Geelong vs Western Bulldogs Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 11

May 21st 2025, 4:12pm, By: Jake Smit

Cats vs Bulldogs Betting Tips

AFL Round 11 kicks off on Thursday night with a mouth-watering matchup between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium. Both clubs currently sit inside the top eight but have strong aspirations of jumping into the top four, so we should be in for a cracker!  

Check out our full preview and betting tips for Cats vs Bulldogs below and if you’re keen to follow our tips, consider joining Dabble - One of Australia’s most trusted sportsbooks!

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Geelong vs Bulldogs Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 11

The Cattery will Ignite Thursday Night!

The Cattery is set to ignite on Thursday night as Geelong hosts the Western Bulldogs in a highly anticipated clash to kick off Round 11. Both teams are coming off dominant victories, with Geelong demolishing Port Adelaide by 76 points and the Bulldogs dismantling Essendon by 91 points. This fixture carries an extra layer of intrigue, marking the first time Geelong's new recruit, Bailey Smith, faces his former club.

 

Bailey Smith - Distraction or Brownlow Threat?

Smith's departure from the Western Bulldogs during the off-season was a saga, fuelled by cryptic social media posts, comments from both camps, and even some barbs about Ballarat. After missing the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury, Smith has made a blistering start to 2025 with the Cats, averaging a career-high 30.1 disposals and 4.9 clearances from eight matches. His form has been so exceptional that Smith's currently in the top 5 in our Brownlow Predictor. This back-and-forth between he and his old club adds significant spice to what is already a crucial contest for both sides.

 

The Stats That Matter

Advanced stats highlight the strengths of these two well-matched teams. Geelong's offence has been potent, as evidenced by their 115-point haul against Port Adelaide. They have been efficient with their inside 50 entries, and their forward line, spearheaded by Jeremy Cameron, is firing. However, the Bulldogs' defence has shown significant improvement, holding Essendon to just 36 points in Round 10. They average 53.7 tackles per game and generate an impressive 10.5 more inside 50s than their opponents, demonstrating their ability to control territory and apply pressure.

The Bulldogs' midfield, led by Tom Liberatore (averaging 6.9 clearances per game), has been dominant, winning the clearance battle by an average of 5.2. Bailey Dale has been fantastic across half-back, coming off a club-record 49 disposals against the Bombers.

 

Cats or Dogs? Here's our Geelong vs Bulldogs Tip

While Geelong has historically dominated this fixture, especially at GMHBA Stadium, the Bulldogs have had recent success there, winning their last two encounters at the venue. This suggests a shift in the dynamic, and with both teams in strong form, this promises to be a tight contest. Geelong will be without star Patrick Dangerfield and Jack Bowes due to hamstring injuries, while Mitch Duncan will play his 300th game for the Cats - a remarkable milestone.

Despite the Cats' home-ground advantage, the Western Bulldogs' current momentum and robust midfield should prove too much. Expect a fierce battle, but for the Bulldogs’ ability to win contested ball and transition swiftly from defence to ultimately see them prevail.

Western Bulldogs to Win

$1.98 (1.5 Units)

 

Geelong vs Bulldogs Player Prop Bet: Rhylee West, A Man in Form

Our Best Player Prop: Rhylee West 2+ Goals

Rhylee West (Western Bulldogs) is the man we have our sights set on this Thursday night for our top player prop bet. He's improved his game and is having a sublime 2025 with 18 goals from 10 games. Most importantly, his recent form has been flawless, with West kicking 2+ goals in each of his last five games, for a total of 14 over that span. He's accepted his role as a small forward admirably after trying to break into the midifled in previous seasons, and he's certainly reaping the rewards. At the time of writing, you can get $2+ at a couple of bookies, but Palmerbet currently have the best price at $2.20.

Rhylee West 2+ Goals

$2.20 (1 Unit)

 

Geelong vs Bulldogs: Same Game Multi

Rhylee West 2+ Goals: As mentioned above in our Top Player Prop, West has turned into a terrific player and is enjoying a career-best year. Happy to double down and take the value on offer by including him.

Oliver Dempsey 2+ Goals: Pushes forward hard from the wing and has great aerial ability. He's in superb goalkicking form with 17 goals this season, and has kicked multiple goals in 8/10 games.

Ed Richards Score Anytime: Another one that is having a massive impact for the Dogs this season. Playing almost exclusively in the midfield but has still been hitting the scoreboard with regularity. He's kicked a goal in each of his last five games, with a total of seven over that span.

Same Game Multi Odds: $6.75 at BoomBet 

To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!

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Geelong vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info

Date: Thursday, 22nd May 
Time: 7:30pm AEST 
LocationGMHBA Stadium

Weather: Partly cloudy, 16 degrees

Odds: Geelong ($1.82) vs Western Bulldogs ($1.98)
Line: Geelong –4.5
Points: 180.5

Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.

 

Where To Watch Geelong vs Bulldogs?

You can watch Geelong vs Bulldogs live and free on Channel 7 around the country.

Alternatively, all AFL matches can be streamed live or watched in reply with a subscription to Kayo Sports.

 

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Based on the South-West coast of Victoria, Jake has been an avid sports fanatic since he could walk. Aussie Rules, basketball, and soccer are his main three loves, but he's also got a soft spot for countless other sports.

Besides being a major contributor to our sports and fantasy content since 2017, Jake is our Content Manager & Editor and helps to plan and coordinate our team of writers every week. He's also one of the unlucky ones that is a keen Port Adelaide and Phoenix Suns fan, so go easy on him.

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