3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 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.
PORT ADELAIDE V WESTERN BULLDOGS
Monday 3 August @ Adelaide Oval
Who'd have thought a top eight clash on a quiet old Monday night would allow quite a percentage of the public's minds a little respite but that is the concept we face in this bonkers 2020.
With many hearts offered to the restricted community in Victoria, some relief via a game off footy in Adelaide can't hurt and in Port and the Dogs, it should be a decent game.
Port Adelaide sit equal top with the best % of the comp and they hope to take full advantage of any home crowd situation. Their Queensland form has in truth been stronger.
For all of the pathetic nature of Melbourne last week, Port did everything they needed to and more. When you have a danger game, you need to start well. They did exactly that and had five goals in hand by half time.
They had eight up their sleeve by the end of the match so full credit to them even though their opposition was woeful.
It was a very even effort across their midfielders with no great reliance on their forward set up. When Charlie Dixon only kicks one and they kick 12, that is a positive.
Needing to be wary of their rivals run off half back, those forwards will have to work hard.
That is because both Caleb Daniel and Jason Johannisen can carve you up. They are precise but their dare is most important.
The Bulldogs will challenge Port inside. Josh Dunkley now back along with Macrae, Liberatore and Smith need to be an addendum to the sublime skill of Bontempelli and the touch of Tim English.
It is a formula that can work at its best. They need to find that more often rather than every now and then.
Josh Bruce needs to clunk a few and early. If he gets the Port backline off its axis, it allows the rest more opportunities.
In a season of total backflips and form turnarounds, it would come as no surprise that it would be here as well. While the Dogs do sit only two wins off top spot, the truth is they aren't that good. But they are in the position to take benefit of where they stand.
Happy with the 'Ins' for the Western Bulldogs and this is a game, while not overly confident, could easily throw up a weird result.
The trouble for the Dogs is they are all duck or no dinner. They win big or they lose big.
The classic bet for this game might be the old Tri-bet. Have a bigger plonk on Port 16+ but save on the Dogs 16+.
Match Selection: Port Adelaide by 17 points
Suggested Bets: Port Adelaide 16+ @ $1.90 / Western Bulldogs 16+ @ $6.20