Round 3 in the AFL will span across the Easter long weekend this week and Good Friday in particular has a tasty little double-header kicking off form 4.20pm. North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will clash from Marvel Stadium and as usual, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember to head to our AFL Betting Tips page for previews for every game in Round 3 and beyond.
AFL North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Friday April 2nd 4.20pm (AEDT)
The Kangaroos have now hosted the Good Friday afternoon clash three times but missed out last year due to the season being put on hold after Round 1. They will be keen to get back to Marvel Stadium for what has become their marquee home and away fixture.
Match Prediction
It’s been a tough season for the Kangaroos so far and I can only see it getting tougher this week against the Dogs. They faced the Power at home in Round 1 and after a strong start to the game, Port Adelaide ran over the top of them to record a 52 point win. They travelled to the Gold Coast to take on the Suns in Round 2 and were dealt another massive defeat, this time by 59 points.
On the other end of the scale, the Western Bulldogs have been great through two rounds. They recorded a comfortable win against Collingwood in Round 1 before winning by 7 points in the game of the season so far against West Coast at Marvel Stadium.
The Doggies have a pretty healthy list to call upon, not that I think it matters too much heading into this clash with the bottom of the ladder Roos. Only Mitch Hannan, Hayden Crozier and Ed Richards will miss from this game.
I have absolutely no doubt that the Bulldogs will win this game, the only question is, by how much? The spread is currently 42.5, which seems a touch low given the Roos have lost by an average margin of 55.5 points through their two games so far. The Doggies play an attacking style, particularly at Marvel Stadium. I can see them putting up 110+ points, in which case they should cover this 42.5 point line.
Kangaroos Prop
The Roos put up just 65 points at Marvel Stadium in their season opener against Port Adelaide and that was including a four goal last term when the game was done and dusted and the Power had checked out. In Round 2, they scored just 39 points against the Suns. Back them to score 60 or less against a solid Dogs defence here.
Kangaroos 60 or Less
$2.40
Bulldogs Prop
With the amount of talent the Bulldogs have in the midfield at the moment, there’s no doubt that Marcus Bontempelli will be spending more time in the forward line this season. He booted three goals in the win over the Eagles on the weekend and I like his value to kick 2+ again this week.
Bontempelli 2+ Goals
$2.20
