AFL Round 8 My Preview
The current season of the AFL is a fascinating one; there are 6 teams that currently sit on 4 wins and 2 losses, while at the other end of the ladder 2 teams are on 1 win from 6 games. The entertainment and unpredictable results should continue in Round 8.
My choice of a definite winner for this Round: Bulldogs
Friday Night Game
Swans v Bombers
The Swans need a win to get off the bottom of the ladder, while the Bombers need to win to keep their top eight hopes realistic.
Key matchup: Jake Stringer v Aliir Aliir
Swans Game Changer: Tom Papley
Bombers Game Changer: Zach Merrett
My Prediction: Bombers
Saturday Afternoon Games
Bulldogs v Lions
The Bulldogs bounced back last week for a much needed win over the Tigers, while the Lions are in good form; this should be an intriguing game.
Key matchup: Tim English v Stefan Martin
Bulldogs Game Changer: Josh Dunkley
Lions Game Changer: Lachie Neale
My Prediction: Bulldogs
Blues v Magpies
The Blues need to bounce back from their Round 7 display and be competitive, while the Magpies will look to stay in the top 4.
Key matchup: Sam Walsh v Tom Phillips
Blues Game Changer: Sam Walsh
Magpies Game Changer: Jack Crisp
My Prediction: Blues
Suns v Demons
The Suns need a win to keep pace with the top 8, while the Demons will look to prove that their win over the Hawks in Round 7 wasn’t an aberration.
Key matchup: Jarrod Witts v Max Gawn
Suns Game Changer: Anthony Miles
Demons Game Changer: Angus Brayshaw
My Prediction: Suns
Saturday Night Games
Saints v Eagles
The Saints need to bounce back and show that they are genuine top 8 contenders, while the Eagles need to prove that their second half display in Round 7 was a one off.
Key matchup: Jack Sinclair v Andrew Gaff
Saints Game Changer: Tim Membrey
Eagles Game Changer: Andrew Gaff
My Prediction: Saints
Power v Crows
The Showdown should be a good game of footy.
Key matchup: Travis Boak v Rory Sloane
Power Game Changer: Justin Westhoff
Crows Game Changer: Brad Crouch
My Prediction: Power
Sunday Afternoon Games
Kangaroos v Cats
This is a match between the teams coached by twins Brad and Chris Scott; therefore this should be an intriguing and entertaining contest.
Key matchup: Todd Goldstein v Rhys Stanley
Kangaroos Game Changer: Shaun Higgins
Cats Game Changer: Mitch Duncan
My Prediction: Kangaroos
Hawks v Giants
The Hawks suffered a disappointing loss to the Demons in Round 7, while the Giants are 5 wins and 2 losses from 7 matches.
Key matchup: Liam Shiels v Tim Tarranto
Hawks Game Changer: James Worpel
Giants Game Changer: Tim Tarranto
My Prediction: Hawks
Dockers v Tigers
The Dockers lost to the Crows last week, losing a close low scoring contest, while the Tigers were destroyed by the Bulldogs. Both teams have a point to prove in Round 8.
Key matchup: Rory Lobb v Toby Nankervis
Dockers Game Changer: Matt Taberner
Tigers Game Changer: Brandon Ellis
My Prediction: Tigers