Last week’s AFLW results saw a log jam form at the top of the ladder and left us with one of the tightest congestion of points we've seen so far this season. 

Four teams, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Geelong, and Sydney, now sit level on 24 points with identical 6-1 records, and every one of them will be desperate to break away from the pack in AFLW Round 8. 

Just behind them, Gold Coast, Carlton, and the Western Bulldogs are all locked on 20 points, still firmly in finals contention but with no margin for error. 

At the other end of the table, Essendon and St Kilda remain winless, both searching for answers before the gap between themselves and the spoon becomes unbridgeable.

Adding another layer of intrigue to AFLW Round 8 is the injury toll. Essendon's season is effectively over for a couple of key contributors, a timely return is on the cards for Brisbane, and Richmond have been dealt a significant blow that could shape their finals push. 

All of this makes for a fascinating slate of nine matches across the weekend. For the latest news, analysis, and insights, check out our expert AFLW Round 8 tips and predictions below.

Carlton Women vs Hawthorn Women Prediction 

Thursday, October 1, 7:15pm AEST – IKON Park 

Carlton open AFLW Round 8 at home, hoping to build on the momentum that's kept them inside the top eight all season. 

Sitting on 20 points, the Blues know a win here keeps the pressure on the teams above them and gives their home fans another reason to pack IKON Park on a Thursday night. 

Hawthorn have shown flashes of competitiveness this year but haven't had the consistency to trouble the competition's better sides on the road.

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Women. 

Richmond Women vs Geelong Women Prediction

Friday, October 2, 7:15pm AEST – IKON Park

This is arguably the most consequential match of AFLW Round 8. Geelong arrive on the back of a 6-1 start, right in the mix at the top of the table, while Richmond will be desperate to disrupt the Cats' rhythm on their own turf. 

Complicating matters for the Tigers are their lingering injury problems heading into this clash, which shape as the kind of setback that can derail momentum at the worst possible time. 

Geelong, by contrast, look settled and confident, and a side chasing top spot rarely lets sympathy get in the way of business.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Women. 

Greater Western Sydney Women vs Essendon Women Prediction

Saturday, October 3, 1:05pm AEST – Henson Park

Essendon's difficult season looks set to continue in AFLW Round 8. With their campaign effectively over for a couple of important players through injury, the Bombers head into this match short of depth against a GWS side that will fancy their chances of running away with it. 

The Giants haven't been the competition's most dominant team this year, but against a winless opponent missing key personnel, they should have more than enough to get the job done.

Head-to-head prediction: GWS Women. 

Western Bulldogs Women vs St Kilda Women Prediction

Saturday, October 3, 3:05pm AEST – Mars Stadium

The Bulldogs sit comfortably on 20 points and will see this as a genuine opportunity to pad their percentage against a St Kilda outfit still searching for its first win of the season. 

St Kilda have competed in patches, but they haven't yet shown the sustained quality needed to trouble a team firmly entrenched in the top eight. 

Mars Stadium should suit the Bulldogs, who'll want to use this as a springboard into the business end of the season. This could get ugly for the Saints. 

Head-to-head prediction: Western Bulldogs Women. 

Brisbane Lions Women vs Gold Coast Women Prediction

Saturday, October 3, 5:05pm AEST – Brighton Homes Arena

A local derby with plenty on the line, given Gold Coast's position just outside the top four on 20 points. 

Brisbane will welcome back a key player for this one, a timely boost that should lift both the team's on-field structure and the confidence around the group. 

Gold Coast have been one of the form sides of the competition, but Brisbane at home, with reinforcements returning, are a dangerous proposition. But are they dangerous enough?

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Women.

Port Adelaide Women vs Adelaide Women Prediction

Saturday, October 3, 7:15pm AEST – Alberton Oval

The Showdown always carries an edge beyond what the ladder suggests, and this one is no exception. 

Neither side has been among the competition's genuine top four contenders this season, but bragging rights at Alberton Oval will matter just as much as the two points.

The Crows have generally had the wood on their crosstown rivals in recent years, and we don't expect that trend to shift in AFLW Round 8.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows Women. 

North Melbourne Women vs Sydney Women Prediction

Sunday, October 4, 1:05pm AEST – Arden Street Oval

Two of the competition's four co-leaders collide at Arden Street Oval in what shapes as one of the standout fixtures of AFLW Round 8. 

Both North Melbourne and Sydney arrive at 6-1, and neither will want to concede top spot without a fight. 

This has the makings of a genuine arm wrestle, with home ground advantage potentially the deciding factor for the Kangaroos.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne Women. 

Collingwood Women vs Melbourne Women Prediction

Sunday, October 4, 3:05pm AEST – Victoria Park

Melbourne head to Victoria Park as another one of those four teams locked on 24 points, and they'll be eager to keep pace with North Melbourne, Geelong, and Sydney. 

Collingwood have had a solid campaign but sit outside the top group, meaning they'll need to be at their absolute best to knock off a Demons side playing with real belief right now.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Women. 

West Coast Eagles Women vs Fremantle Women Prediction

Sunday, October 4, 5:05pm AEST – Sullivan Logistics Stadium

AFLW Round 8 closes out with the Western Derby, always one of the most fiercely contested fixtures on the calendar regardless of ladder position. 

Fremantle have generally had the upper hand in this rivalry, and with West Coast still finding their feet as a team this season, we expect that pattern to continue at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Women. 

 *Odds are subject to change.