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Preview
Round 8 AFL action promises to be a ripper
As the dust settles on round 7 in the AFL, round 8 is set to deliver plenty more entertaining games.
As we close out and wrap up round 7 of the AFL, there is even more to look forward to this weekend.
GWS GIANTS v West Coast | Spotless Stadium, Saturday 12 May, 1:45pm
The Giants were extremely poor on Friday night against the Cats, posting one of the lowest scores in the history of the club, and will need to turn their form around as they head home to Spotless Stadium if they want to maintain touch with the top four. They are back at Spotless on Saturday (12 May) to take on the West Coast Eagles, who are in fine form with a convincing win over the Power, making it six on the trot now. Forwards Jeremy Cameron and Rory Lobb are in line to make their return for GWS, and would provide some much-needed firepower to the depleted Giants.
Gold Coast SUNS v Melbourne | The Gabba, Saturday 12 May, 4:35pm
Gold Coast are back in their home state, this time taking their game to The Gabba in Brisbane, up against the in-form Melbourne, who have now won their last two. Gold Coast went down by just 9-points after pushing the Dogs right to the line in Ballarat, albeit against a weakened outfit. The Suns will still be without power forward co-captain Tom Lynch, but are likely to be boosted by the return of his partner, key defender Steven May. The Suns last win came three weeks ago at this ground, against Brisbane, so the young side will be confident heading into the clash.
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane | Etihad Stadium, Saturday 12 May, 7:25pm
Heading down to Victoria, the Western Bulldogs are back at Etihad Stadium, taking on the winless Brisbane Lions. The Dogs have now won their last two, despite losing stand in captain Marcus Bontempelli before the bounce on the weekend, as well as captain Easton Wood during the week. The club will be hoping Bontempelli will be available in time for Saturday. Jack Macrae is in ridiculous form for the Dogs, amassing 40 disposals and eight tackles on Saturday, as well as a goal. Stand-in captain, Lachie Hunter, joined him with 34 touches, whilst Toby McLean finished with 33. Fans will be hoping they can keep this form going against a young Brisbane outfit that are still searching for their first win of the season.
Fremantle v St Kilda | Optus Stadium, Saturday 12 May, 6:10pm
Across the country, Fremantle are back at Optus Stadium, taking on the Saints on Saturday night. Following a poor showing against Richmond, the Dockers will need to stand up against a struggling St Kilda side who still sit on one win for the year. Nat Fyfe was again dominant despite the loss with 33 touches, enhancing his Brownlow credentials, whilst Lachie Neale accumulated 35 as the only other Freo player with more than 22 disposals in what was a disappointing performance for the club. St Kilda were again disappointing on the weekend, and will be ripe for the picking as Fremantle look to return to the winner’s list.
North Melbourne v Richmond | Etihad Stadium, Sunday 13 May, 1:10pm
The Tigers are on top of the ladder. North Melbourne are up and about. This one promises to be an absolute cracker for Mother’s Day. The reigning Premiers have now won their last five, whilst North Melbourne are still sitting in the eight after 7 rounds, flying high after knocking off the Swans at the SCG on Saturday night. Ben Brown is cruising atop the Coleman Medal count, four goals ahead of his closest competitor, whilst Mason Wood kicked four goals and looks to have cemented his place in the side. Jarrad Waite is in line for a return, posing serious selection headaches up forward for Brad Scott. Richmond are flying and firmly set as Premiership favourites, and are likely to be further boosted by the return of captain Trent Cotchin this weekend.
It promises to be a huge week of footy, with plenty of big games happening. Grab your tickets at Ticketmaster now.
