Round Eight: Previews and predictions

West Coast vs. Western Bulldogs Friday, Domain Stadium 8:10pm, AEST What a game to kick off round eight. Two sides who should challenge for top four positions going head-to-head. West Coast will enjoy the home ground advantage and will be looking to exact revenge on the side that knocked them out of last year's finals. The Bulldogs have been able to manufacture wins, sometimes when it seemed impossible. Luke Beveridge will be hoping that this clash is more comfortable, however,that is unlikely. If the Dogs are able to limit the effective delivery to Josh Kennedy, they will be well on the way to claiming the four points. The Eagles have won two on the trot, but this week they streak may well come to an end Tip: Dogs by 17 Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Saturday, University of Tasmania Stadium 1:45pm, AEST The Hawks roller coaster season continued in round seven, defeating Melbourne in a tight contest. This week they do battle with Brisbane. The Lions have had their struggles, however, have shown some fight and grit. The signs are looking much better than at this point last year. If this game wasn't being played in Tasmania, Brisbane would be close to favourites. However, the Hawks should be too strong at the ground, and claim their third win of the year. Tip: Hawks by 33 St. Kilda vs. Carlton Saturday, Etihad Stadium 2:10pm, AEST Carlton ruined the Collingwood party last weekend and will no doubt be riding high after the win over their arch-rivals. They do however, run into a red hot St. Kilda, who knocked over premiership favourites, GWS in their last game. The Saints will enjoy being at Etihad again, a ground which they have great success on. The fitness of Nick Riewoldt could become an important factor, after he looked to be carrying an injury during their clash with the Giants. Dale Thomas had arguably his best game of season 2017 against the Pies, but was in the headlines for discussions around his contract. Hopefully this won't effect his play against St. Kilda. The Blues were terrific last weekend, but the Saints are on a roll at the moment. Their midfield is playing well and expect them to fire again in this one. Tip: Saints by 40 GWS vs. Collingwood Saturday, Spotless Stadium 4:35pm, AEST Two teams that dropped a game last weekend will clash in round eight. Both will be looking to bounce back, however, for one side it will be extremely tough. This game could not have come at a worse time for Nathan Buckley and the Magpies. Fresh after dropping a game to Carlton on their 125th anniversary, they have to play a Giants team full of talent who will be pushing hard to get back on the winners' list. GWS should have too much pace in the middle, while the Pies' back line will have a tough time trying to limit and stop the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton. Tip: Giants by 28 Essendon vs. Geelong Saturday, MCG 7:25pm, AEST The AFL's 'country game' will take place on Saturday night. Essendon and Geelong will clash, in what should be an interesting game under the MCG lights. As expected, Essendon have been up-and-down with their form, Geelong on the other hand have slowed after a blistering start. The Cats will want to bounce back after dropping two games in a row. History is on their side, having won their past six matches against the Bombers. It's unclear as to what to expect out of this game. Geelong should take home the win, but Essendon are likely to make them work for it. Tip: Geelong by 25 Adelaide vs. Melbourne Saturday, Adelaide Oval 7:40pm, AEST This week we will see just exactly what type of side Adelaide is. They dropped their first game of the year in round seven and it was one that they probably should have won. They were beaten convincingly and just how they bounce back will be a good measure of their mettle. Melbourne have also had their share of troubles this week, receiving heavy criticism for some team selections and their style of play. Simon Goodwin and his players will be looking to make a stand in this one. This has the potential to be a fantastic game, with both teams having something to prove. The Crows in the end should be too strong, especially on their home deck. Tip: Crows by 22 Richmond vs. Fremantle Sunday, MCG 1:10pm, AEST Tigers fans were heartbroken last weekend, giving up a 32-point lead and going down to the Bulldogs by five points. Fremantle have turned around their poor start, and now sit 4-3. This could be a much closer game than some of the bookies are suggesting. Their previous match-ups have had mixed results and the Dockers look to be on a roll. This has the makings of a crucial game for the Tigers. Will they slip back into pack, or can they keep their heads above water. If they drop this game, their fans will begin to lose some of that gusto that they have had all year. However, at home, they should move to 6-2. Tip: Tigers 13 Gold Coast vs. Port Adelaide Sunday, Jiangwan Sports Stadium 3:15pm, AEST The long awaited game in Shanghai will take place this Sunday. It will be the first home and away match to be played in China, but hopefully not the last. Gold Coast's first ever win was against the Power, way back in 2011. Since then the Suns have not been able to defeat Port Adelaide. This game will be their eighth match-up. It is unclear as to what effect the location of the game will have on the result. Their has been talk about pollution and air quality, which may make it more difficult for players to run out the game. Port Adelaide have had a mixed start to the year. Expect them to come out firing after dropping a game last weekend. Tip: Power by 32 North Melbourne vs. Sydney Sunday, Etihad Stadium 4:40pm, AEST North Melbourne surprised everyone by knocking off the previously undefeated Crows last weekend. They dominated Adelaide around the ground and looked to be a genuine finals contender. However, inconsistency is likely with a young and relatively inexperienced list. Sydney finally got off the mark in round seven, beating Brisbane. However, this week will be provide another test for the fallen giants. The Roos will miss Jarrad Waite, who was spectacular last week with six goals. They will look to the likes of Mason Wood and Ben Brown, to step up in his absence. Keep an eye on Buddy Franklin, who averages four goals a game over his past eight appearances against North Melbourne. If the Swans can win the ball in the middle, Robbie Tarrant could have a tough time of it. This is a difficult game to tip, as both teams have been unpredictable to start 2017. Based purely on form to begin the year, North Melbourne look to have the advantage Tip: Roos by 11

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	6	5	1	20	173.3
2	FRE	5	4	1	16	131.4
3	HAW	5	4	1	16	121
4	GEEL	6	4	2	16	116.1
5	WB	6	4	2	16	102
6	GC	5	3	2	12	132
7	BL	5	3	2	12	115
8	NMFC	5	3	2	12	105.9
9	COLL	6	3	3	12	94.8
10	MELB	5	3	2	12	92.7

Round Eight: Previews and predictions

Richmond vs. Fremantle

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