We are almost a third of the way through the AFL season and what a cracker it's shaping up to be so far. Round 8 gets underway on Friday night with Port Adelaide taking on the Western Bulldogs from Adelaide Oval.
As always, Andy Rosos has you covered with his full preview and betting tips for the clash below. Remember to head to our AFL Tips page for previews for all of the Round 8 games.
Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Betting Tips
Adelaide Oval, Friday 6th May, 7.30pm (AEST)
Port Adelaide
Injuries: Miles Bergman, Orazio Fantasia, Scott Lycett, Trent McKenzie, Josh Sinn (Out) Mitch Georgiades, Charlie Dixon (Test)
The Power could get a couple of handy inclusions this week with the sorely missed key forwards in Mitch Georgiades and Charlie Dixon potentially making a return. Check out our full AFL injury list for more detailed updates.
The Power started the season in horrendous form, losing their first five games. They have since bounced back to win their last two, a dominant victory over the Eagles followed by a hard fought slog in tough conditions against the Saints. I'm not sure how much can be taken from that win against the Saints, as the two teams put up just over 80 points in a game that was pretty hard to watch.
There's no doubt that the Power have found some form though. The return of Aliir Aliir gives real stability to their backline and with Dixon potentially coming back into the side, they should be able to attack the way they want to.
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Josh Buce, Sam Darcy, Tim English, Jason Johannisen, Toby McLean (Out) Riley Garcia, Mitch Hannan, Lachie Hunter, Alex Keath, Mitch Wallis (Test)
The Dogs will be waiting on bated breath on the fitness test of Alex Keath as they are desperate for key defenders at the moment. Mitch Hannan, Mitch Wallis and Lachie Hunter will also need to prove fitness.
What an up and down year it's been for the Dogs so far this season. They are 3-4 on the season and sit just outside the top eight and are yet to string together consecutive wins. They bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Crows with a win over the Bombers on the weekend, which sets them up to make a real run at the top eight with games against the Power, Magpies, Suns and Eagles over the next month.
Match Prediction
It seems as though the bookies are finding this match as hard to predict as I am, having seen lines at just 1 point in favour of either team at different outlets. Not keen to take on either side to win this one outright, but I do like the unders here. There is set to be some rain around Adelaide all day on Friday, which should make for pretty slick conditions. I expect the game to be played in pretty similar fashion to the Crows-Dogs matchup a few weeks ago, which saw just 125 points scored.
Under 155.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Aliir Aliir has improved week by week since coming back into the side in Round 5. He had 15 touches against the Saints last week in wet conditions due to easily being able to pick off long kicks going forward. In similar conditions, I love the value of him to rack up 15+ again.
Aliir Aliir 15+ Disposals ($3.50 at BetRight)
I think wet conditions should suit the young bull that is Zak Butters. He has no problem getting in and under and getting his own ball and his tackle numbers should increase in the wet. Back him to score 90+ fantasy points, which he has done in three of seven games so far.
Zak Butters 90+ Fantasy Points ($2.05 at Ladbrokes)
