Round 7 of the AFL season continues on Saturday night with an interesting clash between the Dockers and Bulldogs at Optus Stadium from 7.40pm. Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash from PuntingInDanger below.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2024 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
AFL Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs
Optus Stadium, Saturday 27th April, 7.40pm (AEST)
Two teams who sit right on the bubble of the top eight will square off here as both the Dockers and Bulldogs currently maintain a 3-3 record through their opening six games.
After winning their first three games of the season, the Dockers have lost three in a row, the most recent of which an embarrassing 37 points loss to the Eagles in the WA Derby last week. The Eagles kicked out to a 30 point lead early in the 2nd quarter and never looked back, becoming the first team to kick a score of 100+ against a Dockers defence that has ranked amongst the top few teams this season.
It was a busy week for the Dockers at the selection table as four players will come into the side including two debutants. Jye Amiss, who was injured in the loss to the Eagles as well as omissions in Neil Erasmus, Sam Sturt and Ethan Hughes will make way for Heath Chapman, Michael Frederick and first gamers Patrick Voss and Cooper Simpson.
The Bulldogs lost back to back games against the Cats and Bombers but bounced back last week with a super impressive performance against the Saints. In a game where they started as underdogs, the Bulldogs piled on seven goals in the first term and went on to put up 124 points on the stingy St Kilda defence to eventually win by 60 points.
After battling to stay in the side earlier in the season, Bailey Dale was amongst the best for the Dogs with 39 touches and a goal while Aaron Naughton kicked a career high six goals. Not much to report on the injury front for the Bulldogs besides the inclusion of star midfielder Tom Liberatore, who will return from a concussion.
Match Prediction
A few weeks ago this would have been a mouthwatering clash between two up and about teams but Fremantle have looked well off the pace over their last three games. They do have the advantage of being back at home this week against an interstate team.
I think some changes to the line-up with an injection of hungry youngsters should give a spark back to the Fremantle defence here and I expect them to produce something more in line with their efforts from earlier in the season. Outside of the West Coast game, the Dockers have allowed just 63.8 points per game.
A higher scoring Derby last week has pushed this total out to 161.5, I think this one goes well under that line.
Under 161.5 Points
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Under 172.5 - Largely explained above, Optus Stadium is a tough place to score against the Dockers, unless you have Harley Reid in your team.
Bailey Dale 20+ Disposals - Looked like he returned to his running and carrying best last week against the Saints. Bevo may have unlocked his play style again.
Caleb Serong 25+ Disposals - The Fremantle star midfielder has racked up 25+ touches in every game this season. Lock him in for it again.
SGM Odds: $2.30 at BoomBet
