Preview- Round Eight 2018 (AFL)
There were three games that were within a two goal margin last week; hopefully this is a trend not an aberration. This week is going to be a tough one for tipsters with all of the nine games being interesting contests. The Blues, Lions and Saints are in need of a win, while there are some cracking games, highlighted by the Hawks v Swans, Kangaroos v Tigers and Magpies v Cats. This round of footy should be enthralling and unpredictable.
My choice of a definite winner for this Round: Bulldogs
Hawks v Swans
This promises to be an exciting game. Despite being without Lance Franklin, the Swans have beaten the Cats and narrowly lost to the Kangaroos without him in the forward line. The Hawks have been exceptional this Season, sitting in the top four.
Key matchup: Jarryd Roughead v Heath Grundy
Hawks Game Changer: Liam Shiels
Swans Game Changer: Luke Parker
My Prediction: Hawks
Giants v Eagles
The Giants are coming off their most disappointing performance of the Season; they were smashed by the Cat, while the Eagles comprehensively beat the Power. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles perform without Nic Naitanui.
Key matchup: Callan Ward v Andrew Gaff
Giants Game Changers: Jeremy Cameron
Eagles Game Changer: Chris Masten
My Prediction: Giants
Blues v Bombers
Both teams have a lot at stake; the Blues are yet to register a win and the Bombers have only won two games, despite being touted by many as final eight contenders.
Key matchup: Patrick Cripps v Zach Merrett
Blues Game Changer: Harry Mckay
Bombers Game Changer: Devon Smith
My Prediction: Blues
Suns v Demons
The Suns had a promising start to the Season, but they have struggled of late. This game could go either way, with both teams in need of the four points.
Key matchup: Jarrod Witts v Max Gawn
Suns Game Changer: Jarryd Lyons
Demons Game Changer: Clayton Oliver
My Prediction: Suns
Power v Crows
Despite the Power being in poor form last week, they will look to lift for the showdown. The Crows are in the top four, despite suffering a few injuries and are one of the contenders as it stands at this moment.
Key matchup: Brad Ebert v Richard Douglas
Power Game Changer: Justin Westhoff
Crows Game Changer: Mitch Mcgovern
My Prediction: Crows
Bulldogs v Lions
This game is one the Bulldogs need to win if they want to play a part in September. The Lions performed admirably last week, with the only thing missing for them putting a win on the board.
Key matchup: Tom Boyd v Stefan Martin
Bulldogs Game Changer: Jack Macrae
Lions Game Changer: Lewis Taylor
My Prediction: Bulldogs
Dockers v Saints
The Dockers and the Saints need the four points on offer. The Saints Season has been disappointing and are in need of a win.
Key matchup: Aaron Sandilands v Tom Hickey
Dockers Game Changer: Nat Fyfe
Saints Game Changer: Jack Steven
My Prediction: Saints
Kangaroos v Tigers
The Kangaroos had an impressive win last week against the Swans away from home. The Tigers have been the form team in the competition.
Key matchup: Jarrad Waite v Alex Rance
Kangaroos Game Changer: Mason Wood
Tigers Game Changer: Josh Caddy
My Prediction: Kangaroos
Magpies v Cats
Both teams sit on four wins from seven games. This should be an exciting game with a top eight spot on offer for the winner.
Key matchup: Adam Treloar v Gary Ablett
Magpies Game Changer: Jordan De Goey
Cats Game Changer: Joel Selwood
My Prediction: Cats