AFL Kangaroos v Bulldogs tips, odds & multi picks – Rd 14, 2023

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs best bets

Kangaroos v Bulldogs AFL R14 match preview

Round 14 of the AFL season wraps up on Sunday afternoon as the North Melbourne Kangaroos take on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Last weekend, the Kangaroos took on the GWS Giants down in Tasmania, where they were beaten by 28 points. After leading early in the third term, a GWS goal surge followed, creating a comfortable margin by the end of the game.

This result brings the North Melbourne losing streak to 11 games. While they may have shown glimpses of improvement since Brett Ratten took the reins last month, the Roos look unrecognisable compared to the side that showed so much promise across the first two rounds of the season.

Although there are few positives for the Kangaroos in terms of results, individual performances from many of their young players give fans hope that the club will improve over the next few years. Particularly impressive last weekend was George Wardlaw, who imposed himself upon the game as an inside midfielder. With only four games under his belt, this is just the beginning with a lot more improvement to come.

The Western Bulldogs suffered a similar fate last weekend as they faced the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium, going down by 22 points in a high-scoring affair. Unable to stop the Power’s ball movement all day, the Bulldogs defenders were regularly left undersized as the Port midfielders targeted one-on-one contests.

This was the Bulldogs’ third loss in a row, in a slide that is raising concerns about whether they are serious about finals contention. This weekend against the Kangaroos shapes as a must-win game for them and a real opportunity to gain some positive percentage, which can become critical in the squeeze for finals positions.

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North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs betting strategy

While the inexperienced Kangaroos midfield will welcome back captain Jy Simpkin from injury, they should still be overwhelmed by the Bulldogs. Expect the Doggies to move the ball quickly, looking to isolate one-on-one contests and take advantage of the height difference in their forward line. We are backing in the Bulldogs to win this one comfortably at $1.22 with the top online bookmakers.

Leading the Bulldogs for goals this season, Aaron Naughton has scored every week and is always the main target inside 50. Naughton should find plenty of opportunities, as he regularly generates distance between himself and his direct matchup on the lead. In a game the Bulldogs are expected to win comfortably, back Naughton for three or more goals at $2.25 with the best AFL betting sites.

Following his role change to spend more time forward, rookie sensation Harry Sheezel returned to the backline last week and had a bigger impact than in previous outings. Playing off halfback was where Sheezel burst on the scene, starting his AFL career with a string of high-disposal games. Expecting to see more of this on Sunday, back Sheezel in for 25 or more touches at $2.10 with BetOnline.

Key matchup: Larkey v Jones

Nick Larkey vs Liam Jones

North Melbourne key forward Nick Larkey is having a career-best season as he establishes himself as one of the premier forwards in the AFL. Sitting fourth in the Coleman Medal race, Larkey has evolved his game to a match-winning level with five separate instances of four or more goals already this season. Another one will be needed on Sunday if the Kangaroos are any chance of an upset.

Back at the Bulldogs after some time away from the AFL, Liam Jones has emerged as one of the recruits of the season. Playing the lockdown role on the best opposition forward each weekend, Jones – who started his career as a forward – regularly places himself in the right position, and he possesses all the physical attributes required to keep up. Expect Jones to be back at it again this week, looking to add another name to his list of scalps this season.

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