This Saturday night, West Coast could be poised to deliver a blow to Melbourne’s season, as Nine’s analyst Tony Jones predicts the Eagles may clinch their first victory of 2025. Currently, the Demons sit at a disappointing 2-5 and are eager for a third straight win following recent triumphs over Fremantle at the MCG and Richmond. However, facing the Eagles on their home turf could prove to be a tricky encounter.
In their last showdown, which took place in Perth during Round 10 of 2024, West Coast emerged victorious. Nevertheless, prior to that, Melbourne had a streak of three consecutive wins against the Eagles at Optus Stadium.
Round eight promises to be significant for multiple teams, with Carlton aiming to cement their reputation against Adelaide in South Australia. North Melbourne, having enjoyed a week in the spotlight, will need to put up a staunch challenge against Essendon.
The weekend also features intense local rivalries, notably between Sydney and the GWS Giants, with both teams striving for a much-needed victory. Meanwhile, Brisbane and Gold Coast will face off in a clash that sees the two sides vying for some crucial points in the standings, despite the Suns having only managed to defeat the Lions once since 2018.
Brisbane will be aiming to maintain their position at the top of the ladder, while Gold Coast seeks to assert their presence within the top eight as they strive for a place in finals contention.
In the expert tipping arena for this round, predictions range from various analysts, with a consensus on Essendon being a likely victor against North Melbourne. Other tips favour Fremantle, Bulldogs, and both Collingwood and Melbourne clinching their respective matches, alongside expected wins for teams like GWS and Brisbane.
As the round unfolds, spectators will be eager to see how these predictions play out and whether West Coast can indeed initiate a turnaround against a Melbourne side desperate for a victory.