The AFL Western derby is one of the most entertaining fixtures on the calendar, and this instalment will be no different. Both teams enter this one having made wholesale changes due to both COVID and injuries, selecting teams with new faces across the field. As such, there is sure to be plenty of value across the markets.
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
West Coast vs Fremantle Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Sunday 3rd April, 7.20pm (AEDT)
West Coast
Injuries: Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed, Luke Shuey (H and S protocols), Liam Duggan (H and S protocols), Willie Rioli (H and S protocols), Tim Kelly, Oscar Allen, Tom Barrass, Brayden Ainsworth, Campbell Chesser, Greg Clark, Tom Cole, Jamie Cripps, Tom Joyce
The Eagles are decimated, simple as that. They made 13 changes last week and 12 for this week and it appears it will be some time before they get any kind of continuity.
Where do I begin? It’s almost impossible to get a read on the Eagles at the moment given the turmoil they are facing, however they put up an admirable effort against North Melbourne last week with plenty of top up players in the side. There are more regulars in the 22 this time around I expect the Eagles to put in a decent display, rising to the occasion of a derby in front of home fans.
Fremantle
Injuries: Nat Fyfe, Sean Darcy, David Mundy (H and S protocols), Nathan Wilson, Eric Benning, Matthew Johnson, Caleb Serong
Fremantle would have been licking their lips looking at the West Coast line up until it became clear that Sean Darcy, David Mundy and Caleb Serong would drop out of their side, depleting the midfield.
Fremantle has had a lacklustre start to the season, falling over the line against Adelaide before falling to St Kilda in a disappointing display. Like West Coast, the Dockers have struggled to put their best side out on the park this season, however the return of key forward Matt Taberner will bolster them for this one.
Match Prediction
West Coast are narrow favourites, the markets even considering there are so many unknowns for this clash. History suggests the punters may be onto something though, as West Coast won 11 derbies in a row until last year’s drought breaker. I’ll side with history here, in a match where there is little to go on.
West Coast -4.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
This has hit in four of the last five derbies, and both teams boast better defensive units than attacks at the moment. Rain is also a distinct possibility.
Under 154.5 points ($1.88 at Ladbrokes)
Fremantle has shown limited scoring power so far and West Coast have most of their first choice defence available here.
Fremantle Under 11.5 goals ($1.58 at Ladbrokes)
I’m backing one of the attacking lines to fail, most likely Fremantle’s. There is also the chance of a storm during the game.
Both teams to score 70+ - No ($1.65 at TAB)
