IT'S LOOKING like top three then daylight for the NAB AFLW season seven.

Melbourne, Brisbane and reigning premier Adelaide skated through expansion comparatively unscathed, and an 18-team competition means a top eight for the first time.

The ladder was difficult, with North Melbourne the best of the rest, and then a blanket can be thrown over fifth to 10th. Throw in injuries, upset results and the always-ominous COVID wildcard, and teams could rocket up or plummet.

AFLW FIXTURE Who does your team play in season seven?

Two seasons in one year means a second crack at crystal ball predictions – what could go wrong?

The 18 clubs eyeing the NAB AFLW premiership in 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Premier: Melbourne
Runner-up: Brisbane
Wooden spoon: Hawthorn
Moving up: Richmond
Set to fall: Gold Coast
AFLW best and fairest: Nina Morrison (Geelong)
Leading goalkicker: Kate Hore (Melbourne)
Recruit of the year: Gemma Houghton (Fremantle to Port Adelaide)
Headline you'll see: Big three dominate, fight for fourth to 10th
Headline you won't see: Suns cover loss of seven to expansion
Big call: Port Adelaide to be the best-performing team of the expansion quartet, and will pinch a win from a top-eight team
Game-changer: The quick turnaround in seasons will mostly benefit developing clubs who are able to continually reinforce gameplans without a big break. Geelong, Richmond and the Dogs (lack of tall forwards aside) will be better for the short gap.

Daisy Pearce poses with the premiership cup during AFLW captain's day on August 17, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Ladder
1. Melbourne
2. Brisbane
3. Adelaide
4. North Melbourne
5. Collingwood
6. Richmond
7. Fremantle
8. Western Bulldogs

9. Greater Western Sydney
10. Carlton
11. Geelong
12. Port Adelaide
13. Gold Coast
14. Essendon
15. St Kilda
16. West Coast
17. Sydney
18. Hawthorn