2024 AFL Round 8 Betting Predictions
Round 8 should be an all-time classic with the Showdown, Pies v Blues, the Battle of the Bridge and the Q Clash. It all starts in Adelaide with a massive clash between the Crows and Power on Thursday night footy.
Adelaide Crows (12th) vs Port Adelaide Power (5th)
Adelaide took care of business against a lacklustre North Melbourne team last week, giving their season a much-needed boost. The Crows should be feeling confident after dominating Port Adelaide in previous Showdowns. The key will be their midfield clearances and getting the ball to the likes of Tex and Fogarty.
Port managed to keep St Kilda at bay in their latest game, but it came at a cost as some key players picked up injuries. But they escaped a serious hammy for Rozee as he should be right to play this week. With tough matches against their rivals and high-flying Geelong on the horizon, there's no time for the Power to slow down. Ken Hinkley's side needs to show they can rise to the occasion when the pressure's on and that's exactly what the Showdown is all about.
The Crows are pretty hard to trust at the moment, especially after losing their last 4 at home. So I think the Power win the Showdown on the back of their strong midfield.
Stadium Record
Adelaide are 5-5 in their last 10 games at the Adelaide Oval. Port Adelaide are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
Carlton Blues (6th) vs Collingwood Magpies (10th)
The Blues are coming off a disappointing loss against the Cats but they showed plenty of fight in the last quarter to make the scoreboard respectable. Carlton had a solid win over Collingwood towards the end of last season, proving they're a force to be reckoned with. This time around, things have shifted a bit and another victory against the Magpies would boost Carlton's chances of making it to the top four, while also putting Collingwood in a tricky spot.
The Pies have been showing glimpses of their premiership-winning form from last season, but they couldn't quite seal the deal in a draw against Essendon last week. With some extra time to recover from the Anzac Day match, a win against the injury-plagued Blues would give the Magpies their first positive win-loss record of the season.
These two sides love a close game, especially against each other. After the Pies loss against the Blues last July, I think they could upset the Blues this time.
Stadium Record
Carlton are 4-1 in their last 5 games at the MCG. Collingwood are 5-4 (1 draw) in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Magpies are 3-2 against the Blues in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Sydney Swans (2nd) vs GWS Giants (3rd)
Sydney has been cruising through their matches against weaker teams, showing off their impressive ball skills. However, they're gearing up for a tougher match against their local arch-rivals. Despite being one of the highest-scoring teams this season, the Swans know they'll need a strong defence to counter the attack of the Giants. It's going to be an exciting challenge for them.
GWS had an easy win against Brisbane last week and now they're getting some key players back for their match against Sydney. The Giants aren't afraid to visit the SCG, especially since they've won four out of the last five games with the Swans at that venue, including a nail-biting one-point victory last season. So, they'll be feeling very confident heading into Saturday's game.
There is rain predicted for the Battle of the Bridge but with two of the best attacking sides in the AFL, the smaller SCG should still see the Over salute.
Stadium Record
Sydney are 4-1 in their last 5 games at the SCG. Since 2021, GWS have a 2-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Swans are 7-6 against the Giants since 2018.
Best Bet
St Kilda Saints (14th) vs North Melbourne Kangaroos (18th)
St Kilda is feeling the heat as they risk falling behind in the race for the top eight. With a record of 2-5, including four narrow defeats, they need to bounce back quickly. Luckily, they have a chance to regroup and get their game going against struggling North Melbourne before facing Hawthorn.
North Melbourne heads into their matchup with St Kilda needing to show something for their loyal fans because another wooden spoon is on the horizon. They've only managed to win four quarters in their first seven games of the season. But at least the likes of Sheezel are getting valuable experience for the future.
The Saints need to get their season going and this seems like the perfect matchup. They competed hard against the Power in Adelaide last week and should be able to beat the worst side in the AFL by over 6 goals.
Stadium Record
St Kilda are 4-6 in their last 10 games at the Docklands. North Melbourne are 3-28 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Saints are 4-1 against the Kangaroos in the last 5.
Best Bet
Melbourne Demons (4th) vs Geelong Cats (1st)
Melbourne comes off a solid win over the Tigers on Anzac Day eve and Max Gawn continues to shine in the ruck. However, they're eager to make a statement against a strong team like Geelong. Despite their recent struggles against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium, they're feeling optimistic about facing the league leaders at the MCG for the first time in over three years.
Geelong has been unstoppable, winning all seven of their matches so far. Another victory against a top-four contender would solidify their position at the top of the ladder. Even without their injured captain, the Cats have shown they can adapt and win in different situations. Now, they're aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Tough one to pick in the head to head so I like taking on the Over. Geelong played at the MCG last week in a 118-105 result and the Over is now 10-0 involving the Cats at the G.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 6-4 in their last 10 games at the MCG. Geelong are 16-5 at the MCG since 2021.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Cats are 6-4 against the Demons.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles (15th) vs Essendon Bombers (7th)
The Eagles are playing better footy at the moment, especially in Perth after they won the derby a few weeks ago and upset Richmond. West Coast had a close one against Essendon last season, showing signs of improvement. Now, with two consecutive wins at home and the return of Harley Reid, they're looking like a stronger team. They'll also be fired up for Yeo's 200th game and he's having an injury-free season thus far, which is great to see.
Essendon came close to beating the reigning premiers but ended up with a draw on Anzac Day. Now, they need to bounce back quickly and take advantage of their upcoming matches against bottom-four teams in the next month to solidify their position in the top-eight. But the Eagles in Perth no longer looks like a holiday so the Bombers need to be at their best.
Considering the Eagles have won their last 2 in Perth and it's Yeo's 200th, I think they give the unpredictable Bombers a scare.
Stadium Record
West Coast are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. Essendon are 2-3 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Bombers are 3-2 against the Eagles in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Richmond Tigers (16th) vs Fremantle Dockers (8th)
Richmond has been fighting hard but hasn't been able to convert their efforts into wins, especially at their home ground, the MCG. With plenty of injuries, they'll need their younger players to continue standing up as they take on Freo.
Fremantle might have gotten the wake-up call they needed after their loss to West Coast a couple of weeks ago. They bounced back with a win against the Western Bulldogs, but now they need to prove it wasn't just a one-time thing. Facing the Tigers at a venue where they've won three out of their last five matches will be another test for them.
The Under is 4-0 in this matchup and the Tigers are missing a lot of firepower to hit the scoreboard.
Stadium Record
Richmond are 5-5 in their last 10 games at the MCG. Fremantle are 3-4 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Tigers are 3-1 (1 draw) against the Dockers in the last 5.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs (11th) vs Hawthorn Hawks (17th)
The Bulldogs are having quite the up-and-down season with a recent loss to Fremantle on the road. However, they have a chance to bounce back with consecutive matches against teams currently in the bottom four. They'll aim to even their win-loss record against Hawthorn and then set their sights on grabbing more points against Richmond.
Hawthorn has been struggling this season, despite showing flashes of their form from last year. Heavy defeats have been mounting up and their loss against the Swans highlighted issues with accuracy in front of goal. They also need to address their lack of intensity across matches, something I'm sure Sam Mitchell is aware of.
Hard to know which Bulldogs side will turn up but this should be a high-scoring affair considering the Hawks struggles at the moment. The Over is also 7-2 in the Dogs last 9 games.
Stadium Record
The Bulldogs are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue. Hawthorn are 3-2 in their last 5 games at the Docklands.
Head to Head Record
In the last 8, the Bulldogs hold a 5-3 record.
Best Bet
Brisbane Lions (13th) vs Gold Coast Suns (9th)
Brisbane is under pressure to turn their season around and they were poor against the Giants on Anzac Day in Canberra. However, a QClash on their home turf could be just what they need to kickstart their season, especially with a dominant record against the Suns at the Gabba.
Gold Coast pulled off a surprise win against Brisbane last season, breaking a long losing streak against their rivals. Now, they need to prove they can do the same up the M1. Their recent history at the Gabba hasn't been great, losing by an average of 49 points in their last five meetings there. But Damien Hardwick will be eager to turn that record around on Sunday night.
The Lions are giving up plenty of points and I think that continues against the improving Suns too. The Over is also 8-1 in the Q Clash.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 7-3 in their last 10 games at the Gabba. Since 2021, Gold Coast have a 0-3 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Lions hold a 9-1 record.
Best Bet
