AFL Preview: Kangaroos v Bulldogs

Nth Melbourne v Bulldogs
Good Friday 4:20pm
at Etihad Stadium

Both sides will be looking for bounce back wins after losses in Round 3

Form

North took on the Giants down in Hobart last week looking to record their first win of the season. They ran into a Giants side full of confidence after disposing of Gold Coast by 100 the week prior and were outclassed all over the paddock. The Roos lost the contested possessions by 29, inside 50’s by 22 and clearances by 17. All of these areas will need improving if the Roos are to get over the Premiers this week.

The Bulldogs were the victim of the upset of the season so far in 2017 as they went down to Fremantle at Domain Stadium. The Dogs entered the match as $1.20 and -32.5 at the line favourites. The Dogs were actually ahead in every major stat category including disposals, contested possessions, inside 50’s, clearances and tackles but could not convert this into scores.

Stats That Matter

– Kangaroos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 against the Bulldogs.
– 7 of the last 8 meetings have gone under the game total.
– Only 4 times has a team scored over 100 points in the last 8 meetings.
– The last two matches between the pair have seen an average game total of 107 points.
– North Melbourne average 60.33 points per game in their last 3 against the Bulldogs.
– The Bulldogs average 67.85 points per game in their last 7 matches against North Melbourne.
– The biggest starting line in the past three meetings here is 7.5 indicating these sides have been quite evenly matches since 2015.

Betting Data

2017 Line: North Melbourne 1-2, Western Bulldogs 1-2
2017 Over/Under: North Melbourne 2-1, Western Bulldogs 2-1

What To Expect

Both sides are coming back to their home ground after losses on interstate trips in round 3. North could consider themselves unlucky in round 2 against Geelong though their effort after 3 quarter time last week cannot be excused. Brad Scott and his men will need to put that quarter of football behind them and find another gear to get over the Premiers this week. They have a great record of 5-2 ATS in their last 7 against the Dogs and if they can keep the ball away from the Dogs midfield they are in with a chance of getting the 4 points. If the Roos are to cause an upset here, they will need to keep the total low as a shoot-out will favour the fast paced Dogs offence. The Dogs are coming back from Perth with their tail between their legs, losing to a Fremantle side who were currently win-less for season 2017. They return to Etihad where they have won 7 of their past 9 and are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 against all opponents. Only 3 of the past 16 matches the Dogs have played at Etihad has gone over the game total, so the Wolf will be expecting a low scoring affair here.

How Its Shaping Up

Bulldogs By 12

Recommended Bet

Under 182.5 points ($1.88)

Player Markets

There’s very little to talk about when it comes to North Melbourne here. They currently do not have a player averaging more than 25 disposals per game for 2017.

For the Dogs, Lachie Hunter started last week in unbelievable form kicking 3 early goals on his way to 26 disposals and 114 fantasy points. In round 6 last season Hunter put on a clinic against the Roos collecting a huge 44 disposals, 6 marks and 133 fantasy points at Etihad. He has the form on the board and will be one the Wolf will be watching closely in this contest. The other is Jack Macrae, who so far in 2017 is averaging 23.7 disposals, 5.3 marks, 8 tackles and 108 fantasy points per game. He had 33 disposals, 8 marks and 118 fantasy points in his last meeting against the Roos and should crack the fantasy ton yet again this week.

Recommended Bet

Jack Macrae 110+ Fantasy Points ($2.05)