AFLW 2025 Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips

October 2^nd 2025, 3:24pm, By: Jake Smit

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)

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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)