West Coast’s challenges don’t get any easier this week, as they take on last year’s grand finalists the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night. However, it has hardly been smooth sailing for the Dogs in 2022, as Luke Beveridge’s side can struggled with inconsistency throughout the campaign.
Will the Footscray-based club make a statement at Optus Stadium? 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.
West Coast vs Western Bulldogs Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Saturday 28th May, 7.30pm (AEST)
West Coast
Injuries: Luke Foley, Oscar Allen, Campbell Chesser, Tom Cole, Luke Edwards, Shannon Hurn, Tom Joyce, Zac Langdon, Nic Naitanui, Xavier O’Neill, Jack Petruccelle, Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan, Dom Sheed
West Coast would have loved some big name reinforcements for this clash, but they will have to do with the depleted squad which has struggled to stay afloat thus far.
West Coast followed up an admirable performance against the Demons with a bit of a stinker against GWS, and they will be welcoming the bye with open arms to reset and plan a course of action for the rest of the season. The midfield has been bolstered over the last couple of weeks with some experience but the lack of skill, cohesion and fitness across the park still leaves plenty to be desired for Eagles fans. How many more thrashings will there be until the tables turn… who knows?
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Bailey Smith (out), Josh Bruce, Riley Garcia, Mitch Hannan, Lachie Hunter, Jason Johannisen, Stefan Martin, Toby McLean, Laitham Vandermeer, Mitch Wallis
Bailey Smith is a big loss for this weekend’s clash but the Bulldogs regain the services of big man Tim English, Cody Weightman and Taylor Duryea.
The Bulldogs have strung together two wins in a row after a yo-yo start to the 2022 season. The form of Aaron Naughton and the return of key defender Alex Keath have been central to that, proving that key position players can have a huge bearing on the success of a team. As far as the midfield is concerned, the Western Bulldogs will never be short of talent, however players at either end of the park are having just as big an impact on points scored/conceded. Going forward, a strong run of form will see the Dogs in top four contention, however they can’t afford to drop too many matches as favourites.
Match Prediction
The Bulldogs will win this one in a canter, so what will the magic number be this week?
With ample scoring power and a hunger to prove their worth, I can see this one getting very ugly.
Last time the two sides met the Western Bulldogs were 55-point victors, and all West Coast’s last five losses have been by over 50 points.
So, a win upwards of that margin seems most likely.
Western Bulldogs -40.5
$1.90 (3 Units)
Prop Bets
Naughton has kicked three or more goals in his last three matches and comes up against the struggling Eagles this week. A bag is on the cards for the big forward if he can kick straight.
Aaron Naughton 3+ Goals ($1.75 at TAB)
Macrae has only hit this mark twice so far this year however he should get a boost in uncontested ball with the absence of Bailey Smith. The Bulldogs should also control the ball in an easy win.
Jack Macrae 35+ Disposals ($2.20 at TAB)
