AFL Preview Round 4: Giants v Dockers

GWS v Fremantle
Sat 1:45pm AEST at Canberra Oval

Footy heads back down to Canberra on Saturday afternoon, as the Giants look to secure their 8th consecutive win at Manuka against the 10th-placed Dockers. With Nat Fyfe returning to his Brownlow Medal winning form, and Aaron Sandilands coming up against a sparse Giants ruck department, Freo will be hopeful of pulling off a huge upset. The Giants, however, will be smarting after a tough-fought loss to the Swans and should come flying out of the blocks.

FormGWS (WWL) – Despite falling to the Swans last round, the Giants lost no admirers with a strong showing in the 16 point defeat. They were very fierce around the footy, but turned the ball over too many times; gifting the Swans more opportunities than they probably ought. Don’t expect the same to happen again.

Fremantle (LWW) – Not many would have envisaged Fremantle responding to the diabolical 50 point loss to Port in Round 1 with 2 confident victories. Lachie Neale and Nat Fyfe have been outstanding, particularly around the contest- and Adam Sandilands has certainly played his part in that; while Alex Pearce has returned to footy in outstanding nick, taking a few big key forward scalps.

Stats That Matter– The Giants have kicked 36 more points than their opponents in 2nd Quarters this year
– Stephen Coniglio averages 28 disposals per match in his last 4 against Freo
– GWS have won their past 7 in a row in Canberra
– Fremantle are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 away games
– Lachie Neale averages 35 disposals and 119.5 Fantasy points per game against GWS
– The Giants have won the past 5 meetings between the two
– GWS have only lost 1 of their past 13 matches at home

Betting Data2018 Line: GWS– 1-2; Fremantle– 2-1
2018 Over-Under: GWS– 2-1; Fremantle– 1-2

What To ExpectThe Wolf has been a little surprised about how the Dockers have been travelling over the past fortnight, but doesn’t see that trend continuing in Canberra. GWS have been very good in Canberra, and will be hardened by their loss to the Swans last round. Aaron Sandilands will give his midfielders plenty of looks at the footy, however, which could keep the margin a bit closer than expected.

How It’s Shaping UpGWS by 34

Recommended Bets

Best: GWS Lead At End of Each Quarter ($1.64)
Value: Giants by 20-39 ($3.20)
Player Prop: Lachie Neale 110+ Fantasy Points ($2.25)
First Goalscorer: Jonathan Patton