5 Wins - $1.85
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs only scraped into the top 8 last season and I don't see them making it this year for a couple of reasons. In the offseason, they lost Josh Dunkley and he'll be a big loss. They're also the 2nd oldest team in the AFL and that could hurt them in the latter stages of the season. Not to mention, they have one of the toughest draws in the AFL.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs Under 12.5 = $1.80
West Coast Eagles
The Eagles never got going in 2022 and it's hard to see them improving in 2023 as well. They've lost Josh Kennedy to retirement so their forward line will be a lot weaker. In the midfield, they're balance is a bit off as the likes of Gaff and Shuey aren't getting any younger. Their defence is also very old with the likes of McGovern and Hurn. So this will likely be a rebuilding year for the Eagles and it's hard to see them winning 9 games.
Best Bet
