Week 1 of the 2022 AFL finals concludes with a do-or-die elimination final between a young Fremantle side and 2021 Grand Finalists the Western Bulldogs.
Undoubtedly, the Dockers have had an easier road to September and will be pumped to perform in front of home fans, however the Dogs will provide a stern test.
Before the match, be sure to check out these AFL finals betting tips!
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Saturday 3rd September, 8.10pm (AEST)
Fremantle
Injuries: Nat Fyfe (out), Connor Blakely, Matt Taberner
Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe will unfortunately miss this clash with a freshly sustained hamstring injury, which also places the rest of his finals campaign in jeopardy. Key forward Matt Taberner will also be absent.
It has been an outstanding season for Fremantle, who have qualified for the finals for the first time in seven years. While there been several significant injury setbacks, the squad has banded together and maintained a consistent level of performance throughout the home-and-away season. While the Dockers undoubtedly have their fair share of individual stars, their main strength has been collective discipline and improvement. Justin Longmuir has shaped his side into a defensive force, and an often-makeshift forward line led by Rory Lobb continues to get the job done. In the middle, Andrew Brayshaw is set to challenge for the Brownlow medal, and he has been supported incredibly well by the likes of Caleb Serong, Will Brodie, David Mundy. On the outside, Blake Acres, Jordan Clark and Hayden Young have all rapidly developed into exciting runners. Missing out on the top four definitely reduces Fremantle’s flag chances, however this year is a bit of a free hit considering preseason expectations, so I expect the Dockers to put their best foot forward.
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Tom Liberatore (out), Hayden Crozier, Dom Bedendo, Charlie Parker, Mitch Wallis
Tom Liberatore is a huge out for the Bulldogs. He has been a reliable inside ball winner, so it’s over to the rest of the midfield brigade to get the job done!
Making the finals is rarely considered a disappointing effort, but many would have expected more from the Western Bulldogs this year. Simply, the team in red, white, and blue have looked a shadow of their 2021 selves this year, rarely producing the scintillating performance that caused them to be feared by the competition. However, now that they are a part of September, the Dogs have an opportunity to show their trademark resilience and put in a big month of football. The ingredients are still there for a deep September run – skilled rebound from defence, a star-studded midfield, and a multi-talented forward line. So, which Bulldogs will we see in the 2022 finals series? Regardless of whether they find form, the Dogs will have to do it the hard way. A trip to Perth is one of the toughest in the league, and after that some big hitting teams await.
Match Prediction
Fremantle have easily had the better season, but anything can happen in the finals cauldron.
Despite making the eight by the skin of their teeth, the Bulldogs will be buoyed by a strong recent record at Optus Stadium which has seen them win their last two games at the intimidating venue. They also have the advantage of finals experience, which can’t be underestimated.
The Dockers have the head-to-head advantage this season though – they scored a 17-point win over the Dogs at Marvel Stadium in August. As such, I’m finding this game a difficult one to pick. Regardless of the victor, I think it will be a tight contest considering Fremantle’s stingy defence, so I’m backing a small final margin.
Either team to win by less than 24.5 points
$1.82 (3 Units)
Prop Bets
It’s been an up and down year for Ryan, but arguably his best performance came against the Bulldogs when he racked up 151 points. The Dogs tend to allow uncontested marks in their forward half, and Ryan loves a kick-in, so there should be plenty of opportunities for him to accumulate the ball on Saturday night.
Luke Ryan 90+ Fantasy Points ($1.88 at Ladbrokes)
Lobb has had a great season, managing multiple goals in 10 matches. He will be the number one target for Fremantle this weekend and kicked four goals in the August win over the Dogs. It’s also worth noting that the Western Bulldogs are notorious for struggling against opposition key forwards.
Rory Lobb 2+ Goals ($1.67 at Ladbrokes)
