AFL Round 8 Tips: Key Matchups & Predictions (2025)

Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats (Saturday, May 3 – MCG, 7:35pm AEST)

Collingwood is set for a tough opening to the 2025 AFL season, with seven of their first eight matchups coming against 2024 finals contenders. Their Round 1 blockbuster at the MCG pits them against Geelong—one of the league’s most dangerous attacking sides, who topped the charts in goals per game (14.1) last season and ranked second in goal assists. Expect a high-intensity showdown between two AFL powerhouses as they battle for early-season momentum

Prediction: Geelong by 10 points.

Essendon vs. North Melbourne (Thursday, May 1 – Marvel Stadium, 7:30pm AEST)

Essendon, with a 67.7% win probability, is favored to win against North Melbourne, who have struggled with inside-50 differentials and scoring efficiency .

Prediction: Essendon by 19 points.

West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne (Saturday, May 3 – Optus Stadium, 7:35pm AEST)

Melbourne is expected to secure a comfortable win against West Coast, who are currently rebuilding.

Prediction: Melbourne by 25 points.

Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants (Sunday, May 4 – SCG, 1:10pm AEST)

The ‘Battle of the Bridge’ is always a fiercely contested match. Both teams are in good form, making this a must-watch game.

Prediction: Sydney by 5 points.

Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns (Sunday, May 4 – The Gabba, 7:20pm AEST)

Brisbane, the 2024 premiers, are strong favorites against the Suns. Despite missing key players due to injury, their depth should see them through.

Prediction: Brisbane by 30 points.

Full Round 8 Fixture

• Thursday, May 1

  • Essendon vs. North Melbourne – Marvel Stadium, 7:30pm AEST

• Friday, May 2

  • St Kilda vs. Fremantle – Marvel Stadium, 7:40pm AEST

• Saturday, May 3

  • Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide – Mars Stadium, 1:20pm AEST

  • Adelaide Crows vs. Carlton – Adelaide Oval, 4:15pm AEST

  • West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne – Optus Stadium, 7:35pm AEST

  • Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats – MCG, 7:35pm AEST

• Sunday, May 4

  • Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants – SCG, 1:10pm AEST

  • Hawthorn vs. Richmond – MCG, 3:20pm AEST

  • Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns – The Gabba, 7:20pm AEST 

AFL Round 8 Draw