<p>Round Seven gave us some cracking games and a few big upsets, shaking things up on the ladder.</p> <p>We’re now well into the part of the season where you’ll hear that classic line: "This is an eight-point game." With only five rounds left, every clash between finals contenders feels like a mini-elimination final. Teams inside the top eight are clinging to their spots, while those just outside know they’re almost out of time to make a move.</p> <p>And with the men’s season finally wrapped up, all eyes are now firmly on the AFLW as we hit the business end of the year.</p> <p>So, let’s get stuck into Round 8!</p> <p>For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our AFLW Round 8 tips and predictions below:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Fremantle Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, October 2, 7:15 pm AEST - Kinetic Stadium, Frankston</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks aren’t exactly setting the world on fire with their footy, but they’re getting the job done. That second half against the Cats last week? Impressive. They're starting to click just when it matters.</p> <p>This week, they host a Freo side that’s running out of chances. The Dockers have been training out of Melbourne this week, but the Hawks look more settled and full of belief right now.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/hawthorn-w-v-fremantle-w--9675723">Hawks by 21 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM: Eliza West 25+ disposals + Greta Bodey anytime goal + Kiara Bowers 15+ tackles</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs Essendon Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, October 3, 7:15 pm AEST - Ikon Park, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We all knew the Dees were good… but that performance against the Suns? Ruthless. They chose to kick into the breeze in the first quarter and still dominated from start to finish.</p> <p>Essendon did well to jump North early, something no other team’s managed to do this year. Sure, they were overrun, but it was a solid bounce-back effort that would’ve pleased Nat Wood and co.</p> <p>The Bombers are still in the finals hunt, but Melbourne is looking unstoppable right now.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/melbourne-w-v-essendon-w--9675724">Demons by 45 points</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Alyssa Bannan first goal&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs St Kilda Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 4, 1:05 pm AEST - Henson Park, Sydney</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Giants came crashing back to earth, while the Saints have launched themselves right into the conversation.&nbsp;</p> <p>There’s something in the water this year at Moorabbin when it comes to epic fourth-quarter comebacks, as they staged the biggest fourth-quarter comeback in AFLW history.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jesse Wardlaw called the game with three goals in a row in the final quarter. Nick Dal Santo will be hoping that’s the first of many times she does that in Saints colours.</p> <p>Away from the stars, Alice Burke is proving herself as a tough midfielder. The apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it, Saints fans!</p> <p>The Giants are sitting 15th, the Saints are just outside the eight on percentage. Feels like it’ll be a close one, especially at Henson.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/gws-giants-w-v-st-kilda-w--9675725">Giants by 3 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Bec Beeson 25+ disposals &amp; anytime goal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Sydney Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 4, 3:05 pm AEST - UTAS Stadium, Launceston</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Roos are off to Tassie for the first time this season, and they’re taking the Swans down for the ride.</p> <p>We can only assume that they must have been feeling generous against the Bombers, allowing them to race out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter.</p> <p>Once they got one, it was back into cruise control thereafter.</p> <p>After a barnstorming start to the season, the Swans' grip on the top four has loosened to the point where they are only a couple of results going against them away from having their top-eight spot in danger.&nbsp;</p> <p>They surged home against the Crows but just fell short in a game that the Crows were always destined to win, though. It must be said.</p> <p>The Swans would be rapt with what they’re getting out of Lauren Gardiner at the moment, as she produced her best game yet against the Crows. How they fashion the matchups against the Roos will be an interesting watch.&nbsp;</p> <p>But if there’s one person who knows the core of this Roos team well, it’s their first coach, Scott Gowans.&nbsp;</p> <p>It shouldn’t matter, though. Keep the wins counting…</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/north-melbourne-w-v-sydney-swans-w--9675726">Roos by 34 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Big Win Little Win - Roos 1-39</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Brisbane Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 4, 5:05 pm AEST - People First Stadium, Gold Coast&nbsp;</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tough times for the Suns. The injury list is piling up, and they couldn’t even buy a goal last week as the Dees ran riot. Charlie Rowbottom is pushing through with a dodgy shoulder, and Lucy Single is doing her best to cover all the gaps.</p> <p>Brisbane, meanwhile, is back on track after finally winning at home. They’re starting to warm up at just the right time — not great news for the Suns in a Q-Clash.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/gold-coast-suns-w-v-brisbane-lions-w--9675731">Lions by 34 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Courtney Hodder 15+ disposals &amp; 2+ goals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 4, 7:15 pm AEST - Alberton Oval, Adelaide</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Port might’ve blown their best shot to make a finals push when they got run over by the Saints. Things are looking shaky for last year's prelim finalists.</p> <p>The Dogs, on the other hand, finally got it together. Their win over the Pies was a big step forward — helped by getting Ellie Blackburn back in the midfield.&nbsp;</p> <p>Blackburn, Pritchard, Edmonds in the ruck, and the skipper Dee Berry rolling through there. It won’t be this year, but there’s something to work with there for the Dogs as they continue to stockpile talent.&nbsp;</p> <p>Port has to win this one at home if they want to have any chance of a late run.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/port-adelaide-w-v-western-bulldogs-w--9675732">Power by 13 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Elisabeth Georgostathis 22+ disposals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, October 5, 1:05 pm AEST - Ikon Park, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s getting a bit grim for the Tigers. Still winless in 2025, and there aren’t too many chances left where we can see them pinching a win.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Crows got the job done for Eb Marinoff last week, and are mounting their charge to yet another top-four finish.&nbsp;</p> <p>Percentage will be valuable if they want a home final. Here’s their chance to get some.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/richmond-w-v-adelaide-crows-w--9675733">Crows by 42 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Grace Kelly 20+ disposals</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, October 5, 3:05 pm AEST - GMHBA Stadium, Geelong</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This one’s shaping as the game of the round. Two teams that love fast, attacking footy and are right in the finals hunt.</p> <p>Geelong looked like they were on their way into the top eight before Hawthorn stormed over them late. Carlton, meanwhile, toughed it out in the wet against Freo and sits at 5-2. Finals footy is within reach, but they need to keep banking wins.</p> <p>Expect skipper Abbie McKay to return, which gives them a huge boost. It might be enough to give them an edge against a loaded Cats midfield.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/geelong-cats-w-v-carlton-w--9675737">Blues by 4 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Mimi Hill 25+ disposals &amp; Ash Moloney anytime goal.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs Collingwood Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 28, 5:05 pm AEST - Mineral Resources Park, Perth</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Eagles continue to be the story of this W season.</p> <p>Despite being ravaged by injuries and calling in top-up players, they keep fighting — and winning.</p> <p>They cruised past the Giants last week and now host a Pies side that’s starting to run on empty. Injuries are mounting, and their loss to the Dogs was a major setback.</p> <p>It’s been a promising year for Collingwood, but you get the feeling the tank might be empty.</p> <p>As for the Eagles? Daisy Pearce taking them to the finals in her second season would be something special.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/west-coast-eagles-w-v-collingwood-w--9675738">Eagles by 20 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Emma Swanson 20+ disposals &amp; anytime goal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFLW 2025 Premiership Odds:</h2>