Two top four clashes, as well as another top eight matchup means there’s an epic weekend of AFLW action in store. We’ve got you covered with tips from all nine games as the race for the finals heats up!
It's going to be a huge end to the home & away season with finals spots up for grabs, so be sure to stay up to date with our coverage on our AFL Tips page!
AFLW 2023 Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane vs Adelaide
Brighton Homes Arena, Saturday 3:05pm AEDT
It’s first versus fourth on Saturday afternoon as Brisbane host the undefeated Adelaide Crows in Ipswich. The Lions come into this clash on the back of a convincing win in the QClash to get back on the winners list after a shock loss in Round 6. Adelaide’s 42 point win over the Bulldogs last week extended the Crows winning streak to seven games in season 2023. The Lions need to win to stay in the top four, while the Crows need to win to keep a hold of top spot, so there’s plenty on the line in this clash.
Adelaide’s consistency in all three segments of the ground has been the catalyst to their success this season. The Crows have the second best defence in the competition, conceding only 27 points per game and they also are the second highest scoring team, averaging 64 points per game. To match the quality at each end of the ground Adelaide have two of the top ten ball winners in the league in Ebony Marinoff (27.7 disposals) and Anne Hatchard (26.1 disposals). The Crows have superstar talent across every line, and it’s what is going to give them the biggest advantage in this clash.
These two clubs have had plenty of history, facing off in two Grand Finals as well as last season’s Preliminary Final. The Lions have had the upper hand winning three of their last four games against the Crows, however Adelaide come into this game in red hot form. Adelaide’s seven wins have come by an average winning margin of 37 points, with six of the seven wins by at least 29 points. Brisbane have shown flashes of quality this season, but they haven’t been able to be consistent enough to match it with the top three sides in the league. Adelaide will be desperate to keep hold of top spot, and will be too strong for the Lions.
Adelaide
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne vs North Melbourne
Ikon Park, Saturday 7:15pm AEDT
The blockbuster matchups continues with a battle of second versus third as North Melbourne take on Melbourne at Ikon Park. The Kangaroos and Demons come into this clash with 7-1 records, as both clubs push to claim top spot on the ladder. North Melbourne kicked their highest score of the season last week in a 63 point win over the Power, while the Dees smashed West Coast to the tune of 70 points. Both teams are in hot form, so this should be a ripping clash.
This game will be a fascinating battle of styles, with the league’s best attacking side taking on the league’s best defence. Melbourne have averaged a league best 75 points per game, including six performances registering at least 70 points. North Melbourne have held opposing sides to a remarkable 18 points per game, with the Roos conceding more than three goals only once from their seven games. North Melbourne have the league’s two leading disposal getters in Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner, so the Dees ability to contain the star midfielders will be crucial to winning this game.
Although the league has traditionally been dominated by the best defensive sides, however the script has flipped this season with this increase in scoring. Although North Melbourne have a capable forward line, they don’t have the out and out firepower to match the Demons if they get going. The Roos have been a great defensive side, but they haven’t faced Melbourne who possess the league’s two leading goal kickers with Eden Zanker and Kate Hore.
Melbourne -6.5
$1.87 (1.5 Units)
Collingwood vs Geelong
Victoria Park, Sunday 1:05pm AEDT
Sunday afternoon football kicks off with the Pies hosting Geelong in a crucial clash in the shape of the top eight. With only one game separating sixth placed Geelong from thirteenth placed Fremantle, this result is massive for two sides clinging on to their spot in the top eight. A gritty defensive performance against Carlton saw Collingwood pick up their third straight win, to leapfrog their arch rivals into eighth spot. The Pies held the Blues to just one goal in what was their best defensive performance of the season.
Geelong come into this must win clash on the back of a 24 point win at home against Walyalup. The Cats ended their two game losing streak on the back of a massive performance from their midfield. Amy McDonald (30 disposals), Georgie Prespakis (25), and Nina Morrison (21) led the way after a couple of lackluster weeks, proving the importance of their midfield. Geelong were dominated through the middle of the ground recording +44 disposals, +9 inside 50’s and +8 contested possessions.
Collingwood are running hot right now on the back of three wins, however Geelong’s big bodies through the midfield will cause the Pies plenty of issues. Collingwood have only won the clearance battle twice this season, in what has been a major weakness for them this season. If Geelong can get on top through the middle of the ground, the Cats will be able to get their defence set behind the ball, and it’s going to make it difficult for Collingwood to generate consistent scoring opportunities. Collingwood is in great form, but the Cats match up very well against them.
More Round 8 Tips
Hawthorn vs Richmond - Cazalys Stadium, Friday 7:45pm AEDT
Round 8 begins in Cairns as the Tigers look to end a three game losing streak and get themselves back into the eight when they take on the Hawks. Richmond defeated the Hawks by 35 points the last time these two sides met, and with the Tigers in desperate need of a victory, expect a ruthless performance from Richmond.
Tip: Richmond -11.5, $1.87 with Ladbrokes
Western Bulldogs vs Sydney - VU Whitten Oval, Saturday 1:05pm AEDT
The winless Bulldogs will have one of their best opportunities to get a win on the board when they host the Swans on Saturday afternoon. After kicking the first two goals of the game last week, Sydney conceded five of the last six goals of the game in a frustrating loss to Hawthorn. Sydney should bounce back against a depleted Bulldogs side that have only 19 fit players on their list for this weekend.
Tip: Sydney, $1.67 with Ladbrokes
GWS vs Carlton - Henson Park, Saturday 3:05pm AEDT
Carlton fell out of the eight after their two game winning streak was ended by Collingwood, however the Blues have a golden opportunity to not only pick up a win, but some crucial percentage against the Giants. GWS are 1-6 this season, with their six losses coming at an average losing margin of 35 points.
Tip: Carlton -13.5, $1.87 with Ladbrokes
Yartapuulti vs Gold Coast - Alberton Oval, Saturday 5:05pm AEDT
A loss in the QClash sees the Suns fall back into the logjam of teams on 16 points, however a matchup against the Power couldn’t have come at a better time. Yartapuulti have lost four games in a row including a 63 point defeat against North Melbourne last week. The Power are winless at home this season, and that won’t be changing on Saturday evening.
Tip: Gold Coast -18.5, $1.85 with Ladbrokes
Walyalup vs St Kilda - Fremantle Oval, Sunday 3:05pm AEDT
Walyalup host St Kilda in a huge clash for the top eight race, with the Saints one of five teams on 16 points, while the Dockers are one of three teams on twelve points. Although the Dockers come into this clash as outsiders, the Saints are yet to win interstate in 2023, while the Dockers have won three of their last four games at Fremantle Oval. This will be a low scoring encounter, but Walyalup are primed to cause an upset at home.
Tip: Walyalup, $2.15 with Ladbrokes
Essendon vs West Coast - Windy Hill Sunday 5:05pm AEDT
The Bombers were ultra impressive in the Dreamtime clash and are now knocking on the door of the top four in just their second season in the competition. Essendon hosts seventeenth placed West Coast who are coming off a 70 point defeat against Melbourne, at Windy Hill where the Bombers are 2-0 at this season. The Bombers defeated the Eagles by 52 points last time they met, and West Coast will be in for more of the same on Sunday evening.
Tip: Essendon -37.5, $1.87 with Ladbrokes
