AFLW captains predict Western Bulldogs to win flag and Daisy Pearce to claim best and fairest

THE AFLW captains have given their predictions who will win this year’s premiership and best-and-fairest as they gathered for today’s season launch. See how they voted

THE Western Bulldogs are the team to beat in the inaugural AFL Women’s competition, according to the captains.

Three of the eight captains predicted the Bulldogs will lift the premiership cup but were split on which team would meet them in the grand final — Fremantle or Carlton.

Melbourne was overlooked, despite TAB listing the Demons as equal flag favourites with the Bulldogs at $4.50.

But while the Demons were shunned, their skipper Daisy Pearce was the top pick for the league best and fairest.

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At the AFLW season launch today, the captains were asked other key questions on the season ahead.

The 2017 captains are Erin Phillips (Adelaide), Emma Zielke (Brisbane), Lauren Arnell (Carlton), Steph Chiocci (Collingwood), Kara Donnellan (Fremantle), Amanda Farrugia (GWS), Daisy Pearce (Melbourne) and Katie Brennan (Western Bulldogs).

The AFL unveil the AFLW premiership cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Which team will win the 2017 AFL Women’s flag?

3 — Western Bulldogs

2 — Fremantle, Carlton

1 — Collingwood

Who will win the AFL Women’s best and fairest?

3 — Daisy Pearce (Melbourne)

2 — Kara Donnellan (Fremantle), Emma Kearney (Western Bulldogs)

1 — Chelsea Randall (Adelaide Crows)

Who will be the best player coming from another sport?

3 — Erin Phillips (Adelaide Crows/basketball)

1 — Ellie Brush (GWS Giants/soccer), Bree Davey (Carlton/soccer), Gemma Houghton (Fremantle/basketball), Cat Phillips (Melbourne/frisbee), Helen Roden (Collingwood/basketball).

Who will top the goalkicking?

2 — Mo Hope (Collingwood).

1 — Katie Brennan (Western Bulldogs), Mel Caulfield (Fremantle), Ellyse Gamble (Western Bulldogs), Taylor Harris (Brisbane Lions), Sarah Perkins (Adelaide Crows), Darcy Vescio (Carlton).

Who will win the AFL Women’s Rising Star?

2 — Ashley Sharp (Fremantle).

1 — Nicola Barr (GWS Giants), Deanna Berry (Melbourne), Jasmine Garner (Collingwood), Shaleise Law (Brisbane Lions), Ebony Marinoff (Adelaide Crows), Hayley Miller (Fremantle).

Originally published as AFLW captains predict Western Bulldogs to win flag and Daisy Pearce to claim best and fairest