Western Bulldogs v Collingwood betting tips and prediction
Welcome to our Western Bulldogs v Collingwood betting tips and winner prediction for their AFL wildcard match at the MCG on Friday night.
The Magpies (1.83) are favourites to defeat the Bulldogs (2.00) in what looms as a line ball contest, between two clubs that can cause damage in September.
The Bulldogs v Magpies line has been set at a paltry 3.5 points, while the over/under total points market is at 169.5.
Western Bulldogs secured their home wildcard final with a gritty win over Melbourne, which threw the Demons out of the top six and into Saturday’s night’s wildcard playoff against red-hot Carlton.
The Bulldogs are pondering whether to rush ruckman Tim English back into the team, with their undersized squad being forced to ruck Rory Lobb in recent weeks.
Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton is also in doubt after suffering an ankle injury against the Demons, with the club listing their star as a test, while they have ruled out veteran midfielder Tom Liberatore after he underwent minor knee surgery.
Collingwood were thrashed by the Brisbane Lions in their dead rubber, but you can forgive this performance, given star players, including Nick Daicos were on limited minutes.
The Magpies have confirmed ace defender Isaac Quaynor (ankle) will return, while experienced wingman Pat Lipinski could return from his calf injury.
The Magpies have lost veteran Scott Pendlebury from the Lions clash, with a hamstring injury. Magpies in the gun include Will Hayes, who was quiet agains the Lions, and veteran Steele Sidebottom, although given his retirement announcement it would be a brutal call to leave him out.
Bulldogs v Collingwood betting tips
Our AFL betting expert has assessed the odds and found some value Western Bulldogs v Collingwood tips:
Weightman, West and Jones predictions
Cody Weightman, Rhylee West and Arthur Jones loom as keys to this clash against the Magpies. The small forwards have never had such a good opportunity against an undermanned backline, missing both Brayden Maynard and Harry Perryman, the Pies best two stoppers. If these three smalls can kick goals the Dogs will be well on the way to a win. Jones was the key performance against the Demons, but at this stage I’m going with Weightman for 2+ this week.
Jordan De Goey 30+ possessions
The Bulldogs were torched by De Goey last time the teams clashed, and his form in the final round against the Lions was ominous, with close to 30 touches from limited minutes. While Nick Daicos will get the bulk of the attention, JDG could be the match-winner for the Pies. He is also at juicy 3.80 odds with Aussie betting sites.
Dan McStay 3+ goals
McStay is one of the form forwards in the competition and we’re willing to forgive him for his last up effort, given the bruise free nature of the match against the Lions. McStay will play forward and give Cameron a chop out in the ruck. If he fires, the Dogs could be in trouble. He is paying 3.45 to kick 3+ goals.
Should I bet on Bont?
The Western Bulldogs captain is primed for a big match on Friday night after a recent rest and solid tune up against the Demons. He is likely to have to deal with Magpies’ defensive mid Ed Allan and tackling machine Ned Long, with this clash set to have a massive bearing on the outcome. Bont is paying 1.60 to reach 25+ possessions, or is at 2.35 to kick multiple goals, which is very possible given the doubts on Naughton, which cold force their star ball winner to play more forward. We’re going to include Ed Richards for 25+ in this clash.
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood prediction
The experts have been swooning over the Dogs after their solid win against the Demons, but the Magpies deserve respect after their strong finish to the season, if you wipe the Lions effort from your memory. We think Craig McRae’s team is a little too experienced to let this last up effort dent their confidence. We can see Nick Daicos being primed for this clash, and if the Dogs don’t stop him, we’re struggling to see a path to victory. Our final Bulldogs v Magpies prediction? Collingwood by 16 points.
