AFL FINALS (START SEPTEMBER 7)
The fixture for the first week of the 2023 AFL Finals is set in stone, and what a final series it's shaping up to be with so many questions to be asked and answered. After a dominant home and away season which saw them finish a game clear on top of the ladder, can Collingwood maintain the rage to claim their first flag since 2010? They tackle September having lost three out of their last five games and will potentially be missing stars Nick Daicos and Darcy Moore for the first final. Brisbane are cherry ripe for September success given their list profile and perfect record at home this season. The Lions have won 11 in a row at The Gabba and have guaranteed themselves two home finals. Port Adelaide finished the season in third, allaying any queries over coach Ken Hinkley's future in the process. It would be some redemption story if the Power can win it all. Meanwhile, Melbourne will be motivated to bring premiership success to their spiritual home ground at the MCG in front of supporters. It is worth remembering their grand final triumph over the Western Bulldogs in 2021 was at Optus Stadium in Perth due to COVID lockdowns, so the Dees faithful will be hoping to witness it firsthand come September 30. Carlton return to finals action for the first time in a decade and will be full of confidence after winning nine of their last ten to secure a spot. A fun fact, captain Patrick Cripps will remarkably play in his first ever final! St Kilda made the bold call to re-sign former coach Ross Lyon at the end of 2022, and it's proved a masterstroke. They've secured a home final at the MCG, and their defensive style of play will be well suited to September action. Not that Saints fans need reminding, but 1966 was the last time they hoisted the premiership cup. NSW based teams GWS and Sydney round out the Top 8, and they too have claims. GWS have been the surprise packet of 2023, while Sydney are a battle hardened finals team. Bring it on.
WEEK ONE AFL FINALS FIXTURE
Qualifying Final- Collingwood vs Melbourne at the MCG on Thursday September 7
Elimination Final- Carlton vs Sydney at the MCG on Friday September 8
Elimination Final- St Kilda vs GWS at the MCG on Saturday September 9
Qualifying Final- Brisbane vs Port Adelaide at The Gabba on Saturday September 9
For the latest finals and premiership markets, head to the Betfair Exchange now.
NRL FINALS (START SEPTEMBER 8)
A fascinating final round of the NRL season awaits with just five teams; the Panthers, Broncos, Warriors, Storm and Knights having confirmed their finals spot. As things stand the Sharks and Raiders are in the top eight but this is subject to change pending Round 27 results. 11 teams are mathematically still a chance to make the finals! Cronulla (6th) have a very solid points differential overall, but they're equal on ladder points with Canberra (7th) who they play in a blockbuster clash on Sunday. Canberra on the other hand have a poor points differential. Win and the Sharks will play finals. South Sydney (8th) also find themselves in a must win scenario vs cross town rivals the Roosters (10th). The Roosters have won four on the bounce and will be a big threat in September should they scrape in. North Queensland (9th) have had a disappointing campaign and will have to beat the all-conquering Penrith Panthers (2nd) to avoid missing finals. Paramatta (11th) have the bye in Round 27 and will need everything to go their way. As things stand the Panthers are $2.70 on the Betfair Exchange to complete a historic threepeat. Powerhouse club the Brisbane Broncos are searching for their first flag since 2006 and are $3.00, while the New Zealand Warriors who are aiming for their maiden NRL Premiership are $11.50. Plenty of intriguing storylines with all to be revealed in the next month! For NRL finals previews and analysis, check out the Betfair Hub and Betfair Exchange for more.
WEEK ONE NRL FINALS FIXTURE TBA
RUGBY WORLD CUP (STARTS SEPTEMBER 9)
The jam-packed September calendar rolls on with the commencement of the Rugby World Cup to be held in France. For the first time in the tournaments history an extra week has been added to the schedule to provide rest days for players. 20 countries are set to compete in the 2023 edition, with teams to be divided into four pools of five- the top two in each pool advancing to the knockout stages. The world famous All Blacks are currently $4.20 on the Betfair Exchange to win the World Cup, with host nation France ($4.60), South Africa ($5.00) and Ireland ($6.20) rounding out the top four in betting. The Wallabies are a $14.00 shot on the exchange, highlighting the congested nature of this market. Australia are also commanding $1.50 favourites to top Pool C. Markets are available now on the Betfair Exchange for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with more set to come.
WALLABIES GROUP STAGE FIXTURES
Vs Georgia on Sunday, September 10
Vs Fiji on Monday, September 18
Vs Wales on Monday, September 25
Vs Portugal on Monday, October 2
RYDER CUP (STARTS SEPTEMBER 29)
Arguably golf's biggest stage, the 2023 version of the Ryder Cup between team Europe and team USA will take place at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. This year will mark the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup, with the American's holding a 27 to 14 record. Much intrigue surrounds team selection this year particularly in relation to the LIV Tour players. Will five time major champion Brooks Koepka be selected? Other Ryder Cup stalwarts in Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth have experienced poor years by their standards, and will only be in the US team if selected with one of captain Zac Johnson's six picks. On the European side, there is plenty of excitement about their potential. Ludvig Aberg, Adrian Meronk, Robert MacIntyre and twin brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard are all young players with the world at their feet. Captain Luke Donald faces a tough task leaving a few out, given the strength at the top end of Europe's talent pool with names such as Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahn, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood guaranteed a spot. USA are favourites at $1.84, Europe are $2.46 and the tie is $14 on the Betfair Exchange. More markets will be available on the Betfair Exchange closer to the event as teams and tee times are announced.
RACING GROUP 1'S (THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER)
Spring is in the air as Group One racing action heats up! The month of September sees a stack of G1's take place including the Memsie Stakes (September 2), Makybe Diva Stakes (September 16) , Golden Rose (September 23), Underwood Stakes (September 23), Moir Stakes (September 29), Flight Stakes (September 30), Epsom Handicap (September 30) and Metropolitan (September 30). Our analysts will provide up to date previews, including Dean Evans 'feature race' previews, for each Group One race day in Sydney and Melbourne. Keep across Betfair's social media channels and the Betfair Hub for more information as we count down the days to a huge Spring carnival!
OTHER SEPTEMBER NOTABLES
US Open Tennis action continues
NFL Season kicks off
