The Western Bulldogs season will be on the line as they face off against the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium from 1.10pm this Sunday. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Also, we're providing previews and best bets for every game of the 2023 season, so make sure to check out our AFL Tips page regularly to stay up to date.
AFL Round 23 Preview & Betting Tips
Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Eagles
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 20th August, 1.10pm (AEST)
The Bulldogs were in the box seat to secure a finals berth but a shock loss to the Hawks in Tasmania last week now puts them right back with the chasing pack. They currently sit in eighth place with a percentage lead over the Bombers and Giants while the Cats and Crows also sit within striking distance.
Luckily for the Dogs, they will get the opportunity for a percentage booster this week as they come up against the struggling Eagles, who were smashed to the tune of 101 points against their cross town rivals in the Dockers last week.
The Dogs will be without star midfielder Tom Liberatore due to concussion for at least this week, while Jason Johannisen will need to prove fitness on an achilles injury to face the Eagles. The Eagles injury list is still ugly viewing, as Oscar Allen joined the walking wounded after hyperextending his elbow in the loss to the Dockers. The star forward will play this week but could be fairly limited. Retiring veterans Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn will both miss this week but could be in line for a final game farewell at Optus Stadium in Round 24.
The Dogs start as whopping 64.5 point favourites and I don’t think that's enough here. They have their season on the line and on the contrary, West Coast have absolutely nothing to play for. The Dogs also play much better under the roof of Marvel Stadium, where they are 7-4 this season.
The Eagles have lost 10 games by 60+ points this season and should suffer another big defeat at the hands of the Dogs.
Western Bulldogs -64.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Jack Macrae 25+ Disposals - The star midfielder had a quiet week last week with just 16 touches against the Hawks but I expect him to bounce back this week. Racked up 20+ in every other game this season and averages 25.9.
Cody Weightman 2+ Goals - Hasn’t kicked multiple goals in the last three weeks but always seems to get on the end of more when the Dogs are winning by big margins, which I expect them to do this week. Kicked three in the 31 point win over the Bombers a few weks ago and six in the 31 point win over the Roos earlier in the year.
Bulldogs by 40+ - Pretty self explanatory here. Think the Dogs get the job done pretty easy to keep their season alive.
SGM Odds: $2.25 at BoomBet
