Historical rivalries are the theme of Round 8, with three two-team states going to battle, as well as the classic Collingwood-Carlton clash. This weekend is full of matches that are evenly balanced and poised for close finishes.
So, let's take a look at what statistic your club needs to master this week to ensure they come out on top.
Adelaide vs Port Adelaide – stoppage clearances
The Showdown is a grudge match where ladder positions are rarely indicators of who wins. However, if the Crows are to overcome the relentlessly attacking Power, they'll have to win the stoppage clearances on the weekend.
This metric is where Adelaide shine. They are currently ranked third in the competition for stoppage clearances, averaging 27.4 per game. In their win against North Melbourne, the Crows had nine more stoppage clearances than the Roos. Their fourth-quarter stoppage clearances against Carlton led to goals from Izak Rankine and the sealer from Sam Berry.
Looking at last year's Round 20 showdown win, the Crows won the stoppage clearance count 34-23.
Port Adelaide are ranked 13th for stoppage clearances at 23.3 per game, so Adelaide has a strong opportunity to capitalise on this aspect of the game.
Carlton vs Collingwood – tackles
In a century-old rivalry, the Carlton-Collingwood clash will once again deliver on Friday night. In a match that brings finals-like intensity, expect this game to be contested and physical.
Unsurprisingly, tackles will play a large factor of who wins the match, as both the Blues and Magpies are titans in defensive pressure. They are second and third respectively for tackles, with the Blues averaging 66.1 and the Pies 64.7.
In their most recent faceoff, the Blues got the chocolates as they out-tackled Collingwood by ten. A similar effort on Friday night could see Carlton maintain their current top eight position, whilst locking Collingwood out for another week.
Sydney vs GWS – goalkicking efficiency
The Swans and Giants are two of the premier goalkicking sides in the competition.
GWS rank first for goal assists, second for shots on goal, first for goals per game and first again for goalkicking efficiency.
Sydney is equally as strong however, sitting just one spot below GWS in all of these categories (save for goal assists where they rank third).
It's clear that both sides have impressive forward units heading into the Battle of the Bridge. Whichever team can kick most accurately in front of goal on Saturday will be primed to take the win. It made the difference in Round 21 last year, when Sydney kicked just six behinds to beat GWS by 11 points.
St Kilda vs North Melbourne – disposals
After suffering another close defeat, St Kilda will aim to boost their confidence against the struggling Kangaroos. Against a lower-quality opponent, the Saints will hope to play to their preferred tempo, which is by controlling the possession.
The Saints average 363.1 disposals a game, compared to North Melbourne's 341.3. In last year's outing, the Saints dominated the disposal count by 77, which led to eight more scoring shots than the Roos.
North Melbourne on the other hand, will need to limit St Kilda's possession by controlling the ball themselves. Despite ranking 16th in the disposals category, onballers such as Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell provide weaponry in the guts for North Melbourne. Harry Sheezel will also be a valuable option off halfback this week.
Melbourne vs Geelong – marks inside 50 and intercept marks
The battle between Melbourne's rock-solid defence, with the likes of Steven May and Jake Lever, and Geelong's undefeated forward line of Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Ollie Henry, will be a spectacular watch.
Geelong is superb at capitalising on their inside 50 entries, averaging the fourth most marks inside 50 in the competition (13.7). In 2023, Geelong took four more marks inside 50 compared to Melbourne as they won by 15 points.
However, the Demons may have the perfect counter, averaging the most intercept marks per game at 19.6. May and Lever's defensive presence may be what's needed to quell the unbeaten Cats.
Geelong are capable intercept markers too, especially with Tom Stewart expected to return from concussion.
It's anyone's guess who wins, but Geelong's high scoring could be constrained by the Demon's backline this round. It all depends on the marking battle.
West Coast vs Essendon – centre clearances
The Eagles have been improving recently, with the rise of Harley Reid and return to form of Elliot Yeo. These two are midfield guns, and their clearance averages tell the story. Yeo is averaging a resounding 8.1 clearances per game, the fourth best in the competition. Reid averages an impressive 5.2 for a first-year player.
The Bombers are no easy feat though, ranking second in the competition for centre clearances. Zach Merrett and Sam Durham have been the midfield standouts in 2024.
It will be vital for the Eagles to again lead the clearance count this weekend against a formidable Essendon outfit on Saturday night if they want to claim another win.
Richmond vs Fremantle – disposal efficiency
Cruelled by injuries, the Tigers have been forced to play a lot of inexperienced faces which has understandably resulted in more skill errors. Richmond is currently the worst side for disposal efficiency at 70.1%.
Fremantle are on the opposite end of the spectrum, currently boasting the league's best disposal efficiency at 76.4%.
Despite a solid first half against Melbourne, Richmond lacked polish and gave away multiple goals from turnovers. The effort is there from the Tigers, but to beat the Dockers they need to hit their targets, as Fremantle certainly won't be offering many turnovers back at them.
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn – uncontested possessions
The Bulldogs are another team that loves to control the footy, and it was seen against St Kilda in Round 6 where they dominated uncontested possessions and won the game by 60 points. In their loss against Fremantle, the Dogs were unable to maintain control, highlighted by losing the uncontested possession count by 12.
In Hawthorn's lone win for 2024, they too smashed their opponent in uncontested possessions, recording 51 more than North Melbourne.
If Hawthorn are to upset the Bulldogs, they'll have to utilise halfbacks Jarman Impey and Blake Hardwick to control the flow of the game and pick gaps in the Bulldogs defence.
Bailey Dale and Jason Johannisen were crucial in the win over the Saints, and should be used again by the Bulldogs to record a victory on Sunday.
Brisbane vs Gold Coast – contested possessions
The QClash has plenty at stake this year, as both the Lions and Suns are pressing for a top eight spot. It poses to be high-intensity and the midfield bulls are sure to lock horns in a juicy matchup.
The Suns boast Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Touk Miller, whilst the Lions have Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage. Every player listed averages more than ten contested possessions per game, save for McCluggage who averages nearly nine.
Gold Coast and Brisbane are ranked second and third respectively for contested possessions (138.1 and 136.4 per game), emphasising the quality of their midfielders.
In last season's 41-point win, the Suns won the contested possession count by 12. On Sunday, it could be the difference once again in a mouthwatering Q Clash.
