Home ›
AFL ›
AFL Round 8 Tips 2026 — All 9 Games
AFL · Round 8 · 2026
AFL Round 8 Tips, Predictions & Best Bets
By PuntGuide Editorial · Updated 30 April 2026 · All tips are independent
Nine AFL games this weekend headlined by a blockbuster Hawthorn v Melbourne clash at the MCG. Here are our tips and analysis for every Round 8 game.
Game of the Round
Hawthorn v Melbourne — Saturday 3:20pm MCG
Our tip: Hawthorn −9.5 · Value: Under 168.5 total points
All Round 8 Matches
Analysis
Hawks in brilliant touch — their pressure game is suffocating opponents. Melbourne's forward line has underperformed this season and the MCG suits Hawthorn's run-and-carry style. Back the Hawks to win convincingly.
Key Stats
Hawks: 6W–1L · premiership favourites
Demons: 3W–4L · avg 14.2 pts behind Hawks
H2H at MCG: Hawks 4W–1L last 5
Analysis
Sydney Swans at the SCG are near unbeatable — their contested ball work is elite and the surface suits their game plan. GWS have potential but lack the consistency to win here.
Key Stats
Swans: 5W–2L · 4W–0L at SCG in 2026
GWS: 3W–4L · 0W–4L at SCG last 4 visits
H2H: Swans 4–1 at SCG last 5
Analysis
Brisbane at the Gabba is one of the toughest assignments in the competition. Collingwood are improved but their away record is poor, and Brisbane's pace off the half-back will be decisive.
Key Stats
Lions: 5W–2L · 4W–0L at Gabba
Magpies: 4W–3L · 1W–5L at Gabba last 6
H2H: Lions 4–2 at home last 6
Analysis
The Showdown — always unpredictable. Port's forward line has been on fire and they've won 3 of the last 4 Showdowns. Adelaide's midfield will be up for it though. Close game, lean Port.
Key Stats
Port: 5W–2L · finals-quality form
Crows: 4W–3L · competitive but inconsistent
H2H: Port 3–1 last 4 Showdowns
Analysis
Geelong at Kardinia Park are formidable. The surface is smaller and slower which suits their contested style. Bulldogs are dangerous but struggle on the road against top-8 sides.
Key Stats
Cats: 5W–2L · 4W–0L at GMHBA 2026
Bulldogs: 4W–3L · 2W–5L on road last 7
H2H at Geelong: Cats 5–1 last 6
Responsible Gambling: Set a deposit limit before you start. Only bet what you can afford to lose.
Free support 24/7:
1800 858 858 ·
gamblinghelponline.org.au ·
Self-exclude at
BetStop (free, all bookmakers).
Affiliate Disclosure: PuntGuide earns a commission when you register through our links. This never affects our ratings.
Promotions are not advertised in line with Australian law — view offers directly on each bookmaker's site after registering.
