AFLW 2023: Every team’s run home rated, predicted ladder

Just two rounds to go and the race for the top eight continues to heat up. So where will your team finish? Check out our predicted ladder here.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Kate Hore of the Demons celebrates a goal during the round five AFLW match between Geelong Cats and Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium, on September 28, 2023, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The race for the final eight has become a sprint – and it remains a wide field of contenders who will be desperate to secure four points this weekend in a bid to see November action.

And it’s just as crucial at the top of proceedings, as the game’s top teams fight for the right to host a final – and potentially the premiership decider should they make it through.

So with just two rounds left, where to from here? We take a look at your club’s run home.

Should get the job done at home this weekend to set up a tantalising grand final rematch at the scene of the Demons’ 2022 glory – Springfield. Not only could four points and a top-two finish be on the line, but potentially $1 million as the McLelland Trophy – which encompasses both the men’s and women’s competitions – coming down to the wire. Can’t do much more percentage-wise, so now it’s just about winning. The equation is simple – beat both teams, finish top, home finals, potentially a home grand final.

Predicted finish: 2nd

The premiers are right in the hunt again. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Kangaroos are a formidable opponent at the best of times, but Norwood Oval helps the Crows. Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard will go head-to-head with Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner in one of the best face-off quartets we have seen this season. Get it done and they just have to get past embattled West Coast to secure a top-two finish.

Predicted finish: 1st

The Crows have the inside track on the minor premiership after their big win over Melbourne. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

That loss to Melbourne in round 8 was crucial but the hopes of a top-four finish and a home final remain firmly alive. If they can pull off an Adelaide ambush this weekend, anything is possible. Have a relatively short injury list at present and will be looking to keep it that way.

Predicted finish: 4th

The win over Adelaide has kept the top-four flame firmly burning and wins in the final two rounds could see the Lions finish as high as third. They will be looking for revenge at the scene of their grand final heartbreak in the final round of the season as the Demons return to Springfield, while this weekend’s meeting with St Kilda has plenty of fire with Ally Anderson playing her 75th game and the team coming up against former star forward Jesse Wardlaw. Popcorn-worthy fortnight.

Predicted finish: 3rd

Could the Bombers be left to rue dropping that one against West Coast? It’s safe to say that would be a yes. Natalie Wood’s team had a top-four finish at their fingertips but there’s no point looking back now – two wins from here will at least secure a home final. The final round up north is must-win.

Predicted finish: 5th

Madison Prespakis has lifted the Bombers. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Have been made to wait nearly all season to take on former star Pie Chloe Molloy – now at Sydney – and it’s a true flip of the coin after the Swan’s high-scoring heroics at Whitten Oval last week. But momentum is a funny thing. The Magpies have won four in a row and could well make it six to close out the season in what would be a huge confidence boost. Can’t afford to drop either with plenty of teams nipping at their heels.

Predicted finish: 6th

How far can the Pies go? (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Draws are costly – particularly in a short season – and the one on the weekend against Port Adelaide was no different. Can just scrape in, depending on results of teams around them, though beating Essendon in Mackay would take some of the uncertainty out of the equation.

Predicted finish: 8th

Win one and playing finals is a “should”, win both and it’s a “will”. Haven’t played at Ikon Park so far this season and have a short but varied record at the ground, with the Tigers also having a sniff of November action.

Predicted finish: 7th

Have been boosted by the results of teams around them but will still be smarting from losing last weekend to Greater Western Sydney. Have to win both to just sneak in meaning this weekend’s game against traditional rival Essendon couldn’t be bigger as the Blues desperately seek a finals berth in coach Mathew Buck’s first season at the helm.

Predicted finish: 9th

From going winless last season it’s been great to see improvement from the Swans — led by boom recruit Chloe Molloy. But going from winless to finals is a tough assignment and given the teams around them could just be too difficult. Have to win all three and rely on some outside help, too.

Predicted finish: 11th

The equation doesn’t get much simpler at Tiger Town – win both. That’s it. Beating Hawthorn last week kept their hopes alive, but it’s going to be incredibly tough from here. But as we know, it’s a tight game and realistically, anything can happen.

Predicted finish: 11th

Had been firmly in the mix this time last week but falling short against Fremantle in the west certainly dented their chances – hard. Win both and they could just sneak into eighth, but that 0-3 start to the season has hurt.

Predicted finish: 12th

Originally published as AFLW 2023: Every team’s run home rated, predicted ladder