The anticipation for the 2023 AFL Grand Final is mounting, with expert predictions adding to the fervour. The expected participants for the grand showdown are beginning to take shape, with a consensus forming around four potential frontrunners for the premiership: Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
While September is still months away, footy fans are already getting ready to book 2023 AFL Grand Final tickets, as Grand Final tickets are always hard to find.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 24: Robbie Williams and Delta Goodrum performs in the pre-game entertainment before the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
The AFL’s own team of journalists predict a tight race among these four, with West Coast being the favourite to win the wooden spoon this season. At the start of the season Damian Barrett and Sarah Black predicted Geelong as the premier, with Brisbane and Melbourne as runners-up respectively. Gemma Bastiani, however, expected Brisbane to take the premier spot with Geelong coming in second. Riley Beveridge threw his support behind Melbourne for the premier position, with Brisbane as the runner-up.
Betting odds now reflect a slightly different picture, with Collingwood leading the charge as the most likely premier, according to Ladbrokes. Melbourne and Port Adelaide trail closely, with Brisbane not too far behind and Geelong next in the list.
Adding another layer to this discussion were the predictions from former AFL star Jason Akermanis. In an interview with The Sporting News earlier in the year, Akermanis shared his thoughts on the 2023 season. He believed Geelong’s consistent performance made them a top-four contender again. Melbourne, having finished second last season, should maintain their top-four status given their depth and determination, said Akermanis. Brisbane was expected to improve with new additions to their team, while he thought Collingwood’s recent acquisitions should propel them into the top six.
However, predictions are not set in stone. At the half way mark, The Squiggle 2023 AFL Ladder shows Collingwood leading the pack, with a very high probability of landing in the top four. Melbourne and Port Adelaide are also strong contenders for the top four spots. Brisbane rounds off the top four in the projected ladder. At the other end of the spectrum, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, West Coast, and GWS are predicted to have a tough season, with GWS having a predicted rank of 13-16, while the others have less than 5% chance of reaching the finals and are predicted to rank from 15 to 18.
September is a special time in the AFL season, and with 8 lead in finals there will be a mad scramble for 2023 AFL finals tickets – don’t leave it too late.
No matter the outcome, the AFL Grand Final promises to be a thrilling spectacle, a testament to the spirit of Australian football.
