Which sides will force their way into playoff contention, with just 6 rounds of AFL action to play.

Whilst plenty of attention amongst AFL betting sites has been on the enthralling race between Collingwood and Port Adelaide at the top of the table, the race for the top 8 is just as intense.

The aforementioned Suns and Magpies look too far ahead to be caught, as do Melbourne and Brisbane – with all 4 sides having shown consistency this term.

However, finishing in the top 8 is the minimum requirement to make the playoffs and there are plenty of sides well in the mix as the season draws to a close.

St Kilda and Essendon to limp over the line?

For large parts of the 2023 AFL season, it was seen as a top 6, with Essendon and St Kilda keeping pace with the teams mentioned above.

However, in recent weeks both of the Victoria giants have faltered – giving encouragement to the sides behind them and engaging plenty of betting apps.

Both St Kilda and Essendon do have their fate in their own hands however when it comes to finishing in the top 8 and they are $1.54 and $2.05 respectively with WinnersBet to make the AFL playoffs.

Geelong and Western Bulldogs the sides to watch

Heading into any playoff period, there are always a couple of teams that find form at the right time.

Geelong and Western Bulldogs look to have both timed their runs to perfection and have been showing consistency in recent weeks.

For Geelong, making the top 8 would be a triumph at $2.5 with Bet365, whilst the Western Bulldogs should be playing playoff footy at $1.75 with BoomBet.

Who else could crack the top 8?

Timing is everything in the cut and thrust of AFL football and heaps of live betting sites have been getting on board with the top 8 battle.

GWS Giants are the in-form side in the AFL, and they now find themselves $1.8 with PlayUp to make the top 8.

Carlton are a side blessed with attacking threats and they have momentum at $1.95, whilst Richmond can never be discarded at $2.25 – both with TopSport.

Such is the points difference, that plenty of other sides will fancy their chances too, as Adelaide ($3), Gold Coast ($3.5) and Sydney ($4), will all attest to with UniBet.