AFL Preview: Bulldogs v Swans

Western Bulldogs v Sydney
Friday 7:51pm
at Etihad Stadium

The Dogs will go into the grand final replay as deserved warm favourites

Form

The Dogs were fantastic under pressure last week against the Pies. The Pies had an extra month of pre-season under their belts but in the end, it was the Dogs ability to push into defence and rebound out effectively that was the difference.

The Swans were arguably the most disappointing side of week 1. They went into the clash against Port Adelaide as -22.5 point favourites and walk away losing by 28 points. Coach John Longmire will be giving his troops a decent rev up going into this clash.

Stats That Matter

– Western Bulldogs are 3 from 4 ATS when playing the Swans.
– Western Bulldogs have a POT of 119% in their last 4 against the Swans.
– The Swans have started favourite in the last 7 fixtures dating back to 2012 against the Dogs.
– The Swans have not defeated the Dogs since round 22, 2014.
– The Swans have won their last 10 games at Etihad Stadium, covering the line in 9 of those games.
– The Swans last lost at Etihad in round 9, 2012.
– The Swans average 131 points per game in their last 8 games at Etihad.
– The Dogs have won 21 of their last 27 games at Etihad, covering the line in 17 of those games.

Betting Data

2017 Line: Western Bulldogs 0-1, Sydney 0-1
2017 Over/Under: Western Bulldogs 1-0, Sydney 1-0

What To Expect

There is always going to be an element of revenge when the beaten grand finalists Sydney Swans take on the premiers of 2016 Western Bulldogs. Recent history shows the Dogs hold the advantage in this one, winning their last 3 encounters all as outsiders. The Swans looked lethargic last week and really missed the dash of Heeney, Rohan, McVeigh and Papley who are still all sidelined. The Dogs had the luxury of leaving two premiership players in Josh Dunkley and Cay Smith on the emergency list, which shows how strong their current depth is. The Wolf can see the fast paced Bulldogs outfit running all over the depleted Swans and make it 4 wins on the trot against them.

How It’s Shaping Up

Bulldogs By 20

Recommended Bet

Bulldogs -12.5 ($1.91)

Player Markets

Some terrible news for the Dogs mid week with scans showing Dale Morris will miss two months with a broken leg. The first forward to benefit from this will be Lance Franklin, who was held to just the 1 goal in the grand final by Morris. In his last 3 against the Dogs Buddy averages 3 goals a game and with Morris out he will be eager to get hold of Marcus Adams and apply scoreboard pressure.

Recommended Bet

Lance Franklin 4+ Goals ($2.00)