AFL Rd 8 preview, free betting tips & best bookie odds

The 2024 AFL season rolls on this weekend with an exciting nine-match slate, kicking off on Thursday night with a Showdown clash between the Crows and the Power. Below are our free betting predictions for every game of round eight.

Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide Power

Thursday, May 2 – 7pm ACST – Adelaide Oval

With three wins from their past four matches, the Power enter this match as slight favourites with online bookmakers. However, ladder position is rarely an indicator between these sides, given the Crows won both meetings last season despite the Power finishing in the top four. At 2-5, Adelaide need to get a wriggle on, so expect them to take it right up to their opposition.

Carlton Blues vs Collingwood Magpies

Friday, May 3 – 7:40pm AEST – MCG

After an ANZAC Day draw last Thursday, it doesn’t get much easier for the Magpies as they face another of their oldest and fiercest rivals. Fresh off a 13-point defeat to the Cats last Saturday, the Carlton Blues will be keen to get back in the winners’ circle as they chase a top-four spot. Michael Voss’ men have been the better side so far, but facing Collingwood at the MCG is a different story in what shapes as one of the matches of the season.

Sydney Swans vs GWS Giants

Saturday, May 4 – 1:45pm AEST – SCG

Continuing the trend of rivalry games, the Sydney Swans host the GWS Giants in a clash between top-four sides. Both teams are coming off big wins last round, but with torrential conditions forecast, this could quickly turn into a scrappy affair. Separated on the ladder by percentage alone, this is an opportunity for both sides to make a statement — particularly the Giants, who are yet to beat a top-eight team this season.

St Kilda Saints vs North Melbourne Kangaroos

Saturday, May 4 – 4:35pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

The pressure continues to build on the Kangaroos, who sit dead last with by far the worst percentage in the AFL. This gives the St Kilda Saints — who are strong favourites with the top AFL bookies — the perfect opportunity to break their run of three-straight defeats. The Saints have won the past four between the sides, and given North Melbourne’s defensive struggles, this could get ugly.

Melbourne Demons vs Geelong Cats

Saturday, May 4 – 4:35pm AEST – MCG

Still undefeated after their high-scoring win over Carlton, the Geelong Cats continue to surprise many in the AFL community. They head back to the ‘G to face another test in the Demons, who have won five of their last six games. With even betting odds, it is hard to split the sides, but given the Cats’ run so far, it would be hard to bet against them.

West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers

Saturday, May 4 – 6:10pm AWST – Optus Stadium

After showing some potential over the past few weeks, the West Coast Eagles returned to their early-season form last Sunday as they fell to the Suns. Back at home, they welcome Essendon, who are in the top eight but remain unpredictable on the road. Last season, the Eagles gave the Bombers an almighty scare, so don’t be surprised if this match is closer than predicted once again.

Richmond Tigers vs Fremantle Dockers

Sunday, May 5 – 1pm AEST – MCG

With just one win this season, the depleted Tigers have been disappointing on all fronts. They host the Fremantle Dockers, who broke a three-match losing streak last weekend against the Dogs, largely thanks to their star-studded midfield. The visitors enter as favourites with AFL betting sites, but given they have won just once on the road — against the last-placed Kangaroos — they have something to prove at the ‘G.

Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Hawks

Sunday, May 5 – 4pm AEST – Marvel Stadium

After securing their first win of the season in round six, Hawthorn were dealt a reality check last Sunday as they kicked just five goals in a loss to the Swans. Facing the unpredictable Western Bulldogs, the Hawks will need to improve across the park against a side that can put on a big score. If Sam Mitchell’s men don’t figure out their attacking concerns, it could be a long afternoon for the Hawks.

Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns

Sunday, May 5 – 7:10pm AEST – Gabba

The Lions have had a horror start to the season with just two wins from their seven games. In the first Q-Clash of the year, Brisbane come in as favourites with AFL bookmakers, but they will need to be wary of a Gold Coast Suns team that seems to have improved. The Suns haven’t won at the Gabba since 2018, but given the Lions’ current form, an upset could be on the cards.

Sports betting tips