Here are our AFL picks for Saturday 8 August 2026. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power: Port Adelaide Power 12.5 spreads_q4, priced at -122 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power: Port Adelaide Power 12.5 spreads_q4 (-122)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright footy punters, let's break down why backing Port Adelaide Power at +12.5 in the Spreads Q4 market against the Sydney Swans is a savvy move. The Swans have been solid at home lately, averaging 100.8 points for in their last five games at the SCG. However, Port Adelaide has been stingy on the road, holding opponents to just 66 points on average. With the Power's recent form showing a margin improvement of -18 overall, and the Swans vulnerable defensively with 83.2 points against on average, Port Adelaide could capitalize on their solid defensive structure. Factor in Port Adelaide's ability to limit inside 50s and shots at goal, and they might just keep this game tighter than expected. Don't be surprised if the Power snag this one within the 12.5-point spread.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When it comes to the clash between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, the Western Bulldogs hold the edge. Lately, the Bulldogs have been fierce at home, with a razor-thin average margin of 0.2 points over their last five home games. They've been locking down defensively, allowing just 83.4 points on average while generating plenty of scoring opportunities with 56 inside 50s and 25.8 shots at goal per game. On the flip side, Carlton has struggled on the road, conceding 69.2 points on average and facing a Bulldogs team that's been hitting their targets, averaging 12.4 goals per game. With the Bulldogs showing strength on both ends of the field, backing them to cover the slight spread of -0.5 looks like a smart play here.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
The Greater Western Sydney Giants are set to clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Corroboree Group Oval Manuka, and the numbers paint a compelling picture for the Giants covering the -16.5 line. In their last 5 home games, the Giants have been a force to be reckoned with, boasting an average margin of 6.6 points and racking up an impressive 100.4 points per game. Their attacking prowess, averaging 57.4 Inside50s and 29.8 Shotsatgoal, suggests they can dominate the scoring. On the flip side, the struggling Suns have been faltering on the road, conceding an average of 104 points while only managing 65.8 points themselves. With such a stark contrast in form, expect the Giants to capitalize on their home advantage and snag a comprehensive victory by more than 16.5 points.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright footy punters, let's dive into the clash between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at the Adelaide Oval. The Tigers are coming off a rough patch on the road, but don't let that sway you just yet. Adelaide's been dominating at home, averaging a solid 27.4-point margin in their last five games. Their forward line has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 96.8 points per game. However, let's not discount the Tigers just yet. Despite their recent struggles away, their defensive efforts have kept them in games, conceding an average of 93.8 points overall. With a 13.5-point cushion on the spread, the Tigers might just have enough defensive mettle to keep this one tight. Don't be surprised if they snag a goal or two to cover that spread.
Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power: Port Adelaide Power 11.5 spreads_q2 (-119)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright footy fans, let's dive into why backing Port Adelaide Power at +11.5 in the Spreads Q2 market against the Sydney Swans is a smart play. Over the last five away games, Port Adelaide has been a force to be reckoned with, keeping their opponents to an average of 90 points while snagging an average of 66 points themselves. On the flip side, the Swans have been conceding an average of 73.2 points in their last five home games. With an average margin of -24 in their away games, the Power are no strangers to putting up a fight on enemy territory. Sydney's defense might struggle to contain Port Adelaide's scoring power, making the +11.5 spread look like a solid bet in this matchup at the SCG.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Alright footy punters, let's dive into this Friday night showdown at Optus Stadium between the Fremantle Dockers and the Adelaide Crows. The Dockers have been solid at home, averaging a healthy 93 points per game in their last five matches. However, their defense has shown some leaks, conceding an average of 52.8 points against. On the other side, the Adelaide Crows have been flying high on the road, putting up an impressive 102.6 points per game while keeping their opponents to 74.4 points. With a potent offense led by their ability to hit the scoreboard with precision, averaging 16.2 target goals per game, the Crows are poised to challenge the Dockers. Considering the Crows' recent form and the Dockers' defensive vulnerabilities, backing Adelaide Crows +22.5 in the spread market seems like a shrewd play for this clash in Perth.
That is the model's read on today's AFL card. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.
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