AFL Round 8 Highlights: Close Matches, Controversial Trades

Round 8 of the 2025 AFL season delivered notable drama, including umpiring controversies and close finishes, such as the Bombers narrowly defeating North Melbourne and the Cats staging a comeback against Collingwood in a match marked by a missed after-the-siren shot. The Saints rebounded strongly, the Bulldogs dominated Port Adelaide with a 90-point win, and the Swans ended a losing streak by beating GWS in a tense derby. Off the field, a playful yet pointed exchange between Bailey Smith and his former team, the Bulldogs, has intensified anticipation for their upcoming Round 11 clash. The fallout from coaching performances and trade moves added further intrigue, with scrutiny mounting on Fremantle’s Justin Longmuir and praise for standout recruits. Max Gawn’s career-best performance helped the Demons continue their winning streak, while Hawthorn celebrated a milestone victory and the Eagles remained winless. The round highlighted both on-field heroics and off-field narratives that are shaping the season.