It’s do or die for the Western Bulldogs on Saturday as they take on the Dockers at Marvel Stadium. We bring you our best bets for this mouth-watering clash right here!
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.
Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Saturday 6th August, 4:35pm (AEST)
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Hayden Crozier, Anthony Scott, Adam Treloar (Test), Charlie Parker, Mitch Wallis (Out)
The Western Bulldogs are blessed with a healthy list at the moment and only have two players in their squad who are unable to compete. Hayden Crozier and Adam Treloar are key members who will be pushing for selection this week, although both will have to pass fitness tests.
The Bulldogs were hot from the first bounce against the Cats last weekend and went into quarter time with a handy lead; however, said lead quickly disappeared as the Dogs dropped their level and the Cats raised theirs. The Dogs ended up losing that game comfortably by 28 points, which was a disappointing way to snap their mini two-game win streak. They still have it all to do if they’re to secure a finals berth this season, although they’re still in with a fighting chance.
Fremantle
Injuries: Sebit Kuek (Test), Nat Fyfe, Jye Amiss, Sam Switkowski (Out)
Fremantle also have little to complain about on the injury list heading into the business end of the season. Nat Fyfe is the obvious key out as he continues to rehab an injured hamstring, while Sam Switkowski is another important player they’ll be hoping to get back out there in the not-so-distant future.
The Dockers were no match for the fiery Demons last outing where they went down by over seven goals on their home deck. They just couldn’t find any targets forward of the ball and will be looking to tweak their defensive transition patterns ahead of this weekend. Still, it’s been a strong home and away season for the Dockers and one where they’ll still be looking to cap off with a top four finish.
Match Prediction
The Bulldogs have shown glimpse of their best in recent weeks but just haven’t been able to sustain a high enough level over four quarters. A big part of the reason for their inconsistency is their poor defence which has conceded the most points out of any of the top 12 teams on the ladder. They now come up against a Dockers outfit that has conceded the second fewest points this season and whom will be desperate to win to keep their top four hopes alive. With all of this considered, I’m looking to take the Dockers at the handicap market for a couple of units.
Fremantle +11.5
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Hayden Young has become one of the best half-backs in the competition this season and is only getting better as the season progresses. He’s amassed 31 and 26 disposals in his last two outings and continues to get involved in the handball linkups. I like him to continue his good form this weekend.
Hayden Young 25+ Disposals ($2.15 at Ladbrokes)
The Bulldogs have one of the worst defences in the competition in my opinion, particularly when in comes to defending key forwards. Matt Taberner is coming off a couple of quiet games and isn’t having his best season, but he has a great chance to build some personal momentum with a day out against the Bulldogs.
Matt Taberner 3+ goals ($3 at Ladbrokes)
Cody Weightman is one player that I think will be a tough matchup for the Dockers. They have some of the best key defenders in the competition, but their smalls aren’t quite as good at locking up opposition smalls. Weightman’s kicked multiple goals in three of his last four matches and is good value for 2+ goals in this contest.
Cody Weightman 2+ goals ($1.96 at Ladbrokes)
