The AFL has really spoiled us with blockbuster Round 1 fixtures, and Saturday night’s game between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs continues that trend. These two teams have built a bitter rivalry over the last few seasons, and both will be targeting a premiership in 2023, so prepare for a huge contest. We bring you our preview, best bet and value Same Game Multi below!
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AFL Round 1 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday 7:25pm AEDT, March 18th, MCG
Two star-studded line-ups will take to the MCG ready for battle on Saturday night.
Melbourne have been heavily backed to push for another flag in 2023 after they exited the 2022 finals series in straight sets. It was a disappointing end to the year for the Demons after they started in such hot fashion, the shift coming when opposition teams challenged Melbourne tactically and came out on top. Regardless, some notable list and gameplan changes should render the Demons a contender again this year – Brodie Grundy and Lachie Hunter have both come in as experienced stars, and Simon Goodwin has promised some more dare in attack.
While the signs are promising for the men in red and blue, Round 1 is throwing up some challenges. Key players Jack Viney, Bailey Fritsch and Christian Salem are all set to miss the opening round with various ailments, and Steven May is in doubt with a calf complaint. As such, Demons fans will be hoping that the fringe players who are called upon can prove their worth and guide the home team to victory.
Like the Demons, the Bulldogs earned a finals berth last season, but also failed to make it count. The eighth-placed Western Bulldogs fell to Fremantle in an Elimination Final, a far cry from their excellent 2021 season. Nevertheless, the men from Whitten Oval are also promising a resurgence in 2023, bolstered by some key additions to the playing list. Rory Lobb will look to take the weight of responsibility off Aaron Naughton in attack, while Liam Jones should sure up a leaky backline.
Out of the regulars, Marcus Bontempelli looks primed for a huge campaign in the middle, with the likes of Macrae, Liberatore and Smith to support him in the absence of Josh Dunkley. Tim English has plenty of scope for improvement in the ruck if he can overcome his injury and concussion issues, and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan should hit the scoreboard more often this year with some more experience under his belt.
Given the optimism from both camps, this is set to be a cracking game of football. These teams have traded blows over the last few seasons, so an argument can be made for either of them to win this one. Up until about a fortnight ago I was all in on the Demons to kick off their campaign in style. However, the raft of injuries that has hit Melbourne in the lead up to Round 1 has shifted my thinking, and I firmly believe the Bulldogs will cause an upset, especially if Steven May isn’t around to help contain the three headed monster that is Naughton-Lobb-Ugle-Hagan.
Western Bulldogs to Win
$2.18 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Bailey Dale 20+ Disposals – Dale was a picture of consistency in 2022, dropping below 20 disposals just twice. He will be the distributor from the backline for the Dogs again this year, so I’m expecting similar numbers.
Tom Sparrow 15+ Disposals – Still hidden in the shadow cast by Oliver and Petracca in Melbourne’s midfield, Sparrow has been quietly improving, averaging 16 disposals last year. The young bull should see a CBA boost this week in Viney’s absence.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan 2+ Goals – While Melbourne are blessed for key defenders, Ugle-Hagan will draw the third-string stopper after Naughton and Lobb. If the Bulldogs can breakeven in the middle, expect JUG to get on the end of a couple.
Same Game Multi odds - $3.90
