Welcome back, everyone! Round 8 of the AFL is upon us. Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPNfootytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!
This is a massive round of football, with three genuine rivalry games -- including a Showdown, 'Battle of the Bridge', and Q-clash -- a top four battle between Geelong and Melbourne, and, of course, two of the biggest fan bases in the AFL going head to head.
We start at Adelaide Oval, as the Power and Crows battle in the City of Churches. Adelaide is desperate for back-to-back wins, while Port has been flexing their muscle as of late. Who claims the bragging rights?
Carlton and Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night, a footy fan's dream. One of the game's greatest rivalries at the home of football, and both teams are looking to get back on the winners' list.
On Saturday we are treated to two huge top four clashes. Both Sydney and GWS are flying at the moment and very much in premiership contention. Can the Giants hand the Swans their first loss at home for the season?
It's an exciting round of footy, and luckily we have your best interests in mind.
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 6
Season total: 40
Certainty and why: The Saints have been up and down like a yo-yo to start the season and, weirdly, you have to like them more when coming off a shocking loss. They'll bounce back from last Friday night's disaster and dispatch of the lowly Roos with ease.
Upset and why: If I keep picking against the Cats I'm bound to get one correct eventually, right!? That's the hope! The Demons are well rested and the Cats have several injury concerns. If they can't beat them now, when will they?
Tips for the week:
Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide
Carlton vs. Collingwood
Sydney vs. GWS
St Kilda vs. North Melbourne
Melbourne vs. Geelong
West Coast vs. Essendon
Richmond vs. Fremantle
Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn
Brisbane vs. Gold Coast
Matt Walsh
Last week: 8
Season total: 39
Certainty and why: St Kilda. Not much more you can say about North this season... lock it in!
Upset and why: The Suns are ripe for a Gabba heist. Brisbane's form at home this year has been uninspiring, and I wouldn't be surprised to see an upset here.
Tips for the week:
Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide
Carlton vs. Collingwood
Sydney vs. GWS
St Kilda vs. North Melbourne
Melbourne vs. Geelong
West Coast vs. Essendon
Richmond vs. Fremantle
Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn
Brisbane vs. Gold Coast
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 6
Season total: 41
Certainty and why: There's something different about the Bombers this year. Make no mistake, they're a very good team, and should be able to ease past the Eagles out west.
Upset and why: I think both Melbourne and GWS are genuine chances to cause upsets this week, despite coming up against two other flag fancies. Both of these sides are absolutely good enough.
Tips for the week:
Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide
Carlton vs. Collingwood
Sydney vs. GWS
St Kilda vs. North Melbourne
Melbourne vs. Geelong
West Coast vs. Essendon
Richmond vs. Fremantle
Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn
Brisbane vs. Gold Coast