The Western Bulldogs will take on Geelong in a blockbuster Friday night clash for the opening game of Round 12 in the AFL this week! As always, we have a dedicated preview and AFL tips for the clash below.
Remember, you can check out a long list of AFL resourses including the injury list, ladder, premiership odds and more at BYB!
Western Bulldogs vs Geelong Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Friday 3rd June, 7.50pm (AEST)
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Josh Bruce, Mitch Hannan, Toby McLean, Laitham Vandermeer (Out) Bailey Smith, Stefan Martin, Riley Garcia (Test)
The Dogs patiently away the return of Josh Bruce, who is expected to be out for another 3-4 weeks. Outside of him, they don't have a lot of star power on the sidelines at the moment, which should hold them in good stead to make a surge after their bye.
The Western Bulldogs were far too good for the Eagles in Round 11, claiming a massive 101 point win to move to 6-5 on the season and into the top eight. They have now won three on the trot and look to be finally finding their groove after a slow start to 2022.
Their midfield is as dominant as ever, and with some key defensive cogs in the likes of Alex Keath and Tim O'Brien back from injury, they are now looking much more structured at that end of the ground. Aaron Naughton continues to be a force in the forward line as well, currently sitting sixth in the Coleman Medal race with 29 goals.
Geelong
Injuries: Jon Ceglar, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Henry, Max Holmes, Sam Simpson, Esava Ratugolea (Out) Shaun Higgins, Sam Menegola, Gary Rohan, Rhys Stanley (Test)
The Cats could be bolstered by some big inclusions for the Friday night fixture this week. With the relatively easy matchup at home against the Crows last week, it's likely that Rohan, Higgins, Menegola and Stanley were given one more week of rest so ensure they were ready to fire for the Friday night blockbuster.
The Cats have bounced back from a Round 9 loss to the Saints with two straight wins over Adelaide oponents in the Power and Crows. If they can manage a win on Friday night, they'll be a great chance to make it four in a row and push for the top eight as they face the Eagles in their following clash.
Jeremy Cameron has been the catalyst for the Cats turn of form, booting seven goals across the past two weeks and the big man currently sits in 2nd place on the Coleman Medal tally with 32.
Match Prediction
Finding it tough to split these two teams at the 2.5 point line in favour of the Dogs so I'm opting to take the overs instead. Marvel Stadium has been a breeding game for high scoring games this season, particularly games that the Dogs have been involved in.
In the Western Bulldogs five games at MArvel Stadium this season, there has been an average of 171.4 points scored. Both the Dogs and Cats are also two of just six teams that have scored over 1000 points through 11 games this season so far.
Over 168.5 Points
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
Prop Bets
I also really like this to be a close game. I think it will be a shootout but in both directions. The last three games between these two teams have had an average margin of just 10.6 points.
Either Team by 24.5 or Less ($1.78 at Ladbrokes)
Gary Rohan seems the value play to hit the scoreboard for the Cats on Friday night. He is coming back from injury but I think they only increses his goalscoring chances as he should stay closer to home as he regains match fitness. Has kicked eight goals in his last four games against the Dogs.
Gary Rohan 2+ Goals ($3.00 at Ladbrokes)
