The Australian Football League (AFL), the premier Australian rules football league, is set to kickoff next week. For the next 6 months, 18 teams will battle it out in an exhilarating and fast-paced game, all with the hope of lifting the Premiership Cup in September. For those new to the sport, AFL (also known as Aussie Rules) combines elements of rugby, soccer, and NFL, but with the intensity of ice hockey. It’s a unique, exciting, and physical sport that quickly captures the attention with its intensity and chaos. Matches air on FS1 and FS2 throughout the season and take place in the wee hours of the morning, making it a thrilling spectacle worth checking out for early risers.
If you’ve always been intrigued by Aussie Rules but haven’t taken the plunge, a great way to dip your toe in the water and learn the ropes is to educate and invest (responsibly) in the futures market. This will give you a team to root for and a reason to watch the games. Here are a few contenders worth keeping an eye on:
Melbourne Demons (+850)
After Melbourne won its first flag since 1964 in 2021, it looked like a team that was poised to be a dominant force. With Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver forming a formidable duo, captain Max Gawn in his prime, and Simon Goodwin being one of the brightest coaches in the league, the Demons had it all. However, things haven’t quite gone according to plan since winning the Premiership three years ago, mostly attributed to some bitter luck in the playoffs and some unfortunate injuries. As a result, the betting market has lowered their expectations, making them around the fifth favorite, but most ELO models have them as one of the favorites.
Adelaide Crows (14/1)
In 2023, Adelaide was the unfortunate victim of one of the most egregious officiating errors of all time, costing the Crows a chance to make the playoffs. This controversial decision, akin to a referee ruling that a kicker missed a field goal that clearly went in, was just one of many unfortunate events that plagued the Crows that season. Despite finishing 11-12, Adelaide had the 4th best points differential in the league, and Pythagorean wins suggest that they should have won 14 games and made the playoffs. Despite this, the odds are stacked against them, and it may be an opportunity for you to make a handsome profit.
Gold Coast Suns (35/1)
The story of the Gold Coast Suns is not an unfamiliar one in sports. As an expansion team in a rapidly growing market, the Suns were expected to bring footy fever to a part of the country that traditionally hasn’t been as enthusiastic about Aussie Rules. However, the team’s lack of success and poor management has hindered their progress. However, there is genuine optimism this year. The Suns have one of the most exciting cores in the league, and they recently made a significant splash by hiring Damien Hardwick as head coach (akin to Andy Reid leaving the Chiefs for the Panthers). If things click, the sky is the limit for the Suns.
Priyam Gera