The West Coast Eagles will host the Sydney Swans in the 2nd game of the Good Friday double header at Optus Stadium from 7.40pm.
As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips below. Remember to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates throughout the season.
West Coast vs Sydney Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Friday 15th April, 7.40pm (AEST)
West Coast
Injuries: Oscar Allen, Tom Cole, Andrew Gaff, Tom Joyce, Nic Naitanui, Dom Sheed, Zane Trew (Out)
The Eagles injury list is still the longest in the league and it got worse in their win over Collingwood on the weekend as they lost star ruckman Nic Naitanui to a knee injury. They could get a whole host of players back this week though, as Elliot Yeo, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Tim Kelly, Luke Shuey and Jamie Cripps all eyeing returns.
The Eagles had a inspiring win over the Magpies on the weekend to keep their season alive and possibly mark a drastic shift of form. Willie Rioli was fantastic in the win, booting three goals while Jeremy McGovern was best on ground for his work in defence.
It was a great shift in momentum that the Eagles will hope to build on this week as they gain some of their key midfielders back in the likes of Shuey, Yeo and Kelly. They now somewhat resemble the team that went to a Grand Final just three years ago.
Sydney
Injuries: Lance Franklin, Tom Hickey, Sam Naismith, Tom Papley (Out)
The Swans were dealt a blow in their win over the Roos on the weekend as Lance Franklin suffered a finger injury that will keep him out for at least the next two weeks. Tom Hickey remains on the sidelines while star forward Tom Papley is getting closer to a return.
The Swans looked really shaky against the Roos throughout the first three quarters but managed to get over the line in a less than inspiring performance. Justin McInerny was best on ground for the Swans, racking up 30 touches and booting a goal in the win. Callum Mills continued his good start to 2022 with another high disposal game.
The Swans are 3-1 with their only loss coming to the Bulldogs, but they haven’t been extremely convincing. They are no doubt a top eight side when they are playing at their best, but there is still some holes in their side, particularly in attack without Lance Franklin and Tom Papley in the line-up.
Match Prediction
I absolutely love the value of the Eagles here. They are at Optus Stadium in front of what should be a packed Good Friday house and have a bunch of top end midfielders coming back into the side.
The Eagles bookends still boast some of the most dangerous players in the league in the likes of McGovern, Darling, Kennedy, Rioli, Ryan and Barrass. Where they have really been lacking is in the guts, and they address that problem this week.
Sydney have played just five total games at Optus Stadium, losing three and their last two on the trot.
West Coast +10.5
$2.00 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
With no Franklin or Papley in the forward line for the Swans, I think Isaac Heeney will need to spend the majority of his time in the forward line rather than in the midfield. He has kicked multiple goals in three of his four games this season and totalled 11.
Isaac Heeney 3+ Goals ($2.80 at Ladbrokes)
The other goal-kicker who I really like this Friday night is Liam Ryan. Ryan worked his way into the game against the Pies and ended with two goals. In his three games this season, he has improved by one goal in each performance.
Liam Ryan 2+ Goals ($2.02 at Ladbrokes)
