<p>Jeremy Cameron’s return to goal-kicking form was the betting highlight of the weekend of footy for us - with more than a few others going awry in weird and whacky ways.</p> <p>Round 8 begins with a pair of less-than-salivating contests before Saturday and Sunday arrive and we see some seriously good match-ups.</p> <p>Here’s how we’re looking at another big week of footy. For the latest analysis, news, odds and betting tips for all of this week’s action, check out my AFL round 8 tips and predictions below, or follow me <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/feed/profile/view/56/ist_ambassador_deeplink_action">on the feed</a> and see them there!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs North Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, May, 7:30pm AEST - Marvel Stadium&nbsp;</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>She’s hardly a blockbuster beginning to Round 8 but both Essendon and North Melbourne fans can arrive at Marvel Stadium anticipating a victory.</p> <p>The Roos displayed fire and fight last week in Adelaide against the in-form Power squad. They even had opportunities to pinch the win on the road, but ultimately fell shy.</p> <p>The Roos won contested possession by 18 but only took 48 marks for the game, despite the nice conditions. A consistent game style continues to evade these Kangas.</p> <p>Tristan Xerri gets a big opportunity - against former Roo, Todd Goldstein - to dominate the game for his team.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-north-melbourne-9148527">North Melbourne by four points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Tristan Xerri 20+ disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Fremantle Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, May 2, 7:40pm AEST - Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We jump from one lacklustre match-up (on paper at least) to another with Ross Lyon’s Saints colliding with his old side, Freo.</p> <p>The Dockers returned to the winners list with a really strong win over Adelaide on Anzac night.</p> <p>Serong, Brayshaw, and Hayden Young were potent through the middle and every time Josh Treacy went near the ball good things happened.</p> <p>The Saints are a difficult team to topple under the lid and will be steaming off the poor showing against the reigning premiers. A performance which saw Lyon close to fizzing out in the press conference.</p> <p>This would be a bitterly disappointing Docker loss but the Saints will be up for the fight all night long.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-fremantle-9148529">Fremantle by 13 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Josh Treacy 3+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, May 3rd, 1:20pm AEST - Mars Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs travel to their other favourite kennel - Ballarat - for a contest with the in-form Power!</p> <p>These Dogs have been unbelievably impressive in covering for injured stars and now some of the superstars are back, this team looks the real deal.</p> <p>Their record in Ballarat has been superb, winning eight of their past 10 at the often windy venue. Ironically, Port has wins over the Dogs in Ballarat on both occasions but both of those games were back in 2017 and 2018. Hardly a point of reference.</p> <p>Aaron Naughton looks reinvigorated with the added responsibility in the forward fifty, while Rory Lobb deserves praise as he holds up a key forward role, despite blossoming down back.</p> <p>Hopefully, we’re greeted with lovely weather and these two teams will reward us with a cracking contest!</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-port-adelaide-9148528">Bulldogs by 14 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Marcus Bontempelli 25+ disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide vs Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, May, 4:15pm&nbsp; AEST - Adelaide Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Despite the occasion, Adelaide looked like a dour footy team on Anzac night against the Dockers.</p> <p>Tex Walker looked in need of a rest but Darcy Fogarty’s absence meant he had to travel and play.</p> <p>Here, the Crows will benefit from the energy the Adelaide Oval fans provide and should get back to that sparkle we’ve seen from them at different stages. At 4-3 with a Showdown and the Pies up next, it’s a must-win contest.</p> <p>The Blues were back in the vicinity of their very best form against Geelong. Big Harry and Big Charlie combined for 33 disposals, 21 marks, and six snags in a dominant display.</p> <p>Walsh, Hewett, and Cripps were prolific and Elijah Hollands reminded all what an important piece he is.</p> <p>This would be a real scalp for the Blues but Adelaide are a real handful at home.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/adelaide-crows-v-carlton-9148532">Crows by 23 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Izak Rankine 20+ disposals and 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Geelong Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, May 3, 7:35pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pies look sensational. It’s undeniable. Their age looks an advantage and the depth across key areas is obvious.</p> <p>They need to collect a few more wins and they can seriously begin to think about maintenance for guys like Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Howe, and anyone else with plenty of km on the clock.</p> <p>That may mean subbing them out during big wins or even starting them as the sub to lessen the load of the season. Geelong is going to be there when whips crack.</p> <p>This team has evolved from a methodical, kick-and-mark team to a squad that can seriously run and seriously cause chaos. Bailey Smith and Max Holmes are the slash brothers - you must tag one.</p> <p>&nbsp;Miers, Close, Stengle, Mannagh, Dempsey, Humphries, Blicavs, Atkins, O’Connor, and Jeremy Cameron can all get from A to B in slick time. This will likely be the game of the round.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-geelong-cats-9148530">Pies by 3 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Brody Mihocek 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><strong><em>Saturday, May 3, 7:35pm AEST - Optus Stadium</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A slippery one for the Dees after they’ve found some form.&nbsp;</p> <p>West Coast were gallant against Essendon a fortnight ago then bumped into an angry Hawthorn.&nbsp;</p> <p>When Jake Waterman is up and going, they look like a different team.&nbsp;</p> <p>Christian Petracca was dominant on Anzac Eve but the Clayton Oliver queries continue to plague him - and them. He looks a fair way from his very best.</p> <p>And big Max was back to his dominating, hard-working best.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-melbourne-9148534">Dees by 17 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jake Waterman 3+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs GWS Giants Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, May 4, 1:10pm AEST - SCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is enormous - as the past handful have been.</p> <p>At different stages across 2024 and early 2025, many pundits and fans alike have labelled the Giants as premiership favourites. Their best has been as good as any but the past fortnight has been dull.</p> <p>Jesse Hogan missed the Crows loss, then was subdued in Canberra whilst Toby Greene was in All-Australian form early in the season, but his past fortnight has been well off the mark.</p> <p>Like most teams, when your stars are down, your team is likely well down.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sydney exploded in the Gold Coast sunshine in the first half with Isaac Heeney looking incredible and Chad Warner playing like a man who had just signed a wealthy contract.</p> <p>The problem was, the Swans were run off the park after quarter time in what ended up becoming a 67-point turnaround.&nbsp;</p> <p>At 2-5 with this opponent on the slate, it’s time to ring the alarm bells for all Swans fans.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-gws-giants-9148531">Giants by 11 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM - Jesse Hogan 3+ goals &amp; Toby Greene 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Richmond Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, May 4, 3:20pm AEST - MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks get a fortnight to fill the boots. West Coast last week and the Tigers this week.</p> <p>The win over the Eagles was solid without being sexy, but getting back - and staying - on the winners' list is often all that matters.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers will give maximum effort in front of a decent MCG crowd, but these Hawks should have all the answers.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/hawthorn-v-richmond-9148535">Hawks by 41 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Nick Watson 3+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Gold Coast Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, May 4, 7:20pm AEST - Gabba</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe the largest-ever Q-cash ever played is coming this Sunday night at the Gabba?</p> <p>I’ll concede, I’m far from a Q- Clash expert but I do enjoy following both Southeast Queensland clubs.</p> <p>Brisbane looks the real deal once again to my eye, with more bodies waiting in the wings. Coleman, Doedee and Starcevich should all be back at some stage. What a luxury.</p> <p>The Suns are at an interesting phase of their season. A club-record 4-0 to begin, then a slip-up in Melbourne against Richmond.&nbsp;</p> <p>They bumped into a wound-up Sydney squad who jumped them in the first half but the response was powerful, significant and convincing.</p> <p>From 29 points down, Gold Coast erupted, eventually running away with a 38-point smashing of last year’s Grand Finalist. This will be a beauty!</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-gold-coast-suns-9148533">Lions by 14 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Cam Rayner 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFL 2025 Premiership Odds</h2>