The heat is on Fremantle after three disappointing losses in a row. They get a chance for redemption when they host the sixth placed Swans at Optus Stadium. We’ve got you covered with tips and preview for a crucial Saturday night clash.
AFL Fremantle vs Sydney Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Saturday 22nd May, 7:40pm AEST
Match Prediction
After round six the Dockers were 4-2 and were looking a genuine finals threat, fast forward to round ten, and the Dockers are 4-5 after a morale sapping loss against Essendon where they had control for the majority of the game. They face a Swans side that produced an excellent fightback after trailing early, to win by 30 points.
Fremantle have been hampered by injuries particularly in their defence, so the expected return of All Australian defender Luke Ryan will be a massive boost. Although Ryan comes in, Andy Brayshaw will miss with a calf complaint. Whilst the Swans will be without young guns Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell for at least a month.
Despite the loss last week, the Dockers midfield was excellent for the majority of the game. Sean Darcy set the tone with 38 hitouts and 22 disposals giving great supply to Brayshaw (33 disposals), Cerra (28) and Fyfe (28). It was the Dockers inability to convert their inside fifties into goals, with the Dockers going at a woeful 16% inside 50 to goal ratio last week. Matt Taberner kicked 4.3 and Rory Lobb kicked 2.2, if they can find a way to neaten up their work inside 50, the Dockers will be able to get out of their slump.
The Swans success relies heavily on Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy extracting the ball from the stoppages, but with the form of Sean Darcy in the ruck, plus the likes of Fyfe, Mundy and Brayshaw at the stoppages, Freo should be able to nullify the Swans veterans.
Whilst Dane Rampe and Tom McCartin have been in solid form this season, the height advantage that Rory Lobb and Matt Taberner will possess over them with the space they’ll get at Optus Stadium is a massive concern for the Swans. They’ve been able to get away with it on the smaller SCG ground, but the Dockers have generated 32, 31, 29 and 18 scoring shots in their matches at Optus. Lobb and Taberner will get isolated looks against smaller opponents.
This is a season defining clash for Fremantle, who need a win to stay in the hunt for the top eight. Fremantle have won their last two matches against the Swans, and the Swans haven’t beaten the Dockers at Optus Stadium. Expect a big bounce back from the Dockers.
Fremantle H2H (1.5 Units)
$2.00
Same Game Multi
We’re changing things up this week, rather than prop bets we’re giving you a three leg same multi paying over $2 for you Sportsbet users.
James Aish has been a consistent performer across the wing and half back for the Dockers this season, recording fifteen plus disposals in his last five games. He also tends to take a few kick ins each game which helps him bring his numbers up. Adam Cerra got straight back to his elite form in his return last week picking up 28 disposals. Cerra is averaging 24 disposals in his five completed games this season. Sydney half back Jordan Dawson is having an excellent season averaging 21 disposals per game. He’s hit the 20 plus mark in eight of his nine games. He’s taken 5, 2 and 9 kick ins across the last three weeks, and should see plenty given the Dockers struggles in front of goal this year.
James Aish 15+ Disposals
Adam Cerra 20+ Disposals
Jordan Dawson 20+ Disposals
Dockers vs Swans Same Game Multi
$2.37
