Round 8 in the AFL includes a juicy four-game slate, with a couple of blockbuster matches among them. One of those is the 7:30pm (AEST) fixture at the MCG where Melbourne and Geelong will do battle. We bring you our full game preview, best bet, and Same Game Multi below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2024 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
2024 AFL Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne vs Geelong
Saturday 7:30pm AEST, May 4th, MCG
Despite dealing with more than their fair share of off field drama, Melbourne’s performances on the field have been excellent so far in 2024. They enter this weekend with a 5-2 record and have immediately bounced back with wins following both of their losses to date.
The Demons were far from their best last weekend against the Tigers but ultimately prevailed by a comfortable 43 points (85-42). They dominated the midfield battle to finish +7 in clearances and +17 in contested ball, but their struggles with moving the ball forward was evident in the inside 50s count which finished level at 50-50.
Blessed with one of the healthiest lists in the competition, the Demons have opted to remain unchanged from their Round 7 team.
Meanwhile, Geelong continued their epic start to the season with a 13-point win over a fellow contender in the Blues last weekend (118-105). It was a see-sawing affair from the onset but it was the Cats efficiency going inside 50 that proved to be the difference in the end.
Looking at the stats alone, you could argue the Cats had no business winning their Round 7 clash. They were down in clearances (-6), contested ball (-19), and were absolutely smashed in the inside 50 count (45-66), but still found a way to finish the game with their noses in front.
In another big positive for the Cats, star defender Tom Stewart will return to the lineup after missing last weekend due to concussion. Although skipper Patrick Dangerfield will miss the next 4-6 weeks after reinjuring his hamstring.
Match prediction: These sides have not met at the MCG since 2021, with three of their last four meetings being at the Cattery, while the other was at Optus Stadium during Covid. The Cats have had the better of this matchup over their past two meetings, defeating the Demons by 28 points two years back, and 15 points in their most recent encounter.
The bookies have struggled to split the pair in the H2H market, with the Cats currently priced as the very narrow favourites. And considering their blistering start to the season coupled with their recent H2H advantage, it’s impossible to bet against them on Saturday night.
Geelong to Win
$1.80 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare button below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Jeremy Cameron 2+ Goals – Loves playing with the extra space at the MCG and has kicked 2+ in 16 of his last 18 games at the venue.
Kysaiah Pickett 1+ Goals – Is another one with a great record at the MCG and he should be hitting the scoreboard at least once here.
Jack Viney 25+ Disposals – Thrives in big games and represents great value this week on the back of a couple of quieter games.
Max Holmes 20+ Disposals – Has reached the 20+ mark in his last nine games and should extend that to 10.
SGM Odds: $4.60 at BoomBet
