AFL Round 8 preview, match odds & betting news

There is plenty to look forward to in round eight of the 2021 AFL Premiership season, headlined by the grand final rematch between Richmond and Geelong. Here is everything you need to know for this week’s footy action, with all odds courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au.

AFL Round 8 betting odds & matchups

Richmond Tigers $1.62 vs Geelong Cats $2.31

The Tigers proved they are still the team to beat this season when they knocked off the previously undefeated Western Bulldogs last Friday night. The Cats easily could have won their round seven clash with the Swans, but luck was against them on the night. Richmond should welcome back Dustin Martin for this massive blockbuster.

GWS Giants $1.46 vs Essendon Bombers $2.75

The Giants have found some form over the past month, winning three of their last four games and smashing the Crows by 67 points in round seven. The Bombers kicked 107 points against Carlton in a Sunday shootout, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the four points. It would take Essendon’s best effort to stop the GWS juggernaut this Saturday.

Gold Coast Suns $1.90 vs St Kilda Saints $1.94

Gold Coast and St Kilda basically sit at even money in the lead up to this clash at Metricon Stadium. The Saints have beaten the Suns by less than a goal in each of their last four encounters, but the Suns are coming off a big win away from home against the Magpies. Anything can happen in this round eight battle.

North Melbourne Kangaroos $3.30 vs Collingwood Magpies $1.34

The Kangaroos are yet to register a victory this season, but they have a huge chance this week against the out-of-touch Magpies. David Noble’s men put in a terrific effort against the Demons last week, leading for a majority of the match before fading away late. The alarm bells are ringing at Collingwood after the loss to Gold Coast, so Pies will want to see a big response this week.

Melbourne Demons $1.23 vs Sydney Swans $4.20
The Demons sit one win clear on top of the AFL ladder with seven straight victories, while the Swans have been the surprise package of the 2021 season with five wins of their own. North Melbourne got the jump on the Dees last weekend, so we can expect to see a sharper start from the league leaders this time.

Port Adelaide Power $1.19 vs Adelaide Crows $4.60
The Saturday night timeslot has been reserved for one of this round’s biggest encounters as Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows do battle in the 2021 Showdown. Both clubs were beaten badly last round, but possible returns for veterans Travis Boak and Rory Sloane would add plenty of class and experience to each side’s midfield.

Hawthorn Hawks $2.96 vs West Coast Eagles $1.40
Can the Hawks pull off a huge upset this week when they host the West Coast Eagles at the MCG? Coming off an embarrassing 69-point loss to St Kilda, Hawthorn needs to respond this week. The Eagles easily defeated the Dockers in the WA Derby, priming the squad for this week’s trip to Melbourne.

Western Bulldogs $1.36 vs Carlton Blues $3.18
The Western Bulldogs lost their first match of the season last week against the Tigers, so they will be eager to get back on the winners’ list this Sunday. The Blues were fantastic against the Bombers over the weekend, winning the clash by 16 points and securing their third win of the season. If Tim English returns from concussion this weekend, the Doggies will be tough to beat.

Fremantle Dockers $2.47 vs Brisbane Lions $1.55
Even without 2020 Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale in the Lions’ midfield, they easily knocked off one of the premiership contenders in Port Adelaide last week. The Dockers finished well short against the Eagles in round seven, but their home-field advantage could make this one of the tougher picks of the weekend.

AFL 2021 Premiership betting update

Four upsets in round seven forced online bookmakers to make some notable changes to the 2021 AFL Premiership markets. The Tigers hold firm on top at $5 after knocking off the Western Bulldogs, who have not dropped from their $5.50 odds. The Power slipped slightly to $5.50 after their big loss against the Lions, who have shortened to $10 from $15. The Cats at $10 could be the value in the market, as the return of injured pair Patrick Dangerfield and Shaun Higgins later in the season will strengthen them.