Winless North Melbourne represent strong value against struggling St Kilda on Saturday afternoon.
The Roos are at long odds but definitely should be shorter in what's shaping to be a close match.
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Below are The Sporting News’ tips and predictions for Round 8:
Odds via TAB.
St Kilda vs. North Melbourne prediction, tip, best bet
Both teams have poor recent form with North Melbourne yet to win this season and St Kilda losing their last three.
The Saints often struggle to kick a large score, having scored more than 80 only once in seven games.
This means a score of around 50-70 could easily keep the Roos under their line.
Don't write off North Melbourne from winning - they troubled the Saints in both matches in 2023.
Prediction: St Kilda by 11 points.
Best bet: North Melbourne +35.5 ($1.90)
West Coast vs. Essendon prediction, tip, best bet
With Harley Reid and Tom Barrass returning, the competitive Eagles will be harder to defeat at home.
The Bombers have been solid this season and impressed on the road, recording a narrow win in Adelaide a few weeks back.
After beating Fremantle a couple of weeks back, West Coast can certainly win this game but we like the line as Essendon have won several close games this season.
Prediction: Essendon by 4 points.
Best bet: West Coast +11.5 ($1.90)
Richmond vs. Fremantle prediction, tip, best bet
It's a tough time for Richmond with injuries cruelling any chance of them avoiding the bottom four so far this season.
The Dockers dropped their bundle against the Eagles but recovered with a solid win over the Bulldogs last week.
Despite the game being in Melbourne, the line is really low considering the injuries for Richmond.
Back the Dockers to win or at the line.
Prediction: Fremantle by 27 points.
Best bet: Fremantle -11.5 ($1.90)
Brisbane vs. Gold Coast prediction, tip, best bet
Brisbane's season is teetering on the edge and it's not going to get easier as the Suns come to the Gabba.
Gold Coast are looking for a scalp to announce their resurgence under Hardwick and the Lions are vulnerable at home.
They have lost three games at home this season already - against Carlton, Collingwood and Geelong.
The Suns are a good chance to win while their line at +14.5 is also attractive.
Prediction: Suns by 9 points.
Best bet: Suns to win ($2.70)
