The new AFL season begins on March 19, when the defending champions, Richmond, face Carlton in round one of the Premiership campaign at the MCG.
The good news for those who like to have a bet on the AFL, is that the bookmakers have already priced up a range of markets from the Grand Final winner to who will pick up the Brownlow Medal.
Here is a look at three bets you should look to place ahead of the new season.
Richmond To Defend Their Crown (4.25)
Richmond went into the AFL finals series last season as the third seed, but they were unfortunate not to be the top seed as they finished on the same number of points as Geelong and Brisbane Lions – who were first and second respectively in the standings.
The finals series brings about far more pressure than a Premiership game and Richmond seemed to thrive under those circumstances back in September. They defeated Brisbane at the Gabba to reach the preliminary finals, got the better of number one seed Geelong, and then came out on top comfortably against Great Western Sydney in the Grand Final.
Richmond should be backed again at 4.25 in the Aussie Rules betting to defend their title. Hawthorn were the last team to successfully defend their crown in the AFL in 2015 and this team looks capable of lifting the trophy once again in the Grand Final later in 2020.
Patrick Cripps To Win Brownlow Medal (7.0)
Nat Fyfe was handed his second Brownlow Medal in 2019 and there were not many complaints about that decision, as the Fremantle man had a fantastic year once again.
2020 should be the year that Patrick Cripps takes his game to the next level – so take the Carlton midfield at 7.0 in the Brownlow Medal betting.
The 24-year-old has already impressed in the AFL but his peak years are well ahead of him. His career averages are 26.2 disposals, 7.5 clearances, 5.9 tackles and 3.0 inside 50s per game; which already make him one of the game’s best players.
Fyfe and Dustin Martin will once again prove strong contenders for the Brownlow Medal but preference has to be given to the younger player this time.
Gold Coast To Pick Up The Most Losses (1.5)
Gold Coast were rooted to the bottom of the AFL standings in 2019, with just three wins from their 22 games, and it is hard to see them faring much better in 2020.
The Suns started last season well going 3-1 from their opening four games. However, it all went downhill pretty quickly as their defeat to Greater Western Sydney in round 23 was their 18th straight loss.
Head coach Stewart Dew has a big job on his hands as he will need to lift his players who are sure to be starved of any confidence.
The Gold Coast have opened up as the 1.5 favourites in the ‘to finish bottom’ market and, unfortunately for Suns fans, that is where they are likely to end the 2020 Premiership season.
The Marsh Community Series in February will once again be the AFL’s pre-season competition where all 18 teams will play two games each to prepare them for the new campaign. So, we don’t have too long to wait to see some Aussie Rules football.