Round 2 of the AFL continues on Sunday with a fantastic three game slate. The action kicks off from 1.00pm with the Bulldogs hosting the Suns from Mars Stadium in Ballarat. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
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2024 AFL Round 2 Betting Tips & Preview
Western Bulldogs vs Gold Coast
Sunday 1.00pm (AEDT), Mars Stadium
The Bulldogs had a lacklustre start to the season in Round 1, being demolished by the Demons to the tune of 45 point at the MCG. Some interesting decisions at the selection table by coach Luke Beveridge raised eyebrows as he left out All-Australian Jack Macrae and young star Sam Darcy from the Round 1 lineup.
Darcy has made his way into the side for the clash against the Suns, but Macrae remains on the outer despite the Dogs being beaten convincingly in the midfield by the Demons last week. Recruit James Harmes remains on the sidelines for the Dogs through suspension but will be available next week.
Gold Coast have looked solid to start the season, winning in opening round over the Tigers before downing the Crows in a close game in Adelaide last week. They face some more tough road trips in the coming weeks, with just one of their next four games coming at People First Stadium.
The Suns midfield has been the catalyst to their success so far, with the quartet of Sam Flanders, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Touk Miller all healthy for what seems like the first time and accumulating plenty of football. Rowell, in particular, has has 29 clearances through the opening two games and has likely racked up six votes in the Brownlow Medal already.
Match Prediction: As good as the Suns have been over the first few weeks, I think the Dogs are deserved favourites going into this one. The Ballarat road trip is always a tough one and the Western Bulldogs have made it somewhat of a stomping ground during their tenure there, winning six of their last eight games at the venue.
Luke Beveridge has had plenty of criticism thrown his way over the opening weeks of the season and I think he and the Bulldogs come out with a point to prove on Sunday. Back them to cover the 9.5 point line.
Bulldogs -9.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Marcus Bontempelli 25+ Disposals - Bont had 25 touches in the opening game against the Demons and I feel like he will be asked to do more in the midfield this year without Bailey Smith or Jack Macrae in the line-up. Should continue to rack up numbers.
Sam Flanders 25+ Disposals - Flanders has started the season in hot form, accumulating 26 touches in opening round before having a monster 35 disposal game in the win over the Crows in Round 1.
Jamara Ugle-Hagen 2+ Goals - With the uncertainty of Darcy/Naughton and the roles they will play in the side, Ugle-Hagen remains the constant in the Dogs forward line. Had five shots at goal for 2.3 last week and should continue to get plenty of looks.
SGM Odds: $3.25 at BoomBet
