Round 8 begins at Marvel with the Bombers and Roos looking to keep their top 8 hopes alive. But the game of the round waits until last as the Lions battle the Suns in a huge top 4 Q-Clash. Here is a preview of every game this week.
Essendon (12th) vs North Melbourne (17th)
The Bombers are coming off a tough 107-66 loss to the Magpies at the MCG, and they'll be looking to bounce back this week against the Kangaroos. They're sitting 12th on the ladder with a 3-3 record, including a 1-0-1 split at home and 2-0-2 on the road. Recent form shows they're a bit up and down, going 3-0-2 in their last five and currently on a one-game losing streak. Peter Wright chipped in with 2 goals last game, while Zach Merrett was busy with 25 disposals. Stat-wise, the Bombers are one of the top teams for disposals, ranked 2nd in the comp, but they've been struggling when it comes to converting inside 50s and hitting the scoreboard, sitting 14th for goals and 15th for inside 50 entries. They've shown they can win, but they'll need to clean up those forward entries to make a real push up the ladder.
The Kangaroos have had a rough run lately, dropping their last five games and sitting 17th on the ladder with a 1-6 record. Their only win this season came at home, where they're 1-0-3, while they've gone winless on the road at 0-0-3. Last week, they put up a decent fight but still went down 97-88 to the Power at Adelaide Oval. Harry Sheezel led the way with 30 disposals, and Curtis kicked 3 goals, though he'll miss the next few weeks due to suspension. The Roos do rank 4th in the league for disposals, so they can get plenty of the ball, but their biggest issue has been getting it inside 50, where they rank 16th. They'll need to fix that quickly if they want to avoid another long season.
Stadium Record
Essendon are 6-4 in their last 10 games at Marvel. North Melbourne are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Bombers are 10-0 against the Kangaroos.
Best Bet
The Roos are giving up 17 goals per game and the Bombers aren't much better at 14. So I like the Over, which is 7-1 in the Roos last 8 games.
Same Game Multi
The Bombers are 11-0 against the Roos so I don't see the trend changing with the Kangaroos defensive issues. Archie Perkins has kicked a goal in 4 of his last 5 games and offers a safe bet for this sgm.
Over 183.5 / Bombers -16.5 / Archie Perkins to kick a goal = $3.80
St Kilda (13th) vs Fremantle (9th)
The Saints have hit a bit of a slump, dropping their last three games and now sitting 13th on the ladder with a 3-4 record. Their most recent outing was a tough 45-point loss to the Lions at Docklands. Despite the result, Jack Higgins managed to snag 3 goals, and Bradley Hill was everywhere with 33 disposals. At home they're 2-0-2, while away they've gone 1-0-2. Over the last five games, they've gone 2-0-3, showing some flashes but struggling to string wins together. One area they need to clean up is their inside 50s, they rank 14th in that department. If they can sharpen up their forward entries, they've got the talent to bounce back against the Dockers.
The Dockers are tracking along nicely with a 4-3 record and sit just outside the top eight in 9th spot. They're coming off a solid 18-point win over the Crows at Perth Stadium, slotting 12 goals in the process. Andrew Brayshaw was massive with 37 disposals, and Serong wasn't far behind with 32 touches. Over their last five, they've gone 4-0-1 and are currently on a one-game winning streak. They've been fairly balanced home and away, going 2-0-1 at home and 2-0-2 on the road. While they've struggled with disposals and tackling, ranking 15th in both, they've still found a way to get wins on the board and will be looking to keep that momentum going against the Saints.
Stadium Record
St Kilda are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. Fremantle are 5-4 (1 draw) in their last 10 games at Marvel.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Saints hold a 3-2 record against the Dockers.
Best Bet
The Saints don't like Friday night footy, they've lost their last 6. Freo heads to Melbourne with a decent record at Marvel and holds a 4-1 ATS record in their last 5. I think they win it by a goal or two.
Western Bulldogs (8th) vs Port Adelaide (10th)
The Bulldogs are starting to build some momentum, coming off a strong 32-point win over the Giants in Round 7 where they slammed home 17 goals at Manuka Oval. James Harmes was a standout up forward with 4 goals, while Liberatore did the grunt work with 28 disposals. They've now won two on the trot and sit inside the top eight with a 4-3 record. They've gone 2-0-1 away from home and 2-0-2 at home. Over their last five games, they're 3-0-2, showing they're starting to click. The Dogs are one of the best in the comp for clearances, goals kicked, and inside 50s, all ranked 3rd, so they've got the firepower. Tackling remains a weak point, ranking 17th, but if they keep dominating in those key attacking stats, they'll be hard to stop against the Power.
The Power are starting to find some rhythm, coming into this clash with the Bulldogs on a three-game winning streak and a 4-3 record that's got them sitting 10th on the ladder. Last round they got the job done against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, winning by 9 points and kicking 14 goals, with Byrne-Jones chipping in with 3 majors. At home they've been solid with a 3-0-1 record, though they've been a bit shakier on the road at 1-0-2. Over their last five, they've gone 3-0-2, showing some consistency lately. They'll need to bring that same energy against a Bulldogs side that's also hitting form, but with momentum on their side, the Power should be right in the mix.
Stadium Record
The Bulldogs are 9-3 at this venue since 2018. Port Adelaide are 1-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Power are 4-1 against the Bulldogs in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
This one is being played in Ballarat which is a tough place to score, so I think this will be a close one. The Power also have a 4-0 record against the Dogs.
Adelaide Crows (5th) vs Carlton (11th)
The Crows are sitting nicely in 5th spot with a 4-3 record, but they'll be looking to bounce back this week after going down to the Dockers by 18 points at Perth Stadium. Thilthorpe continued his solid form up forward with 3 goals, taking his season tally to 19. They've been strong at home with a 3-0-1 record and are 1-0-2 on the road. Over their last five games, they've gone 2-0-3 and are currently on a one-game losing streak. Offensively, they're firing, ranked 2nd in the AFL for goals kicked, and they bring plenty of pressure too, sitting 4th for tackles. If they can tidy up their consistency, they'll be a real threat against the Blues.
The Blues are starting to hit their stride, coming off three straight wins and sitting just outside the top eight in 11th with a 3-4 record. Last week they knocked off the Cats at the MCG by 18 points, booting 14 goals, with Curnow and McKay both slotting three each, while Sam Walsh racked up 30 disposals. They've gone 3-0-2 in their last five and are 2-0-2 at home and 1-0-2 on the road. Stat-wise, the Blues are elite in a few key areas, ranked 1st for tackles, 2nd for clearances and inside 50s, and 3rd for disposals. With that kind of midfield power and forward firepower, they'll fancy their chances against the Crows this week.
Stadium Record
Adelaide are 6-4 in their last 10 games at Adelaide Oval. Carlton are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Crows hold a 3-2 record against the Blues.
Best Bet
Carlton have got their forward line firing and come off a huge win over the Cats. I think they keep this margin under 2 goals and potentially get another win.
Collingwood (1st) vs Geelong Cats (7th)
The Magpies are flying right now, sitting on top of the ladder with a 6-1 record and riding a six-game winning streak. They were dominant last round, smashing Essendon by 41 points at the MCG and slotting 16 goals. Jamie Elliott made his 200th game one to remember with 5 goals, while Josh Daicos was everywhere with 36 disposals. They've been unbeatable at home and solid on the road, and their form over the last five games, 5 straight wins, speaks for itself. Stat-wise, they're ranked 5th in the league for clearances, inside 50s, and tackles, showing they bring both pressure and class. Up against the Cats, they'll be full of confidence and hard to stop.
The Cats come into this clash sitting 7th on the ladder with a 4-3 record, but they'll be keen to bounce back after a 94–76 loss to the Blues at the MCG last round. Jeremy Cameron was a standout with 4 goals, keeping his goal-kicking form ticking along nicely. They've been perfect at home, but haven't had the same success on the road, going 1-0-3 away. Over their last five, they've gone 3-0-2 and are currently on a one-game skid. Offensively, they've been strong, ranked 4th in the AFL for goals, and they bring the heat with tackles too, sitting 3rd in that stat. But their ball movement needs work, as they rank 16th for disposals. Up against the top-of-the-table Pies, they'll need to tidy that up to stay in the contest.
Stadium Record
Collingwood are 8-2 in their last 10 games at MCG. Geelong are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Cats have won 6 games against the Magpies.
Best Bet
This should be a tough matchup at the MCG and I like the Under trend with the Cats, it's 4-1 in their last 5 games.
West Coast Eagles (18th) vs Melbourne (15th)
The Eagles are having a tough season, still searching for their first win with a 0-7 record and sitting at the bottom of the ladder in 18th place. They were well beaten by the Hawks at Docklands last round, losing by 50 points, despite Liam Ryan's 3 goals and Ryan Maric's 25 disposals. They've now lost seven in a row and have yet to register a win at either home or away. The stats aren't looking pretty either, as they're ranked 18th in the AFL for clearances, disposals, and goals kicked, and 17th for inside 50 entries. They're also struggling with tackling, sitting 14th in that area. Against a strong Demons side, it's hard to see the Eagles turning things around unless they can find a major lift across the board.
The Demons are coming off a solid 20-point win over Richmond at the MCG, kicking 12 goals in the process, and they're starting to find some form with two straight wins. Petracca added 2 goals to his tally, while Christian Salem racked up 34 disposals. However, they've had their struggles this season, sitting 15th on the ladder with a 2-5 record. Their main issues have been in clearances and goal kicking, though they've excelled in disposals, ranking 5th in the league. They're still looking for their first win on the road with a 0-0-2 record away from home, while they've been decent at home. The Eagles will likely be an easy target for the Demons, who are hoping to build on their recent form and put together a run of wins.
Stadium Record
West Coast are 1-9 in their last 10 games at Optus Stadium. Melbourne are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Demons are 4-1 against the Eagles in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
The Dees like this venue, highlighted by their premiership win in 2021. So I think they comfortably beat the struggling Eagles.
Sydney Swans (14th) vs GWS Giants (6th)
The Swans are struggling this season, sitting 14th on the ladder with a 2-5 record and currently on a three-game losing streak. They were beaten by the Suns at Carrara last round, losing 117–79, despite Chad Warner's 2 goals and 24 disposals. Their biggest weaknesses are in goal-kicking, where they're ranked 14th in the AFL, and tackling, sitting 15th in the league. On a positive note, they've been decent away from home with a 2-0-2 record, but they've yet to secure a win at home. With only two wins for the season and some issues to fix, they'll need a big performance against the Giants to turn things around.
The Giants are sitting comfortably in 6th on the ladder with a 4-3 record, though they've hit a bit of a rough patch, losing their last two games. They were beaten by the Bulldogs by 32 points at Manuka Oval, despite Toby Greene's 2 goals and 8 clearances. The Giants have been impressive in disposals, ranking 1st in the AFL in that area, but they do struggle with clearances, sitting 15th in the league. Their home record is solid, and they've been just as good on the road with a 2-0-2 record. The Giants will be looking to bounce back against the Swans after their recent losses and get back on track for a finals push.
Stadium Record
In their last 10 games at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney holds a 5-5 record. GWS are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Swans hold a 7-3 record.
Best Bet
Both sides are coming off a few losses so the Sydney derby should be hotly contested. Ultimately, the Over is 4-1 in this matchup and the small SCG should be nice for scoring.
Hawthorn (4th) vs Richmond (16th)
The Hawks are in great form, sitting 4th on the ladder with a 5-2 record. They won their last game against the Eagles by a massive 50 points at Docklands, kicking 18 goals. The team has been strong across the board, especially in goals kicked and tackling. Jack Gunston was a standout last game with 4 goals, while Josh Battle racked up 29 disposals. Their away record is solid, and they've been perfect at home with a 3-0-0 record. The Hawks will be looking to extend their winning streak and keep pushing for a top spot as they face the Tigers next.
The Tigers have had a tough start to the season, sitting in 16th on the ladder with a 2-5 record. They're coming off a loss to the Demons at the MCG, where they went down 83-63. Despite a strong performance from Tom Lynch, who kicked 3 goals, the Tigers have been struggling across the board. They rank poorly in clearances , disposals , goals kicked , and tackling . Their away record is still winless at 0-0-3, and their last 5 games have seen them win just one. With plenty of work to do, they'll need to improve in these areas if they want to turn things around against the Hawks.
Stadium Record
In their last 10 games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Hawthorn holds an 8-2 record. Richmond are 1-9 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Tigers have won 3 games against the Hawks.
Best Bet
This should be another percentage booster for the Hawks, they're 8-1 ATS at the MCG and the Tigers haven't played well at this venue of late.
Brisbane Lions (2nd) vs Gold Coast Suns (3rd)
The Lions are in great form this season, sitting 2nd on the ladder with a 6-1 record. They're coming off a strong 45-point win over St Kilda, where they kicked 17 goals at Docklands. The Lions are dominating in a few key areas, ranking 1st in clearances, 5th in goals kicked, and 3rd for inside 50 entries. Their away record is perfect so far at 4-0-0, while they've been solid at home with a 2-0-1 record. Will Ashcroft has been a standout with 35 disposals last game, and Eric Hipwood kicked 4 goals. With a 4-0-1 record in their last 5, the Lions are looking like strong contenders this season.
The Suns have been in red-hot form this season, sitting 3rd on the ladder with a 5-1 record. They're coming off a solid 38-point win over the Swans at Carrara, where they kicked 17 goals. The Suns have been dominating in key areas, ranked 1st in the AFL for both goals kicked and inside 50 entries, and 4th for clearances. They've been impressive on the road with a 3-0-1 record and are also undefeated at home with a 2-0-0 record. Ben King was on fire last game with 5 goals, and Noble had 30 disposals. Despite ranking 14th in disposals, the Suns are still a force to be reckoned with, especially with their strong attack and clearance game.
Stadium Record
In their last 10 games at the Gabba, Brisbane holds an 8-2 record. Gold Coast are 1-9 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Lions hold a 9-1 record.
Best Bet
The Q Clash should be the match of the round and I think the Suns can give the Lions a big scare. The Suns are 6-0 ATS when they face a reigning premier and they're playing impressive footy at the moment.
