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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 8

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 5.30pm

If North Melbourne’s best and fairest was held after seven rounds, there is every likelihood Paul Curtis would be sitting at the pointy end of the leaderboard. He won’t be playing at Marvel Stadium though tonight as a result of his three-game suspension for a rigorous chase-down tackle.

The absence of Curtis, who has kicked 18 goals this year, alongside gun young midfielder George Wardlaw (corked thigh) heavily tips the scales in favour of Essendon. In the crosshairs earlier this season, the Bombers have performed admirably in the past month to revive their campaign.

Essendon are a long way removed from the finished article, but key elements of their game are in good shape. Captain Zach Merrett continues to set the standard midfield and Peter Wright in attack has been critically important.

VERDICT: Essendon to win

Same Game Multi: Essendon 1-39 points and Harry Sheezel and Zach Merrett to each have 25+ disposals @ $2.95*

FRIDAY

St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm

Is it an ambush if you know what’s coming? We could debate that all weekend. What isn’t up for debate is St Kilda are going to be amped up at the start of this match. You’d like to think Fremantle are ready for the challenge and will have girded the loins to ensure they aren’t overrun.
Fremantle dialed it up early against Adelaide, who weren’t ready and paid a high price. The Dockers have had their share of issues in games against the Saints and must be prepared to stand toe to toe early doors. The return from a hamstring strain of Luke Jackson is significant.
However, it starts in the middle and if the likes of Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Andrew Brayshaw set the tone in the opening 10-15 minutes and the forwards take their chances, the Dockers can bank a critical four points.
VERDICT: Fremantle to win
Same Game Multi: Either team by 24 points or less and game total under 181.5 points @ $2.32*

SATURDAY

Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide, Mars Stadium, Ballarat, 11.20am

Luke Beveridge has won a flag and taken the Western Bulldogs to another grand final in his stint as coach. His CV is excellent and his legacy at the Whitten Oval assured. It’s easy though to mount an argument that he has never been in better form as a coach than in 2025.
The Bulldogs continues to defy the odds, their effort in overcoming GWS in Canberra last weekend full of merit and another case study in unrelenting buy-in from the player group. Ken Hinkley, in his final season at Alberton, has also scraped Port Adelaide from the canvas following a dreadful display early on opposed to Collingwood.
The midfield battle here promises to be a clinker. Can Zak Butters maintain the rage, ditto Jason Horne-Francis? And do the Power have a logical match-up for Marcus Bontempelli?
VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 1-39 points
Same Game Multi: Western Bulldogs by 1-39 points and Willie Rioli to kick 1+ goal @ $2.75*

Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide Oval, 2.15pm

From being spoken about as a top-eight lock and an outside hope of contending for a top-four berth, Adelaide suddenly find their credentials being debated. And it has happened very quickly.
Adding to the concerns at the Crows, Matt Crouch (hip), Nick Murray (knee) and Mitch Hinge (suspension) are absent for this clash with a revitalised Carlton, buoyant after doing a number on Geelong last Sunday afternoon.
The Blues, unlike Adelaide, had good fortune at the AFL Tribunal when Adam Cerra had a one-game suspension overturned. His role in a midfield of Sam Walsh, George Hewett and Patrick Cripps at the feet of a dominant Tom De Koning gives the visitors a hope.
VERDICT: Adelaide to win
Same Game Multi: Game total over 174.5 points, Izak Rankine to have 20+ disposals and Sam Walsh to have 25+ disposals @ $2.88*

Collingwood v Geelong, MCG, 5.35pm

Team selection isn’t the be-all when it comes to working through your tips. Yet when a side riding a six-game winning streak recalls captain Darcy Moore, Lachie Schultz and Mason Cox, it is inevitable that Collingwood will be immensely popular.
Even more so when their opponents, in this case Geelong, are dealt a blow with the unavailability of quality defender Tom Stewart (knee). No knock on his replacement, Mitch Duncan, but the Cats are at their best with the intercepting Stewart roaming backward of centre.
The Magpies’ defence is getting back to 2023 areas and while Jeremy Howe is being managed, they are largely settled. Oh, by the way they also boast the Daicos brothers, Nick and Josh, and two blokes who go okay at the caper by the names of Sidebottom and Pendlebury.
VERDICT: Collingwood to win
Same Game Multi: Josh Daicos, Steele Sidebottom and Max Holmes to have 25+ disposals @ $4.40*

West Coast v Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 5.35pm

The past two weeks of West Coast have seen greater intent. Unfortunately that hasn’t translated to two wins like Melbourne have enjoyed after their obvious improvement in the same period.
The Demons hit town minus Clayton Oliver for personal reasons, but welcome back Jake Melksham and Dan Turner. The recall of Melksham and absence of Oliver is likely to see Christian Petracca spend more time through the midfield.
And it is in that area of the ground where the Eagles must be better. Their contested ball numbers can fluctuate, albeit even at their peak, they’re not at a level of the better sides. This match and next weekend’s against Richmond are good opportunities for the Eagles to open their account.
VERDICT: Melbourne to win
Same Game Multi: Christian Petracca to have 25+ disposals and Kozzy Pickett to kick 2+ goals @ $2.43*

SUNDAY

Sydney v GWS, SCG, 11.10am

Just under nine months ago, Sydney and GWS squared off in a dramatic qualifying final which was taken out by the Swans despite having trailed at the first three breaks.
The last-quarter surge was Sydney at their best. We are a long way removed from that at present. Underlining that fact is the Swans last weekend conceded 12 consecutive goals en route to a heavy loss at the hands of Gold Coast.
The Giants aren’t without their concerns though. They have dropped their past two, including last Saturday evening’s encounter against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra. However, GWS are healthier than the Swans and hold no fears heading into the eastern suburbs.
VERDICT: GWS to win
Same Game Multi: Chad Warner to have 25+ disposals and Tom Green to have 30+ disposals @ $5.75*

Hawthorn v Richmond, MCG, 1.20pm

Hawthorn got back on their bike last Sunday against West Coast. And barring an unexpected flat tyre (or two), they will continue on their journey in round eight.
Even in the absence of concussed duo Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon, the Hawks have too much firepower for Richmond to quell. The Tigers are trying, and desperately for the most part, but there is a clear divide in talent levels.
Hawthorn won’t say it publicly, but they should head to the MCG chasing a percentage boost.
VERDICT: Hawthorn by 40 points or more
Same Game Multi: Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston, Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan to all kick 2+ goals @ $6.75*

Brisbane v Gold Coast, Gabba, 5.20pm

On more than one occasion, including last month, Eric Hipwood has relished being “the man” in Brisbane’s forward half. With Logan Morris (calf) and Kai Lohmann (shoulder) ruled out, he will again need to be incredibly influential.
Gold Coast aren’t yet the big dogs in south-east Queensland, but they are closing the gap between themselves and the Lions, who quite rightly assume the mantle as No.1. The Lions tuned up for this Q-Clash with a surprisingly soft win over St Kilda.
There was some spice when these two sides met in the pre-season and don’t expect Gold Coast to take a backward step now four points are up for grabs. Damien Hardwick was not like that as a player and as a coach, he wants his players to operate on the edge. It makes this battle a must-watch.
VERDICT: Brisbane to win
Same Game Multi: Gold Coast game total over 81.5 points and Brisbane game total over 91.5 points @ $3.85*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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