Round 8 AFLW Tips 2026 | SGM Bets & Predictions

Carlton needed a response after getting beaten by North and Melbourne, and they certainly gave one. The Blues absolutely belted Richmond and basically killed the game before the Tigers could get anything going.

Hawthorn came crashing back to earth against Geelong. Knocking off North was massive, but the Hawks were smashed around the footy last week and never really looked like backing it up.

This should be much closer than either team’s last game, but Carlton gets the nod.

Richmond was woeful against Carlton. They were completely shut out after half-time and looked miles off the pace against a genuinely good side.

Geelong, meanwhile, might be the hottest team in the comp outside North. The Cats absolutely smashed Hawthorn and have now rattled off six wins in a row after getting pumped in Round 1.

Hard to see Richmond stopping this train.

Not exactly the heavyweight championship of Round 8.

GWS had its best chance in weeks against Collingwood and still couldn’t get the job done. The Giants have improved on last year, but there are still far too many ordinary patches.

Essendon remains winless, although they at least gave West Coast a proper scare and fought the game out strongly. This could be genuinely ugly, but GWS gets the slightest edge.

The Bulldogs are putting together a very handy season. Port threw plenty at them last week, but the Dogs kept answering and Heidi Woodley had an absolute day up forward.

St Kilda actually looked pretty good for a half against Gold Coast before the Suns came out after the break and completely ran over the top of them. Another week, another loss.

The Dogs should have far too much class around the ground.

This matchup would have looked completely different a month ago.

Brisbane’s season is becoming a bit of a disaster. The Lions had their chances against Sydney but couldn’t finish the comeback and now desperately need wins.

Gold Coast is absolutely flying. The Suns were in trouble against St Kilda before coming out after half-time and smashing them. Brisbane at home makes this dangerous, but Gold Coast has earned our trust.

The Showdown arrives with both sides needing it badly.

Port was actually pretty competitive against the Bulldogs but couldn’t quite finish the job. That’s becoming a familiar story for the Power, who look good for stretches without consistently putting teams away.

Adelaide was much worse against Fremantle. Alberton makes this a proper scrap, but Adelaide still has a bit more class.

Apparently North Melbourne’s crisis lasted exactly one week.

After Hawthorn finally ended the ridiculous winning streak, the Roos responded by absolutely belting an undefeated Melbourne side. North looked terrifying again.

Sydney is no joke and keeps finding ways to win, but an angry North side is horrible timing.

Collingwood finally won a game. It wasn’t exactly spectacular against GWS, but after the start they’ve had I doubt anybody cared.

Melbourne suffered its first loss of the year and North gave them a proper reality check. The Demons started well before basically disappearing through the middle of the game.

Collingwood’s celebrations should be short-lived. Melbourne should bounce back hard.

Suddenly the Western Derby looks bloody interesting.

West Coast has completely turned its season around and has now strung together three wins. Essendon made them work last week, but the Eagles steadied when it mattered and their young guns got them home again.

Fremantle was even more impressive, going to Adelaide and absolutely jumping the Crows. This could be one of the games of the round. Freo looks slightly more complete, but West Coast absolutely has a chance.