AFL Preview Round 8: Dockers v Saints

Fremantle v St Kilda
Sat 8:10pm at Optus Stadium

The last Saturday game for Round 8 is over in the West, where the Dockers will host the Saints at Optus Stadium. Both sides were nothing short of horrendous last round, with St. Kilda continuing to challenge the goal umpire’s lateral movement on their way to 9.13 in their 39 point loss while the Dockers completely capitulated in the fourth quarter to the Tiges- conceding a staggering 8 goals while scoring none themselves. Expect the Dockers to turn on the afterburners as they look to move the ball quickly against St. Kilda- but don’t be expecting a skills-fest.

Form

Fremantle (WLWLL) – The fact that Fremantle had the best two players on the ground in a 77 point loss says a lot about the difference between the two clubs- though take nothing away from the hurculean performances of Fyfe, Neale and old warhorse Sandilands. Their return of 4.9- 33 was their fourth lowest ever- and given it was perfect conditions for footy that is simply not good enough. Fortunately for them, they are back to Perth, where they have been averaging 98 points a game in 2018.

St. Kilda (LLDLL) – There are better displays of goalkicking in the half-time Auskick matches than there are at Saints games. It is just woeful in every match circumstance. How can someone as prodigious a kick as Jack Billings be kicking (4.11) for goal at 35%? They look completely bereft of confidence, and their effort during games fluctuates so wildly it is impossible to gauge where they are at. Jack Stevens and Seb Ross are plugging along okay, but they desperately need teammates to go with them. 

Stats That Matter– Both sides have only had one of their matches go Overs this season
– Only 1/7 interstate sides have won at Optus Stadium
– Fremantle are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
– Nat Fyfe is averaging 31 disposals and 113 Fantasy points per game in 2018
– The Dockers average 38 more points at home than they do away
– Jack Steven averages 27 disposals and 109 Fantasy points per game against Fremantle

Betting Data

2018 Line: Fremantle- 5-2; St. Kilda 2-5
2018 Over-Under: Fremantle- 1-6; St. Kilda- 1-6

What To Expect

The Wolf won’t be spending much of his Saturday night watching this one, and can’t see where the Saints will get their goals from (they have plenty of players who can contribute behinds, however). Freo have looked a different side at home, and on that basis you would expect Fremantle to be getting the 4 points.

How It’s Shaping UpFremantle by 21

Pump It Up Price Special: Fyfe/Neale/Ross 95+ Disposals & Either Side Win 1-15 ($8.00)

Recommended Bets

Best: St. Kilda 0-9 Goals ($1.96)
Value: Nat Fyfe 130+ Fantasy Points ($5.50)
Player Prop: Ross 30+ Disposals/Neale 30+ Disposals ($3.49)
First Goalscorer: Hayden Ballantyne