The Western Bulldogs were unable to build on their strong run of form with a win against the Lions last weekend, instead going down cheaply by 43 points (71-114). The second quarter was where the damage was done where they were outscored 40-10, and they were never able to recover as they slipped to 6-7 on the year.
114 is now the biggest score the Dogs have had kicked against them this season, and restricting sides will it only get tougher going forward as they’ll now be without key defender Alex Keath who suffered a 5-7 week hamstring injury. Interestingly, the Dogs haven’t selected a key defender to replace him which suggests they’ll be spinning the magnets this weekend.
On a positive note, Tom Liberatore made a successful return in Round 13 after missing a month due to concussion. He’ll line up again this weekend, as will Ed Richards who’s also set to return from concussion. Small forward Cody Weightman has overcome an elbow injury and will add some much-needed spark in attack.
Meanwhile, Fremantle will be raring to go on Saturday after having their mid-season bye last weekend. Prior to their week off they destroyed the Demons at TIO Traeger Park to the tune of 92 points (141-49) in what was by far their best performance in recent memory.
The Dockers are slightly flying under the radar this season despite entering Round 14 in seventh spot on the ladder and only two points outside the top four with a game in hand. They’ve lost only once from their past six matches which was against the ladder-leading Swans in Round 9.
The Dockers’ backline has looked sensational this season and will become even stronger in the not-so-distant future as Brennan Cox has finally recovered from a bad hamstring injury. The key defender is a chance to return to play next week, although it’s most likely to be in the WAFL. The Dockers have made only one change from their team that smashed the Demons, with Matthew Johnson coming in for Corey Wagner.
Match Prediction: Although only six points separates these clubs on the ladder, I think it’s fair to say that the Dockers have looked far superior to the Bulldogs so far this season. The Dockers are full of confidence on the back of recent form and certainly don’t deserve to be underdogs in this matchup. I expect the Dockers’ key forwards to play a huge role in the outcome, as the Dogs simply don’t have the cattle to repel. With that said, I’m more than happy to have a decent crack at the Dockers’ moneyline.
