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.

WESTERN BULLDOGS V CARLTON

Sunday 9 May @ Marvel Stadium

Quite an intriguing match up is the main one on Sunday indoors as the Bulldogs look to bounce back against the Blues who want to build on what they achieved last round.

Coming off their first loss of the year, was it just an aberration for the Dogs or a portent of ways to beat them?

Richmond hunted and beat them up. Damning that they led by four goals, the swing was almost unbelievable sans the best player in the game.

With so many midfielders, it's no surprise that they'd get plenty of it but not in the usual manner. With more possessions and maybe over-handballing, the Western Bulldogs got done in by a method which hadn't hit them in 2021 so far. They'd played weaker sides until then.

Of course not every side is capable of doing what Richmond did but they can certainly try in a copycat league.

Teams have to be able to tackle, chase and pressure to bring the Dogs undone. It then puts pressure in return on their defence. The coach is getting questioned on both them and whether their No 1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan should be selected.

Whatever the reasoning, and many have voiced differing views, is it only one game or a sign? Thinking more that that can happen to any team as it's hard to be up for so long.

But does the number on a draft pick influence that much for a coach to pick him. It seems so. Or is it just the voracious appetite in the media for a story?

If he's picked this week was it because of the story lines or was he ready? So much can be read into this at present.

With Carlton as the opponent, they come here off being lauded for winning a very open game against the foe Essendon but was it a great performance?

Very much doubt they can win big Finals playing that way. There was a looseness in defence that could cause problems.

However let's at least look to the positives. They did kick 19 goals which won't be done much this year if we continue to get back toward the tighter style of game.

And while Patrick Cripps is on his way back, it has almost become Sam Walsh's team – at least Sam Walsh's midfield.

On Brownlow night he'll be polling some good numbers and even if not winning, it will be the forerunner to one day getting 30+ and taking home the medal.

If the Dogs bring the game that saw them start 6-0 they should win but the Blues do have a nice recent record against them. Last year there was that thrashing on the Gold Coast and the same right here in 2019.

They are likely too far apart in the betting so the start could be the best play.

Match Selection: Western Bulldogs by 9 points

Suggested Bets: Carlton +22.5 @ $1.90