We have a Grand Final rematch on Saturday night in Round 19 with the Bulldogs hosting the Demons at Marvel Stadium. We bring you our best bets for this mouth-watering clash right here!
Also, make sure to check out BeforeYouBet’s AFL Tips page for coverage on every game this weekend!
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Preview & Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Saturday 23rd July, 7:25pm AEST
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Hayden Crozier, Caleb Daniel, Taylor Duryea, Charlie Parker, Anthony Scott, Mitch Wallis
Caleb Daniel will miss the next match or two due to a knee issue, which is a big loss for the Bulldogs. He joins Taylor Duryea and potentially Mitch Wallis as other players in their best 22 who are unavailable for selection for different reasons.
The Bulldogs were in top form against the Saints last weekend, particularly in the first three quarters where they outscored their opponent 87-67. They took their foot off the gas in the last quarter and made the match interesting for a few moments, but the damage was done and they secured a very important ninth win of the season. That win keeps the Bulldogs finals hopes alive as they now currently sit in ninth spot on the table and are just percentage behind the Tigers in eighth.
Melbourne Demons
Injuries: Blake Howes, Tom McDonald, Deakyn Smith, Joel Smith, Daniel Turner
Clayton Oliver will return to play the Bulldogs this week after missing with a fractured thumb against the Power. Jake Lever will also be fit to play after being banged up in his most recent outing. That leaves only Tom McDonald missing from the reigning premiers best 22 as he continues to rehab a sore ankle.
The Demons were slow starters against the Power last weekend when managing just four behinds in the first term, but quickly found their feet and went onto record a relatively comfortable 14-point victory in Alice Springs. It was their third win from their last four games in what’s been an important return to form for the reigning premiers. The Demons now sit second on the ladder, but are only percentage behind the Cats in first.
Match Prediction
These sides met early in the season, and it was the Demons who came out on top by 26 points at the MCG, despite trailing by nine points at the main break. The Demons have now won three of their last four meetings with the Bulldogs including last season’s Grand Final. The only thing that’s changed since the start of this season is the Bulldogs form has dropped right off, which is why the Demons will start as the deserving favourites this weekend. I expect them to be too good once again and to cover the small spread for 1.5 units.
Melbourne Demons -8.5 (1.5 Units)
$1.90
Prop Bets
Rhylee West has found the best form of his career this season and is hitting the scoreboard with regularity. He’s banged through 10 goals in his last seven matches and is great value for at least one again here.
Rhylee West Anytime Goal Scorer, $1.64 with Ladbrokes
Kozzy Pickett bagged a career-high six goals against the Power last weekend and will be full of confidence as a result. He’s now kicked 3+ goals on four separate occasions this season and should be good for at least two on Saturday night.
Kysaiah Pickett 2+ Goals, $1.80 with Ladbrokes
Buku Khamis went behind the footy last weekend and made a big impact with his 18 disposals. He’s set to play in defence again on Saturday night and is good value for at least 15 touches.
Buku Khamis 15+ Disposals, $1.80 with Ladbrokes
