3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2021 AFL Season.
We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
WEST COAST V WESTERN BULLDOGS
Sunday 27 June @ Optus Stadium
There is some rain forecast and it might be substantial but hopefully that won't harm what shapes as another instalment of quality from these two on Sunday.
You only have to go back to the start of the year for an absolute cracker as Bontempelli kicked the sealer late to confirm the Dogs win in a see-sawing match.
Well over double figured lead changes at Marvel were complimented by some great goals and outstanding marks. You'd love most games that way.
The Eagles have found some mojo. The GWS and Essendon losses were setbacks but the Carlton win was like an elixir and with health restored the Tigers victory followed.
They now have the splendour of coming off a bye, having that time at home and preparing for a team who have to deal with the rigours of quarantine life as they head into WA.
It hardly seems fair but we are in a weird world at present. Two teams that last year hosted Prelims after the opposition had to come from elsewhere both lost so nothing is a given.
West Coast has gotten a different flow of their own of late. The Tiger win helps but the returning forces are a huge factor.
Yeo is just feeling his way back, they had the fortune to give Kennedy the game off then play him at home and now the big injection happens.
Shuey is due back along with Kelly, McGovern and Sheppard. Whether they all do play in the end is debatable as that many inclusions could be a concern but getting them back long term for finals is the end game.
Enough games at home will surely make sure they are in the Finals. It's then a matter of winning some away to get higher up the pecking order.
That is just one issue for the Western Bulldogs this week. Given those protocols, it will be a task that is for sure. It might however spur them on. Remember they did defeat Fremantle here only recently and still sit second despite two losses in the last three.
Reality is they played really well at Geelong only to lose on the last kick of the match. Sure there were bits and pieces they could have done better but again – it took longer than the time prescribed to beat them.
Marcus Bontempelli played a ripper but it just wasn't enough. He won't play many better against good opposition and his team lose. 30 and a goal plus the clearances and tackles surely got him Brownlow votes.
Their defence held up under the pressure of the power forwards. That has been an area of concern for some but they did a fine job. They now have potentially more talls this time in Kennedy, Darling, Allen and Naitanui.
So now with some recent games between them being close, you'd probably expect this one would be no different.
It's a matter of how the Dogs can emotionally recover from the heartache of that heist at Geelong. Those can take their toll after having given their all and then add in all that has gone on to this one pre-game.
Easy to tip the Eagles here from the luxury of home. And the troops back should see them begin the ascent.
Match Selection: West Coast by 22 points
Suggested Bets: West Coast -15.5 @ $2.45