AFL Preview Round 5: Dockers v Bulldogs

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
Sat 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

Saturday night sees a battle between the 13th placed Fremantle and the 15th placed Western Bulldogs at the brand new Optus Stadium in Perth. With a torrential downpour expected in Perth on the weekend, we will likely see an ugly battle between two sides that are in patchy form during 2018. In good news for Dockers fans, Freo have looked a completely different side at home, with Fyfe, Neale and Walters dominating through the middle and David Mundy winding back the clock. They will welcome a Bulldogs side that has finally began to show some ticker- despite all the rumblings around player discontent and if they bring the same endeavour they showed against the Swans, the Dockers will have a fight on their hands.

Form

Fremantle (LWWL) – When they lost in the opening round by 50 points, the footy world collectively rolled their eyes, expecting another boring, losing season from Ross Lyon’s boys. They have turned it around, however, with 2 big wins at home and a competitive performance in their loss to the Giants last weekend. Crucially for the Dockers, Nat Fyfe is back to his Brownlow winning best.

Western Bulldogs (LLWL) – After a diabolical start to the year, the Bulldogs have started to look more like the Premiership side of 2016 over the past fortnight. Their manic tackling pressure has returned, and it was only a couple of horrendous skill/decision making errors that cost them against the Swans last round- a match they really should have won. 

Stats That Matter– Freo have won 6 of their past 7 against the Bulldogs
– The Dogs have kicked more behinds than goals in every game this season
– Jack Macrae has been averaging 31.5 disposals and 122 Fantasy points per game in 2018
– Freo are 2-0 ATS at home this year
– The Bulldogs have lost 9 of their past 10 games in Perth
– Freo are averaging 101 points per game at home this season (55 away)
– Lachie Neale averages 31 disposals per game against the Dogs

Betting Data2018 Line: Fremantle– 3-1; Western Bulldogs– 2-2
2018 Over-Under: Fremantle– 1-3; Western Bulldogs– 2-2

What To ExpectThe Wolf is wary of this Bulldogs side, whose best is Premiership winning- but they have a poor record in Perth and will face a Freo side who have been exciting (shock horror!) at home. The weather will keep things interesting, but the Wolf thinks the Dockers midfield brigade should be able to hold off the Bulldogs- and then take advantage of the inexperienced defence.

How It’s Shaping UpFremantle by 7

Recommended Bets

Best: Fremantle WIN ($1.60)
Value: Western Bulldogs +15.5 & Under 159.5 ($3.00)
Player Prop: Nat Fyfe 110+ Fantasy Points ($2.00)
First Goalscorer: Cam McCarthy