The ladder-leading Bulldogs are coming off three wins from their last four games, as they host the up-and-coming Swans at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Two of the most exciting teams in the competition go head-to-head in what is set to be a ripping contest, and we’ve got you covered with preview & AFL tips for a crucial top eight clash.
AFL Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday July 11th, 3:20pm AEST
Match Prediction
The Bulldogs moved back to the top of the ladder thanks to a 29-point victory over North Melbourne last week. Sydney produced a stunning performance in a 92-point rout of the Eagles, to end a two-game losing streak. It’s been an impressive month for the Dogs who had convincing wins over both the Western Australian teams at Optus Stadium, which has seen them become premiership favourites.
Aaron Naughton will miss this week due to a concussion with number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to make his long awaited debut. For the Swans, James Rowbottom is set to come back into the side after being the sub against West Coast.
Marvel Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Bulldogs this season, who have a 6-1 record at the venue, with their only loss coming against Melbourne. The Bulldogs average winning margin in those six victories is 58 points, and they average 114 points at Marvel Stadium in 2021. The Bulldogs have scored 100 plus points in six of their seven games at Marvel Stadium this season.
The Bulldogs are the number one scoring team in the comp, averaging 97.9 points per game. Their attacking success has come on the back of their incredible midfield that keep producing week in and week out. The Bulldogs rank number one for clearances (39.6), number one for disposal efficiency (76%) number two for disposals (384.5) and number two for inside 50’s.
The Swans are going to have a tough task keeping the Bulldogs midfield in check. Jack Macrae is putting together a historic season with 15 consecutive 30 plus disposal games, as he leads the league in disposals, averaging 34 per game. Brownlow favourite Marcus Bontempelli has been utterly dominant this season, averaging 27 disposals, 5 clearances, 7 inside 50’s and a goal per game. Although Macrae and Bontempelli receive most of the praise, Tom Liberatore is having an excellent season, leading the AFL in clearances, with 8.60 per game. George Hewett tends to play a tagging role for the Swans, however it’s not a successful strategy given the depth in the Bulldogs midfield. If one of the Bulldogs mids get tagged, the next one steps up.
The Swans have ran with an undersized defence this season with Tom McCartin and Dane Rampe as the two key defenders. They’ve been able to get away with this due to their pressure on the ball, however against the Bulldogs at Marvel, the Swans defence could be pushed to breaking point. Josh Bruce is having a great season sitting third in the Coleman Medal race with 39 goals, and Tim English has been an excellent target inside 50 averaging a goal a game. The Bulldogs play at a furious pace, which is going to stretch the Swans defence. Bruce and English will cause a lot of traffic, which will open up plenty of opportunities for the likes of Cody Weightman and Mitch Wallis.
The Bulldogs are starting to build some serious form heading into the final stages of the home and away season. Despite the Swans coming off an outstanding win last week, they don’t have the midfield depth to go with the Bulldogs, and their undersized defence could get exposed badly with the Bulldogs fast ball movement. The Bulldogs have won their last two against the Swans and with an average winning margin of 58 points at Marvel Stadium this season, the -20.5 line won’t be a challenge for the Bulldogs to reach.
Bulldogs -20.5 (1.5 Units)
$1.90
Same Game Multi
Bailey Dale has been a revelation since moving into defence this season, averaging 23 disposals as he presses his case for All Australian selection. Dale has recorded over 20 disposals in twelve of his last thirteen games. Seasoned campaigner Josh Kennedy continues to produce into his fifteenth season, averaging 23 disposals. Kennedy picked up 22 in a blowout victory last week, and will attend more centre bounces this week. Kennedy has hit the 20 plus mark 10 times this season. To round out the multi, we’ve got Josh Bruce to kick 2+ goals. Bruce has had an excellent season with 39 goals to be third in the Coleman Medal race, and Marvel Stadium is where Bruce really gets to work. Bruce has kicked 28 goals at Marvel Stadium this season, and has kicked at least two goals in all seven games he’s played at the venue this season.
Bailey Dale 20+ Disposals
Josh Kennedy 20+ Disposals
Josh Bruce 2+ Goals
WB vs SYD Same Game Multi
$2.87
