The 2025 AFLW season rolls on this weekend with Round 8! Action gets underway on Thursday night with the Hawks vs Dockers, while Friday night is a matchup between the Demons and the Bombers. Super Saturday includes four matches in Round 8, while Sunday is a three-match slate.
We bring you our best bets for all nine AFLW Round 8 matches below and if you’re keen to follow our tips, then consider joining Bet Right!
2025 AFLW Round 8 Betting Tips
Hawthorn vs Fremantle
Thursday 7:15pm AEST, Kinetic Stadium
Hawthorn will look to continue their stunning run of form as they host Fremantle in an intriguing Round 8 clash. The Hawks are flying high at 6-1 and sitting third on the ladder after a huge seven-point upset victory over Geelong last week. That win showcased their excellent team structure, particularly their potent midfield system and high-pressure forward line. Playing at home, the team will be eager to assert themselves early against a Dockers outfit that has struggled for consistency this season. Their structured defence has been particularly impressive, making the -11.5 spread a tempting target for the surging home side.
Fremantle, meanwhile, will be desperate to bounce back after a difficult few weeks, compounded by a nine-point loss to Carlton that dropped them to 3-4 and 12th on the ladder. While their overall effort hasn't been in question, they'll need a huge lift in team performance to disrupt Hawthorn’s slick ball movement and provide their forward line with genuine opportunities. History favors the Dockers in this young rivalry, but the momentum is firmly with the Hawks. If Hawthorn can maintain their high-pressure game for four quarters, expect them to win convincingly and cover the 11.5 point line against an inconsistent Fremantle outfit.
Hawthorn –11.5
$1.91 (2 Units)
Melbourne vs Essendon
Friday 7:15pm AEST, IKON Park
Melbourne will host Essendon at Casey Fields with the Demons needing a victory to solidify their top-two standing. The Demons are in red-hot form, sitting second on the ladder with a 6-1 record, having utterly dismantled Gold Coast last week by a massive 87-point margin.1 Their ball movement, defensive pressure, and scoring power have been close to irresistible in recent weeks. Playing on their home deck, the Demons are expected to dominate territory and chances. While the -27.5 point spread is a hefty ask, Melbourne’s ability to convert small advantages into huge scores makes them capable of covering it.
Essendon, meanwhile, will take confidence from their recent efforts despite sitting 11th on the ladder with a 3-4 record. Last week, the Bombers put in a highly impressive performance to only lose by 30 points to the undefeated North Melbourne, proving they can match the top teams in physicality and effort. However, maintaining that defensive intensity for four quarters against another elite side like Melbourne will be the key challenge. If the Demons are as accurate as they were last week, they could quickly blow the scoreline out. Expect Melbourne to win, but the -27.5 point line will be tested by the Bombers' renewed fighting spirit, leaving the confidence for the cover low.
Melbourne –27.5
$1.91 (1 Unit)
GWS vs St Kilda
Saturday 1:05pm AEST, Henson Park
Round 8 presents a crucial clash for St Kilda as they travel to Henson Park to take on the GWS Giants. The Saints are riding a wave of momentum following a historic, club-record comeback victory against Port Adelaide, which propelled them into finals contention. Key forward Jesse Wardlaw's three final-quarter goals in the thrilling Round 7 win underscore the potent scoring power and unwavering belief that coach Nick Dal Santo has instilled in this group. They’ll be eager to bank a vital four points to cement their spot in the top eight.
For the GIANTS, the return to Henson Park comes after a disappointing loss to West Coast, leaving them desperate for a win to keep their season alive and celebrate their first AFLW Welcome Game with a victory. While a determined GWS outfit will make this a competitive contest, the surging form, forward-line brilliance, and late-game resolve of the Saints should see them overpower the home side. Expect St Kilda’s electric performance to continue, with the team comfortably covering the -10.5 spread.
St Kilda –10.5
$1.88 (2 Units)
North Melbourne vs Sydney
Saturday 3:05pm AEST, UTAS Stadium
The unbeaten North Melbourne juggernaut heads to Tasmania to meet a wounded Sydney Swans side in a Round 8 clash that pits the AFLW's best against a top-eight hopeful. The Kangaroos showed their class by recovering from a 20-point deficit against Essendon last week, relying on the brilliance of Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell to maintain their perfect record. Despite the daunting challenge, Sydney's coach, Scott Gowans, a former North Melbourne assistant, is "excited" by the opportunity to test his side against the reigning premiers, banking on the tactical familiarity to keep his team in the contest.
While the Roos are expected to win comfortably at UTAS Stadium, the 
line offers a chance for the gritty Swans to prove their top-eight credentials. Sydney has shown glimpses of a high ceiling this year, and while they fell short against the Crows last week, the midfield trio of Montana Ham, Sofia Hurley, and the surging Laura Gardiner is capable of making the contest a genuine dogfight. Look for the Swans' ferocious pressure and inside work to restrict North Melbourne’s trademark run and gun, keeping the final margin within the buffer.
Sydney +34.5
$1.88 (1 Unit)
Gold Coast vs Brisbane
Saturday 5:05pm AEST, People First Stadium
The Round 8 AFLW QClash between Gold Coast and Brisbane will see the Suns aiming for a respectable performance following their crushing defeat to the Demons last week. The +39.5 point head start is a solid buffer for the young Suns, who, despite their recent stumble, should find enough spark at home to keep the scoreline somewhat competitive, albeit without instilling much confidence in their ability to truly challenge the Queensland powerhouse. They must find an immediate response after the Round 7 loss exposed some worryig defensive frailties, needing a massive lift from their midfield to control the tempo against a hungry Lions outfit.
While Brisbane hasn't showcased the same dominant form that defined their recent campaigns, dropping a couple of unexpected games this season, their class is undeniable and they remain one of the competition's elite. Expect the Lions to settle into their groove quickly, with their seasoned stars ensuring they control the key passages of play and apply relentless forward pressure. Although the Suns might manage to stay within the spread, the ultimate result is not in doubt—the Lions are still too strong and will secure the four premiership points against their northern rivals.
Gold Coast +39.5
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday 7:15pm AEST, Alberton Oval
Saturday night’s clash at Alberton Oval is a critical eight-point game between two sides desperate to climb the ladder, with 14th Port Adelaide hosting the 13th placed Western Bulldogs. The Power will be fired up and determined to make amends after suffering one of the most brutal losses in AFLW history last week, blowing a massive three-quarter time lead against St Kilda. That mental scar will either crush them or provide the fuel needed to deliver a fierce, four-quarter performance on their home deck.
The Western Bulldogs travel to Adelaide on the back of a strong victory over Collingwood and will be looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season. However, Port Adelaide's fierce desperation following their round seven capitulation, coupled with their home ground advantage, should be enough to see them through a tight contest. Expect the Power to win the arm wrestle in the midfield and make a strong statement, successfully covering the small point spread to leapfrog the Dogs on the ladder.
Port Adelaide –4.5
$1.67 (3 Units)
Richmond vs Adelaide
Sunday 1:05pm AEST, IKON Park
Richmond enter Round 8 under significant pressure after a string of inconsistent performances that have left them struggling to find rhythm. Their ball movement has lacked fluency, and defensive structures have often been exposed by faster and more organised sides. Hosting Adelaide at IKON Park provides some comfort, but the Tigers have been unable to match the intensity of the league’s stronger midfields, making this a daunting challenge against one of the AFLW’s most disciplined outfits.
Adelaide, by contrast, continue to assert themselves as genuine premiership contenders with a well-drilled system built on high tackle pressure, efficient inside 50 entries, and strong defensive rebound. Their consistency across all four quarters has been a hallmark of their season, and their balanced game style should overwhelm Richmond’s resistance. Expect the Crows to dictate possession, dominate contested play, and comfortably cover the –25.5 spread with a convincing victory away from home.
Adelaide -25.5
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
Geelong vs Carlton
Sunday 3:05pm AEST, GMHBA Stadium
Geelong enter Round 8 firmly in the finals mix, having built a strong reputation for balance and consistency across the season. Their structured game plan has been key, combining sharp ball movement with disciplined defensive efforts. The Cats have also proven effective in controlling possession and slowing the tempo against higher-ranked opponents, which has helped them grind out wins and maintain momentum. Their overall cohesion and ability to transition quickly from defence to attack has made them one of the competition’s more reliable outfits.
Carlton, on the other hand, remain unpredictable. While capable of strong starts and fast passages of play, their inability to sustain pressure across four quarters has hurt their consistency. Against Geelong’s composed and organised system, the Blues could struggle to maintain territory or scoreboard pressure. If the Cats execute cleanly at home, they should cover the –5.5 spread with a composed and controlled victory.
Geelong -5.5
$1.88 (2 Units)
West Coast vs Collingwood
Sunday 5:05pm AEST, Mineral Resources Park
West Coast and Collingwood clash in Round 8 at Mineral Resources Park as both teams look to consolidate momentum in the mid-season slog. The Eagles have shown patches of brilliance with rebound play and intercept organising shaping their defensive identity. Meanwhile, Collingwood continue to rebuild and remain vulnerable when control is wrested away from them and the pace intensifies. Without consistent pressure and structure, the Magpies often struggle to sustain their attack.
At home, West Coast should be able to exert ascendancy over territory and tempo. Their defensive transitions and ability to repel forward entries may gradually frustrate Collingwood’s forward setup. If the Eagles maintain composure under fatigue and use their intercepts smartly, they’re well placed to cover the -7.5 spread. Expect them to pull away in the second half, securing a solid win respectfully past the margin.
West Coast -7.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
