Hawthorn Hawks v Sydney Swans
Friday, May 11 7:50pm, MCG
The rivalry between the Hawks and Swans continues this Friday at the MCG. The Hawks are coming off a comfortably victory over the Bombers. During their last 5 matches, they have a 3-2 record and they sit 4th on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Swans lost a close one against the Kangaroos at the SCG by 2 points. They have won 3 straight away matches but the Hawks always seem to have their measure. Especially now that Franklin and Hannebery are likely out of this clash or won’t be 100%. Hawthorn went 2-0 against them last season and will likely be hard to stop in the forward line. The Swans are a small team in defence and that’s concerning against Roughead and co.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Hawks hold a 4-1 record at MCG. In 2017, the Swans went 2-3 at MCG.
Head to Head Record
The Hawks are 13-6 against the Swans. In the last clash, the Hawks survived against the Swans at the MCG 72-66.
Best Bet
GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles
Saturday, May 12 1:45pm, Spotless Stadium
The Eagles are starting to really find form after a 6th straight win last week. So they'll look to continue their good form on the road against the Giants. The Eagles recorded an easy victory in Round 7 as they beat the Power by 42 points. In 2018, they’re the second best attacking team in the league and also rank highly for defence. For the Giants, they weren't impressive against the Cats last week in a 61 point thrashing, the loss also ended a 2 match winning streak. They’re suffering from an injury bug with the likes of Cameron, Kelly, Scully and Deledio on the sidelines. So the Eagles are great value at the line. The last two regular season meetings were close and the Eagles defence should be the difference in this matchup.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Giants hold a 1-0 record at Spotless Stadium. Which they won against the Lions by 34 points. This is the first match for the Eagles at Spotless Stadium since Round 21, 2016, which they won by 1 point against the Giants.
Head to Head Record
The Eagles are 5-3 against the Giants since 2010. In the last clash, the Giants smashed them in the finals 125-58.
Best Bet
Carlton Blues v Essendon Bombers
Saturday, May 12 2:10pm, MCG
The Blues will aim to break a 7 match losing streak when they take on the equally poor Bombers at the MCG this Saturday. The Blues are coming off a bad loss against the Crows by 55 points. They’re the worst team in the AFL for points allowed and also rank 17th for points scored. Meanwhile for the Bombers, they have a 1-4 record in their last 5 matches. Last match, they easily lost to the Hawks by a margin of 23 points, which continued their losing streak. Joe Daniher is now out for a month so the Bombers just can’t take a trick. Despite Carlton’s poor record, they usually step up when they take on the Bombers, as they showed last year with a 57-42 win. The likely return of Murphy and C. Curnow helps them out as well. So with their season on the line already, get on the Blues to cover the handicap. It should be an ugly, low scoring match up.
Stadium Record
This season, the Blues hold a 0-3 record at MCG. Also this season, the Bombers hold a 0-2 record at MCG.
Head to Head Record
The Bombers are 9-6 against the Blues since 2010. The Bombers beat them 84-76 at the MCG last season.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Suns v Melbourne Demons
Saturday, May 12 4:35pm, Gabba
Round 8 continues with the Suns hosting the Demons at Gabba on Saturday. Last week, the Suns recorded a tight defeat versus the Bulldogs at Mars Stadium. With a few injuries, it was a pleasing sign for coach Stuart Dew. However, they’ll need to find more attacking options against the stronger Demons. The Dees easily recorded a victory over the Saints at Etihad Stadium. They have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches and will be looking for their second win at the Gabba this season. They’ve found a solid forward line structure and the likes of Oliver are benefiting from the outstanding ruck form of Max Gawn. They’re 3-1 in away matches this season and I can’t see the Suns getting within 4 goals. Demons at the line.
Stadium Record
This season, the Suns hold a 1-0 record at Gabba. Which they won against the Lions by 5 points. Also this season, the Demons are 1-0 at Gabba. They beat the Lions by 26 points.
Head to Head Record
The Demons hold a 7-3 record against the Suns.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Power v Adelaide Crows
Saturday, May 12 5:10pm, Adelaide Oval
The Showdown takes centre stage on Saturday as the two Adelaide teams go to battle. The Crows are starting to heat up after a 3rd straight win last week. A few of their injured stars are due to return for this clash, which should be Tex Walker and Rory Sloane. They recorded an easy victory in Round 7 as they beat the Blues by 55 points. In the forward line, they’ve returned to their 2017 form as they now rank 3rd in the AFL for points scored. The Power looked poor against the Eagles at Optus Stadium in a 42 point loss. They’re a hard team to predict in 2018 so it’s hard to see them outscoring the in-form Crows. They’ve also lost 5 straight Showdowns, including a 130-46 thumping loss last year. I don’t see that type of result in this one, but the Crows at the line should be a safe bet.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Power hold a 2-1 record at Adelaide Oval. This season, the Crows are 3-1 at Adelaide Oval.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Crows are 9-7 against the Power. They have also won the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions
Saturday, May 12 7:25pm, Etihad Stadium
In a matchup between two sides in the bottom eight, both teams should be desperate for a win. For the home side, they are coming off a close win against the Suns. During their last 5 matches, they have a 3-2 record. They’re an average team in terms of points scored and allowed. The form of underrated midfielder Jackson Macrae has been impressive to watch and he’ll likely dominate the Lions. Meanwhile, the Lions just couldn’t get past the Magpies in a close finish and that continued their winless season. Their defence is allowing 98 points per match and that’s concerning against the Doggies, who love playing at Etihad. The Bulldogs have also won the last 3 against them and by 30+ in the last 2 at Etihad. So get on the Dogs to cover the handicap.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Bulldogs hold a 2-2 record at Etihad Stadium. This season, the Lions are 0-1 at Etihad Stadium. Which they lost against the Saints in Round 1.
Head to Head Record
The Bulldogs are 7-6 against the Lions since 2010. In the last meeting, the Bulldogs beat them in a 103-89 victory.
Best Bet
Fremantle Dockers v St Kilda Saints
Saturday, May 12 8:10pm, Optus Stadium
The Dockers meet the Saints at home in what will be an important clash for both teams. For the Dockers, they got smashed by the Tigers last week by 77 points. But they have enjoyed playing at home with a 2-1 record and a gallant defeat against the Eagles. Nat Fyfe is in Brownlow form and he’ll be the key once again for Fremantle’s hopes of a rebound effort. Meanwhile, the Saints comfortably lost against the Demons at Etihad Stadium by 39 points. They haven’t tasted a win since Round 1 and they’re sitting 16th on the ladder. The story of the season has been poor goal kicking and unless that changes in Round 8, this will be another disappointing loss. They do have a decent record against the Dockers but at the moment, you just can’t trust them. So the Dockers 1-39 is a good value bet.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Dockers hold a 3-1 record at Optus Stadium. The Saints have never played at Optus Stadium.
Head to Head Record
The Saints hold a 8-3 record against the Dockers. The Saints won the last clash 89-80.
Best Bet
North Melbourne Kangaroos v Richmond Tigers
Sunday, May 13 1:10pm, Etihad Stadium
The Tigers are starting to assert their dominance over the AFL in 2018 after a 5th straight win last week. They were very impressive in Round 7 as they beat the Dockers by 77 points. The defence is proving hard to get past and they also rank 1st in the AFL for points scored. For the Kangaroos, they survived against the Swans last week by 2 points. They took advantage of the Swans small defence but they will face a tougher challenge against the Tigers defence. They also lost 101-66 in the last meeting at Etihad so it’s hard to see any difference in 2018. This should be a bit closer in the 1-39 range as the Roos are showing good form in their backline as well.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Kangaroos are 2-1 at Etihad Stadium. In 2017, the Tigers went 2-2 at Etihad Stadium.
Head to Head Record
The Kangaroos hold a 8-3 record against the Tigers.
Best Bet
Collingwood Magpies v Geelong Cats
Sunday, May 13 3:20pm, MCG
In this clash, the 4-3 Magpies and 4-3 Cats face off at the MCG on Sunday. The Magpies are coming off a very close victory over the Lions. During their last 5 matches, they have a 4-1 record. So they’re showing good form at the moment. Meanwhile, the Cats recorded an easy victory last match as they won by 61 points against the Giants. They have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches. Both sides are ranked inside the top 6 for points scored so this should be a close, entertaining matchup at the G. So in the betting, there’s a high chance the Magpies can cover the line. They’re 3-1 against the Cats and just lost by 11 points in the last meeting.
Stadium Record
This season, the Magpies hold a 2-3 record at MCG. In 2018, the Cats are 1-1 at MCG.
Head to Head Record
The Magpies hold a 8-7 record against the Cats.
Best Bet
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