AFL Preview Round 1: Giants v Bulldogs

GWS v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 1:10pm AEDT at UNSW Canberra Oval

The Giants host the Bulldogs in Canberra for what is shaping up to be a miserable and wet afternoon in the nation’s capital. These two sides have a tense recent history, highlighted by the devastating 6 point loss the Giants suffered in the Preliminary final at home to the Dogs in 2016. After succumbing again in the Preliminary Final last year, the Giants will be keen to prove their Premiership window has not shut in 2018, while the Bulldogs are just looking to shake off the foggy Premiership hangover that clouded their 2017 season.

FormThe Giants got off to a flying start in the JLT series, pumping the Pies by 60 points, before they succumbed to the Swans in a tight one by 11 points. Lachie Whitfield starred in his new role across half-back as Zac Williams’ replacement, while the Giants engine room of Kelly, Coniglio, Shiel and Ward looked primed for a 2018 Premiership tilt. Worryingly for the rest of the competition, the midfield looked to have gone up another level throughout the preseason.

The Bulldogs had a mixed JLT series as they looked to try an integrate their new recruits into the side as quickly as possible; with a 22 point win over the Hawks offset by a disappointing 33 point loss to a mediocre Pies side. Key defender draftee Aaron Naughton was very impressive in the back half despite needing to add a few extra kilos, while the move of Easton Wood to the forward line looks a fair way off being a success.

Stats That Matter– Unders is 4-0 in their last 4 clashes
– GWS are 4-8 ATS at home
– The Giants won their last meeting by 48 points
– Dylan Shiel averages 27 disposals per game against the Dogs
– In Round 1, 2017- Overs went 9-0
– Josh Kelly averages 116 Fantasy points in Canberra
– The Western Bulldogs only covered the spread once away from home in 2017
– Jonathon Patton kicked 4 goals when they last met

Betting Data2018 Line: 0-0
2018 Over-Under: 0-0
2017 Line: GWS- 12-13; Bulldogs- 8-14
2017 Over-Under: GWS- 12-13; Bulldogs- 8-14

What To ExpectIf the rain comes as expected (and it is forecast as a 90% chance), that will suit a Doggies side that relies more on tenacity at the contest than leg speed. That being said, the Giants looked to have clicked right into gear during the preseason, and have a bit too much class all across the board against a Bulldogs side that is still experimenting with their structures.

How It’s Shaping UpGiants by 21

Pump It Up Price Special: Jeremy Cameron 3+ Goals & GWS Win 25+

Recommended Bets

Best: GWS 1-39 ($2.10)
Value: Toby Greene Scores 2+ Goals In 1st Quarter ($6.50)
Player Prop: (Player Multi) Coniglio 6+ tackles/ Shiel 25+ disposals- $2.21
First Goalscorer: Jonathon Patton ($TBA)