Sunday AFL for Round 8 of the 2020 AFL Season and we have three games to get through.
It all starts in Adelaide with the winless Crows hosting the Bombers. We then head out West and the Eagles will play host to the Magpies followed by the Demons taking on the Lions.
The round has so far seen some thrilling encounters with all games being decided by less than 2 goals.
Be sure to check back before each round for AFL Footy Tips, AFL Previews and AFL Predictions for each Round of the 2020 AFL Season.
Tipping Results So Far
This Round – 3/5 = 60%
Player Props – 3/5 = 60%
Season Tips – 43/67 = 64.2%
Season Player Props – 6/14 = 42.9%
Adelaide Crows vs Essendon Bombers
Last Meeting
Round 18, 2019 Adelaide 10.15 75 – Essendon 15.6 96
(Essendon by 21 Points)
Last 5 Meetings
Adelaide – 3 Wins
Essendon – 2 Wins
Last Week
The Crows put up a better effort against the Saints last week and were in the match at times. The Saints were too good and won the game by 23 Points.
After some impressive wins, the Bombers were outclassed by a hungry Bulldogs outfit and lost the match by 42 Points.
No real significant changes to the lineups for this match, but the Bombers have lost vital defender Cale Hooker to injury. Ruckman Andrew Phillips has been dropped, and Thomas Bellchambers comes back into the side.
Current Head to Head Odds
Adelaide – $2.50
Essendon – $1.54
Prediction
The Crows are still unconvincing, and last time the Bombers lost a match, they came out firing the following week. The Crows may be in this game for extended periods, but the Bombers know they should win this match and will probably get it done.
Our Pick – Essendon (Win)
Player Prop – Reilly O’Brien + 89.5 Fantasy Points
O’Brien comes up against Bellchambers who has not been playing a lot of senior football of late. O’Brien likes to get around the ground and although this number is high, conditions will be fine, and he averages in the upper 80s anyways.
West Coast Eagles vs Collingwood Magpies
Last Meeting
Round 17 2019, West Coast 12.5 77 – Collingwood 11.12 78
(Collingwood by 1 Point)
Last 5 Meetings
West Coast – 4 Wins
Collingwood – 1 Win
Last Week
The Eagles won the Derby last week on the back of 4 Goals from Forward Josh Kennedy.
5 Goals from Jordan De Goey was a significant contributor for the Magpies in their 22 point win over the Cats in Round 7.
The Eagles welcome back their captain for this clash, Luke Shuey at the expense of the injured Brendon Ah Chee. For Collingwood Jordan De Goey and Travis Varcoe through injury. Darcy Cameron, Matt Sharenberg and Josh Thomas come into the team.
Current Head to Head Odds
West Coast – $1.71
Collingwood – $2.15
Prediction
The loss of De Goey for the Magpies is significant and may be the difference in this. The Eagles have had a good record against the Pies in recent times and are now at home and will have crowd support for this clash. The key West Coast forwards found some form last week, and the inclusion of Luke Shuey makes them even more influential in the middle.
Our Pick – West Coast (Win)
Player Prop – Josh Daicos + 61.5 Fantasy Points
Daicos is beginning to mature as a footballer and does average 70 Fantasy Points per game this season. Without De Goey in the Collingwood side, he will get more chances on the offensive end and should cover this number with some stints in the middle.
Melbourne Demons vs Brisbane Lions
Last Meeting
Round 15 2019, Brisbane 15.17 107 – Melbourne 11.8 74
(Brisbane by 33 Points)
Last 5 Meetings
Melbourne – 4 Wins
Brisbane – 1 Win
Last Week
Both sides were impressive last week with the Demons taking care of the Hawks in a surprising 43 Point Win.
The Lions were too good for the Giants and are still considered to be a genuine Premiership chance without having to leave Queensland as yet.
The Demons welcome back veteran Nathan Jones for this clash at Metricon Stadium at the expense of injured midfielder Aaron Vandenberg.
The Son of a former basketball star in the NBL, Archie Smith comes into the team for the Lions at the expense of Stefan Martin.
Current Head to Head Odds
Melbourne – $2.40
Brisbane – $1.57
Prediction
Despite the Demons having a good record over the Lions in recent seasons, the Lions have improved a lot in a short period and are getting their hands on the football first with a solid midfield. The Demons have been ok getting the ball out of the middle, but have struggled with efficiency going forward. It is tough to tip against the Lions.
Our Pick – Brisbane (Win)
Player Prop – Clayton Oliver – + 85.5 Fantasy Points
Oliver is averaging 88 for the season and does handle the Wet Conditions well as he is an in and under player. Petracca may get a tag in this one and Oliver may find himself free to rack up the Stats.