The AFL, or Australian Football League, is the No.1 sport played down under with this domestic game drawing great betting interest from right around the country. The top AFL betting sites will feature markets all-year round on the AFL Premiership, Brownlow Medal, and other fixed-odds markets associated with Aussie Rules.
AFL betting sites can be accessed via both desktop computer, mobile bookmaker apps and even via telephone, depending on which service you choose. The 2025 AFL season is underway, with all major betting sites in Australia featuring extensive odds and coverage.
Top online betting sites for the AFL:
Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit BetOnline for more information.
What is the AFL? And can I bet on it?
The Australian Football League (AFL) is the No.1 sporting competition down under. The top-flight league is played between 18 teams from most states in Australia, although it is still largely made up of Victorian teams.
As a sports betting medium it is very popular with every major regulated bookie featuring extensive futures and match-day markets. Some of our favorite bookies for AFL betting are Unibet and Picklebet. International punters will find markets available at most online bookies.
Top AFL betting sites for September 2025
AFL betting sites are very popular in Australia, with almost all online bookmakers featuring odds on this top-flight Aussie Rules competition. These AFL bookies can be accessed via several different means, including via betting apps, their website and even telephone betting.
The best AFL betting sites will have both futures odds (Premiership, Brownlow and Rising Star at a minimum) and match-day markets, which is where the good bookies really heat up. For instance, BetOnline has over 1,000 different markets on each AFL match during the season, with these ranging from margin markets to exotics — like what color gatorade the coach will be drinking.
The best AFL betting sites will also feature promotions surrounding matches, with one of the most popular types being a multi insurance, which gets you cash back if one leg of your same-game multi loses. Other AFL betting sites will have promotions surrounding enhanced odds, or bigger lines, which are all attractive to certain types of fans.
Betting on the AFL from overseas is also a straightforward process, with most international betting sites featuring odds, although they may not be as in-depth as bookies based in Australia, which have a penchant for heavily promoting both AFL and rugby league’s NRL — the two biggest football leagues in the country.
AFL betting sites have got plenty of easy deposit options for customers, with these including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Google Pay and even things like PAYID, which allows you to fund your account with cash at some newsagents and supermarkets.
Top Australian betting sites for AFL
- Unibet (Unibet review)
- Picklebet (Pickletbet review)
Best AFL betting apps for September 2025
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BetOnline
Fast Payouts
Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit BetOnline for more information.
The top AFL betting apps in Australia are among the best in the world, with these including well-known brands like PlayUp and Picklebet. These AFL betting apps give you access to odds on all pre-season, season and finals matches, while you lose nothing in terms of features, like being able to place a same-game multi.
Generally, AFL betting apps are made for Android and iOS devices in Australia, with Huawei banned in this part of the world. However, if you are an overseas reader, plenty of online betting apps have developed — or are developing — products for the Chinese smartphones.
AFL betting apps for Android are probably the most common in Australia, with these available in the Google Play store after you have created a new account at a bookie. Some betting sites will also require you to turn on non-market apps, which gives you device permission to download software directly from an online source.
Apple AFL betting apps are also common in Australia, with these applications needing to be downloaded directly from the App Store. We recommend creating a new account at your chosen AFL betting site before downloading the app, so you can find out if the offering is suitable for your needs.
Popular AFL betting markets
When betting on Australian rules football, you’ll find a wide range of markets that go beyond simply picking the winner. From straightforward head-to-head bets to margin plays, player props, and live in-game options, AFL betting offers something for every type of bettor. Below, we break down the most popular markets and how they work.
- Pick the team you think will win the match. If the game ends in a draw during the home-and-away season, a ‘three-way’ market pays on the draw, while ‘draw-no-bet’ refunds your stake. In finals, most AFL sportsbooks settle after extra time (e.g. if you back Carlton at -117.65 and they win by any margin, you’re paid at -117.65.
- A points start is added to the underdog (or taken off the favorite). Your team must “cover” the line after the handicap is applied. Lines are usually halves (e.g. 9.5 points) to avoid a push. For example: Sydney −9.5 means they must win by 10 or more; Adelaide +9.5 wins if the Crows lose by nine or less or win outright. Alternative lines offer different margins and prices.
- You’re predicting the winning margin rather than just the winner. Common AFL bands are 1–39 and 40+, sometimes exact margins or tri-bet ranges (e.g. either team under 15.5). Draws usually lose unless a draw option is offered. For example: ‘Collingwood 1–39’ pays only if the Magpies win by 39 points or fewer.
- This combo links a results or margins with a scorer outcome — most often ‘first goalscorer + match winner’. Both legs must land. If your first goalscorer selection doesn’t take the field, the bet is typically void; if they play and don’t score the opening goal, that leg loses. For example: Toby Greene first goal + GWS 1–39.
- AFL in-play betting markets evolve as the match unfolds, with popular options including next goal, live line or total, next quarter winner, and race to 40. Prices update quickly and bet acceptance can lag. In Australia, most in-play wagers must be placed by phone (some sites use click-to-call). Settlements rely on official match data.
- AFL players props are bets on individual performance metrics, while exotics cover niche outcomes. Common examples include: 25+ disposals, 2+ goals, most disposals vs another player, 6+ marks, team to lead at every break, first scoring play, odd/even total points. Props usually require the player to take the field for action; grading is based on the official AFL stats provider.
AFL futures betting markets
AFL futures betting lets you back your predictions for the season well in advance. These long-term markets cover everything from which team will win the AFL Grand Final to individual awards like the Brownlow or Coleman Medal. They’re “set and forget” wagers that give you season-long interest and the chance to land big payouts if your early calls are right.
Pick the winner of:
- Pick which team you think will win the flag. Prices move throughout the season and finals. Premiership outrights are settled after the AFL Grand Final; preliminary and earlier finals don’t cash this unless your AFL bookmaker offers early payouts.
- Pick the two clubs that make the AFL Grand Final, in any order. Some online bookmakers also offer an ‘exacta’, where you get a higher price for picking the correct order of the premier and runner-up. Settlement for AFL Grand Final quinellas is based on the two teams that reach the decider; the order only matters for exacta. For example: a Collingwood–Sydney quinella wins if those two meet in the AFL Grand Final.
- This season-long award is voted 3-2-1 by field umpires after every home-and-away match. Players suspended during the season are ineligible to win (although they can still poll votes). Ties are allowed; bookmakers apply dead-heat rules. Markets include overall winner, team top vote-getter, and without ineligible players. Prices often drift or shorten on Brownlow night as rounds are read.
- The Coleman Medal is awarded to the player with the most goals in the home-and-away season only — finals don’t count. Joint winners are possible; AFL bookies usually settle dead-heats by splitting. Markets may include top club goalkicker and season goal bands.
- The Norm Smith Medal is decided by an expert panel on Grand Final day; any player can win, including from the losing side. Voting is aggregated after the match; ties are resolved by the panel’s countback method, while bookmakers use dead-heat rules. Popular add-ons include ‘player to win Norm Smith + team to win’ doubles. Bets are settled immediately after the presentation.
- Eligibility for the AFL Rising Star typically requires being under 21 on January 1 and having played 10 or fewer AFL games before the season. Nominations are made each round during the year, and the overall winner is announced post-season. Players suspended during the season are ineligible to win the award. AFL betting sites price overall winner and occasionally ‘to be nominated’ markets.
- AFL bookies run a number of markets based on where teams finish on the ladder. ‘Top four’ and ‘top eight’ pay if your team finishes inside that bracket, while ‘minor premiers’ bets require your chosen team to top the AFL ladder at the end of the home-and-away season. Standard AFL tiebreakers apply (premiership points, then percentage, then points scored). Finals results don’t change settlement.
- Back the club to finish last on the ladder after the home-and-away season. Again, AFL tiebreakers (percentage, then points scored) decide positions when teams are level on points.
- Top AFL bookmakers set lines on how many wins a team will record during the home-and-away season. For example: if the line is 12.5, ‘over’ pays if the team wins 13 or more games, while ‘under’ pays for 12 wins or fewer. If the line is a whole number (e.g. 12) and the team lands exactly on it, most AFL betting sites will refund the bet. Draws are usually graded as half a win for totals — always check your bookmaker’s rules.
You can place AFL futures bets before the season starts or jump in as odds shift mid-year, late in the season, or even right up until the market is decided. Just keep in mind, if you bet early your money is tied up for months, so bankroll management is key.
For the AFL Grand Final winner, you’ll need to pick from all 18 clubs, with favorites usually leading the market — although injuries always capable of wrecking a season. The same goes for player awards like the Brownlow Medal; one injury can ruin a near-certain payout.
Plenty of punters learned that the hard way, with stars like Nat Fyfe (2016), Patrick Dangerfield (2020), or Clayton Oliver (2023) missing large chunks of seasons when they were hot Brownlow chances. Some bookmakers might refund, but most won’t — it’s part of the risk that makes futures betting so unpredictable.
AFL round betting
AFL round betting gives fans the chance to wager on standout performances across a single weekend of footy action. These markets typically open on the Thursday before each round and stay live right through all matches, giving punters extra ways to get involved beyond just head-to-head odds.
Popular AFL round betting options include predicting:
- Which of the 18 clubs will post the highest score of the round
- Which team will register the lowest score of the round
- The side with the biggest winning margin of the round
- The top goalkicker of the round
- The player who will record the most disposals of the round
Round betting markets add another layer of excitement to AFL weekends, with unique opportunities to back both teams and individual stars.
Betting on AFL awards
AFL awards markets run all season as futures bets, with prices shifting after each round. You can bet on the Brownlow Medal, Coleman Medal, or AFL Rising Star before the season starts or jump in mid-year as form and injuries reshape the odds.
Brownlow Medal betting
Umpires award 3-2-1 votes each game to determine the “fairest and best” player. Suspended players are ineligible to win, and midfielders historically dominate voting. For smarter Brownlow bets, weigh consistent disposals against impact, team win totals (winners often come from finalists), and late-season runaways.
Coleman Medal betting
The Coleman goes to the leading goalkicker of the home-and-away season. It’s a pure numbers race: role, supply, and durability matter most. Target key forwards in high-scoring teams with favorable fixtures, strong inside-50 differentials, and elite accuracy.
AFL Rising Star betting
Awarded to the best young player (eligible if under 21 on January 1 and with 10 or fewer prior AFL games at season start). Weekly nominations build the field, with a panel selecting the winner at season’s end. Look for stable roles, time-on-ground growth, and clubs that give kids extended midfield minutes.
Tips for betting on AFL
Successful AFL betting starts with knowing your teams. Injuries and late changes can ruin a bet before the first bounce, so always check team announcements on Thursday night. Placing a wager early in the week can backfire if key players are suddenly ruled out.
The flipside is that following injury whispers and selection rumors can give you an edge. If word leaks that a star player like Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli was set to miss, sharp punters who move early often get better value before AFL bookmakers adjusted the odds.
Another essential strategy is to maintain accounts with multiple bookmakers. This isn’t about gambling more; it’s about securing the best odds available. There’s nothing worse than backing Essendon at +500 with one bookie, only to find another was offering +800 for the same outcome. By shopping around, you maximize your returns and protect your bankroll.
AFL: A short history
The Australian Football League (AFL) is the elite level of Australian rules football and the country’s most popular betting sport. But it wasn’t always called the AFL. The competition began in 1897 as the Victorian Football League (VFL), featuring just eight foundation clubs: Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne, Carlton, and St Kilda.
For decades it was a Victoria-only competition, but in the 1980s interstate clubs began to join. By 1990, the league had officially rebranded as the AFL to reflect its national footprint. Today, the competition boasts 18 teams across five states, playing a 24-round home-and-away season before the top eight fight it out in the finals. the last two teams standing then duke it out in the AFL Grand Final — one of the biggest days in Australian sport.
Television first covered the VFL in 1957, showing only the final quarter of matches. Concerns about crowd numbers meant broadcasts were halted in 1960, but the league has since embraced media. Now every game is shown live on Fox Footy, with free-to-air coverage on Channel 7 — a far cry from those early days.
List of AFL teams
Adelaide Crows
- 2024 finish: 15th
- Coach: Matthew Nicks
- 2025 Premiership odds: +350 @ BetOnline
The Adelaide Crows entered the AFL in 1991 and became contenders, winning back-to-back premierships in 1997–98 under Malcolm Blight. Now based at Adelaide Oval, they turn the Showdown rivalry with Port into must-watch theatre. Icons include Andrew McLeod, Mark Ricciuto and Tony Modra; modern spearhead Taylor Walker leads the goals list. With captain Jordan Dawson and a strong membership, September ambition remains constant.
Brisbane Lions
- 2024 finish: 5th
- Coach: Chris Fagan
- 2025 Premiership odds: +450 @ BetOnline
The Brisbane Lions are the AFL’s Queensland powerhouse, born from the 1997 merger of the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy. Under Leigh Matthews they claimed a three-peat (2001–03) and reached four straight Grand Finals. Legends include Voss, Black, Akermanis and Brown; today’s core—Lachie Neale, Harris Andrews, Charlie Cameron and Hugh McCluggage—keeps them in the premiership frame regularly.
Carlton Blues
- 2024 finish: 8th
- Coach: Michael Voss
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
Carlton are the navy-blue giants of inner Melbourne, founded in 1864 and tied for the most AFL/VFL premierships (16). Playing home games across the MCG and Marvel Stadium, the Blues are built on pressure, aerial strength, and corridor dare. Icons span Nicholls, Jesaulenko, and Kernahan to Judd, Cripps, and Curnow. With a booming membership and fierce rivalries with Collingwood, Essendon, and Richmond, Carlton treat September as a baseline—not a dream.
Collingwood Magpies
- 2024 finish: 9th
- Coach: Craig McRae
- 2025 Premiership odds: +800 @ BetOnline
Collingwood are the AFL’s black-and-white powerhouse, backed by the Magpie Army at the MCG. With 16 premierships — most recently in 2023 under Craig ‘Fly’ McRae — they thrive on pressure, turnover scoring, and clutch moments. Blockbusters like Anzac Day against Essendon and the rivalry with Carlton define their stage. Legends span Gordon Coventry to Nathan Buckley to Scott Pendlebury, while Nick and Josh Daicos headline the new era.
Essendon Bombers
- 2024 finish: 11th
- Coach: Brad Scott
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
Essendon are one of the AFL’s powerhouse clubs, tied with Carlton and Collingwood on 16 premierships — the last coming in 2000. Based at Marvel Stadium with marquee MCG dates like the Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood, the Bombers’ identity blends speed, pressure and counterattack. Icons span John Coleman and Tim Watson to James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and Dustin Fletcher. A young core is pushing to turn rebuilds into consistent September impact.
Fremantle Dockers
- 2024 finish: 10th
- Coach: Justin Longmuir
- 2025 Premiership odds: +6600 @ BetOnline
Fremantle debuted in 1995 and turned Perth purple. Based at Optus Stadium, they play a pressure style and live for the Western Derby against West Coast. A maiden AFL Grand Final in 2013 signaled their rise, but a first flag still eludes them. Club greats Matthew Pavlich and two-time Brownlow winner Nat Fyfe paved the way for a core led by Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Luke Jackson, coached by Justin Longmuir.
Geelong Cats
- 2024 finish: 3rd
- Coach: Chris Scott
- 2025 Premiership odds: +300 @ BetOnline
Founded in 1859, the Geelong Cats are the second-oldest AFL club and a modern-era powerhouse. Based at GMHBA Stadium, the ‘Hoops’ turned Kardinia Park into a fortress and added recent flags in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2022 to reach 10 premierships overall. Their blueprint blends contest strength, precise ball use and system defense, led by greats from Gary Ablett Sr. and Jr. to Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield.
Gold Coast Suns
- 2024 finish: 13th
- Coach: Damien Hardwick
- 2025 Premiership odds: +2000 @ BetOnline
The Gold Coast Suns, founded 2011, are Queensland’s second AFL club. Based at People First Stadium, they’re building a style under premiership coach Damien Hardwick. The core — Matt Rowell, Touk Miller, Ben King and captain Noah Anderson — anchors an academy pipeline that fuels the QClash rivalry with Brisbane. After early expansion pains and coaching changes, the Suns are edging toward September relevance.
GWS Giants
- 2024 finish: 4th
- Coach: Adam Kingsley
- 2025 Premiership odds: +1700 @ BetOnline
The GWS Giants, Sydney’s western expansion club, debuted in 2012 and quickly shed the start-up tag. Based at GIANTS Stadium and alos boasting a Canberra presence, they play fast, territory-first football behind leaders Toby Greene, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio. A maiden AFL Grand Final in 2019 signaled their rise, while regular deep September runs keep them relevant.
Hawthorn Hawks
- 2024 finish: 7th
- Coach: Sam Mitchell
- 2025 Premiership odds: +1100 @ BetOnline
The Hawthorn are the brown-and-gold benchmark of sustained success. Founded 1902, the Hawks entered the VFL in 1925 and have since won 13 premierships — highlighted by the 2013–15 three-peat and the glory years with Leigh Matthews in the 1980s. Hawthorn split home games between the MCG and Launceston, while they thrive on elite kicking, intercept defense, and system footy.
Melbourne Demons
- 2024 finish: 14th
- Coach: Troy Chaplin
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
Melbourne is the AFL’s oldest club, born in 1858 and based at the MCG. After the golden age of Norm Smith and Ron Barassi in the mid-20th century, a 57-year drought ended with the 2021 premiership. The Demons lean on a contest-and-territory model: elite intercepts behind the ball, a powerful midfield led by Max Gawn and Christian Petracca, and strong pressure.
North Melbourne Kangaroos
- 2024 finish: 17th
- Coach: Alistair Clarkson
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
North Melbourne are Arden Street’s battlers turned contenders. Founded in 1869 and admitted to the VFL in 1925, the Kangaroos have claimed four flags — 1975, 1977, 1996 and 1999 — built on the famed ‘Shinboner Spirit’. Marvel Stadium is home, with a base that prizes grit and development. Rebuilding now, the Roos chase stability and defensive steel.
Port Adelaide Power
- 2024 finish: 2nd
- Coach: Ken Hinkley
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
The Port Adelaide Power joined the AFL in 1997 from SANFL royalty and carved a national identity: hard-nosed, skilful, ruthless at Adelaide Oval. A 2004 premiership crowned a golden era featuring club legends Warren Tredrea and Gavin Wanganeen, with later pushes reviving September expectations. The Showdown with Adelaide is theatre, soundtracked by the INXS hit “Never Tear Us Apart”.
Richmond Tigers
- 2024 finish: 18th
- Coach: Adem Yze
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
Richmond are the yellow-and-black heartbeat of the MCG, powered by the Tiger Army. After lean decades, they forged a modern dynasty under Damien Hardwick, winning flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020 to add to earlier triumphs from the Tom Hafey era. Now retooling around youth, Richmond treat the ‘G as home and September as the goal.
St Kilda Saints
- 2024 finish: 12th
- Coach: Ross Lyon
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
St Kilda, founded in 1873, are the AFL’s resilient Saints from Melbourne’s bayside. Their lone premiership came in 1966, with near-misses in 1997, 2009 and the 2010 draw-replay heartbreaker. They play home games at Marvel Stadium, backed by a loyal, long-suffering fan base.
Sydney Swans
- 2024 finish: 1st
- Coach: Dean Cox
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
The Sydney Swans, born as South Melbourne in 1874 and relocated to Sydney in 1982, are the AFL’s standard-bearers in New South Wales. Flags in 1909, 1918, 1933, 2005 and 2012 bookend consistency built on the ‘Bloods’ culture of discipline and pressure. Based at the SCG, they boast legends from Bob Skilton and Paul Kelly to Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin.
West Coast Eagles
- 2024 finish: 16th
- Coach: Andrew McQualter
- 2025 Premiership odds: N/A
Perth’s West Coast Eagles joined the AFL in 1987 and soon became a powerhouse, claiming premierships in 1992, 1994, 2006 and 2018. Backed by one of the league’s biggest memberships and a fierce Western Derby rivalry with Fremantle, the Eagles are looking to turn Optus Stadium into a fortress once more after a few lean years.
Western Bulldogs
- 2024 finish: 6th
- Coach: Luke Beveridge
- 2025 Premiership odds: +2000 @ BetOnline
Founded in Footscray, the Western Bulldogs are the AFL’s battlers-turned-believers, flying red, white and blue from Melbourne’s west. Premierships in 1954 and the fairytale of 2016 bookend decades of grit, while reaching the 2021 AFL Grand Final reaffirmed their ceiling. They play fast, handball-happy footy at Marvel Stadium, backed by a rusted-on fan base.
AFL/VFL records
- Most premierships: Carlton, Essendon, Collingwood – 16
- Most consecutive premierships: Collingwood – 4 (1927–1930)
- Highest score: Geelong 37.17 (239) over Brisbane Bears 11.9 (75), at Carrara, May 3, 1992
- Highest winning margin: 190 points – Fitzroy 36.22 (238) over Melbourne 6.12 (48), at Waverley Park, July 28, 1979
- Highest-scoring game: 52.33 (345) in the St Kilda 31.18 (204) win over Melbourne 21.15 (141), at the MCG, May 6, 1978
- Highest-scoring quarter: South Melbourne 17.4 (106) over St Kilda, Lake Oval, July 26, 1919
- Largest crowd: 121,696 – 1970 VFL Grand Final, Carlton vs. Collingwood
- Largest home and away crowd: 99,256 – Melbourne vs. Collingwood, MCG, 1958
- Most wooden spoons: St Kilda – 27
- Most grand final appearances: Collingwood – 45
- Most consecutive grand final appearances: 7 – Melbourne (1954–1960), Hawthorn (1983–1989)
- Most consecutive wins: 23 – Geelong (1952–1953)
- Most consecutive losses: 51 – University (1911–1914)
- Most career games: 432 – Brent Harvey (North Melbourne)
- Most individual finals: 40 – Joel Selwood (Geelong)
- Most career grand finals: 11 – Michael Tuck (Hawthorn)
- Most individual premierships: 7 – Michael Tuck (Hawthorn)
- Most career goals: 1,360 – Tony Lockett (St Kilda, Sydney)
- Most goals in a game: 18 – Fred Fanning (Melbourne), on August 30, 1947
- Most goals in a season (including finals): 150 – Bob Pratt (South Melbourne, 1934), Peter Hudson (Hawthorn, 1971)
- Most consecutive matches: 259* – Jack Crisp (Collingwood)
* Denotes an ongoing record for a current player
AFL Team of the Century
To mark 100 years of the VFL/AFL, a team of its greatest players was named. The team, named in 1996, featured some of the men who made the game great and has become known as the AFL Team of the Century.
| AFL Team of the Century | |
|---|---|
| Backs | Bernie Smith (Geelong, West Adelaide) Stephen Silvagni (Carlton) John Nicholls (Carlton) |
| Half Backs | Bruce Doull (Carlton) Captain: Ted Whitten (Footscray) Kevin Murray (Fitzroy, East Perth) |
| Centres | Francis Bourke (Richmond) Ian Stewart (Hobart, St Kilda, Richmond) Keith Greig (North Melbourne) |
| Half Forwards | Alex Jesaulenko (Carlton, St Kilda) Royce Hart (Richmond) Dick Reynolds (Essendon) |
| Forwards | Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn) John Coleman (Essendon) Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy, Subiaco, Port Adelaide) |
| Followers | Graham Farmer (Geelong, East Perth, West Perth) Ron Barassi (Melbourne, Carlton) Bob Skilton (South Melbourne) |
| Interchange | Gary Ablett Sr. (Hawthorn, Geelong) Jack Dyer (Richmond) Greg Williams (Geelong, Sydney, Carlton) |
| Coach | Norm Smith (Melbourne, Fitzroy, South Melbourne) |
