Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans

Thursday 31/3/22 @ Docklands

Last 5 Encounters |  Western Bulldogs 2  |  Sydney 3

Notable Changes – Lance Franklin is out for Sydney (rested).  Bailey Smith is back for the Western Bulldogs.

Verdict

Another cracking game to start to the round with Sydney travelling to Melbourne for the first time this year to take on last years premiership runner up the Western Bulldogs.  Many would have predicted the Bulldogs to go 0-1 given they faced Melbourne in round 1 but not many would of predicted 0-2.  It is no cause for alarm just yet but were they to lose again tonight then perhaps it may be, certainly from a top four point of view.  The same can’t be said for the Swans who are off to a flyer in 22.  They backed up a good win over GWS in round 1 with a dominate performance over the Cats at the SCG last week.  Were the Swans not to of rested Lance Franklin I would of been keen to back the them here – given how well they are playing and their good recent record against the Western Bulldogs – but with Franklin out and Bailey Smith back for the Bulldogs and this being a must win game for them its a no bet in line/head to head markets.  Our most disposals bet on Jack Macrae tied last week resulting in a small profit.  Stiff given he had 35!  He’s an absolute ball magnet and I think he’s a good play again here against the Swans.

Suggested bet – 1.25 Unit Jack Macrae Most Disposals Group 1 @ $1.91 (Sportsbet)

Melbourne Demons v Essendon Bombers

Friday 1/4/22 @ MCG

Last 5 Encounters |  Melbourne 4  |  Essendon 1

Notable Changes – No official teams at time of writing but Zach Merrett will miss for the Bombers.

Verdict

Essendon had high hopes for season 2022 after sneaking into the top 8 at the end of last year but it’s been a nightmare start for the men from Windy Hill and I think it might be about to get worse.  They lose one of their gun mids, in Zach Merrett with an ankle injury and are up against a hungry reigning premier back in front of their home fans at the G.  Melbourne did what they needed to do last week against the Gold Coast and I can see them hungry to put in a more polished performance under the Friday Night lights against an inferior Bombers outfit.  If the Demons start well, this could get ugly for the Dons.

Suggested bet – 1 Unit Melbourne Line (-27.5) @ $1.90 (Sportsbet)

Geelong Cats v Collingwood Magpies

Saturday 2/1/22 @ MCG

Last 5 Encounters |  Geelong 3  |  Collingwood 2

Notable Changes – No teams at time of writing

Verdict

Tough game to call this one.  Geelong will be hungry to bounce back after a sub par effort against Sydney last week, while Collingwood are full of confidence and exceeding expectations.  The bet that I’m keen to have here is Isaac Smith 20+ disposals.  The hard running wingman has had 20+ in 25 out of his last 28 games, including both games to start 22 and loves playing at the MCG.  At $1.40 he represents good value to include in our multi.

Suggested bet – Isaac Smith 20+ Disposals @ $1.40 (Multi)

Richmond Tigers v St Kilda Saints

Sunday 3/4/22 @ Docklands

Verdict

Richmond v St Kilda is always a big game on the calendar as the teams play in Maddie’s Match to raise awareness and money for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.  You can read more / donate here – https://www.mrv.org.au/donations.

It’s another disposals bet in this game for me.  Jack Steele was unusually quiet against the Dockers last week in Perth.  He’s a proven ball winner playing against a team that doesn’t care about giving up big possessions to opposition mids.   He had 25+ in both games against the Tigers last year.

Suggested bet – Jack Steele 25+ Disposals @ $1.25 (Multi)

Multi – 1.5 Units @ $2.10 (Sportsbet)

  • Melbourne (Win)
  • Isaac Smith 20 + Disposals
  • Jack Steele 25 + Disposals

Last Week (Profit/Loss): +4.05 units  l  Overall Season (Profit/Loss): +7.15 units