Brisbane vs Western Bulldogs betting tips – AFL Finals Week 2

The Brisbane Lions will host the Western Bulldogs this Saturday night in a must-win AFL semi final at the Gabba.

Chris Fagan’s Lions were unable to knock off Melbourne last week, partly because their forward structures fell apart following an early concussion to Daniel McStay. The key forward will not participate this weekend, while defender Darcy Gardiner is battling a knee issue and could also miss.

The Bulldogs made two late changes ahead of their 49-point victory against the Bombers last week, bringing in Ryan Gardiner to replace Zaine Cordy (illness) and swapping out Jason Johannisen for Josh Schache. Cordy is fit to play this week and should regain his spot in the starting 22, while Schache’s two goals might be enough to see him hold his spot.

The 2021 AFL Premiership season will come to an end for the loser of this contest, while the winner will progress to face Port Adelaide next weekend.

Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs semi final preview

This game will be won and lost in the midfield, as both teams are most dangerous out of the centre. The Bulldogs boast incredible depth in the middle of the ground, but an in-form Lachie Neale accompanied by Jarryd Lyons and Dayne Zorko will be up for the fight. Jack Macrae was the only player who tallied over 30 disposals when these teams clashed earlier in the season.

We think finding value in the major disposal betting markets is going to be very difficult this Saturday night, so our attention has turned towards the anytime goalscorer market. Hugh McCluggage has grown into an elite wingman this season and often poses a scoring threat when the Lions break forward. Despite kicking a goal in each of his last three games, McCluggage offers great value at $2 with Sportsbet to hit the scoreboard this weekend.

BrisbaneLions

• Marcus Adams
• Darcy Gardiner
• Brandon Starcevich
• Grant Birchall
• Harris Andrews
• Daniel Rich
• Hugh McCluggage
• Dayne Zorko
• Mitch Robinson
• Lincoln McCarthy
• Tom Fullarton
• Zac Bailey
• Keidean Coleman
• Joe Daniher
• Charlie Cameron
• Oscar McInerney
• Jarryd Lyons
• Lachie Neale
• Deven Robertson
• Jarrod Berry
• Nakia Cockatoo
• Jack Payne
• Callum Ah Chee (Emg)
• Ryan Lester (Emg)
• Rhys Mathieson (Emg)
• Connor Ballenden (Emg)
• Coach: Chris Fagan

WesternBulldogs

• Cody Weightman
• Tim English
• Tom Liberatore
• Bailey Smith
• Aaron Naughton
• Laitham Vandermeer
• Lachlan Hunter
• Josh Dunkley
• Adam Treloar
• Bailey Dale
• Ryan Gardner
• Taylor Duryea
• Bailey Williams
• Alex Keath
• Easton Wood
• Lewis Young
• Jackson Macrae
• Marcus Bontempelli
• Josh Schache
• Mitch Hannan
• Caleb Daniel
• Roarke Smith
• Mitch Wallis (Emg)
• Zaine Cordy (Emg)
• Anthony Scott (Emg)
• Jason Johannisen (Emg)
• Coach: Luke Beveridge

Key matchup: Joe Daniher vs Aaron Naughton

Joe Daniher and Aaron Naughton have been fantastic this year, each stepping up after their forward partners – Eric Hipwood and Josh Bruce – suffered season-ending knee injuries. Daniher kicked a goal in every match of the 2021 home-and-away season, but he went goalless against the Demons last weekend. Naughton was excellent in the Bulldogs’ elimination final victory, slotting three important goals against the Bombers. We expect this weekend’s clash will be a close contest, and the winner could be determined by whichever key forward kicks more goals.

Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs SF predictions & best bets

Brisbane Lions to win by 1-24

We expect the Brisbane Lions to bounce back this weekend with a close victory over the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba. Charlie Cameron is in career-best form in front of the goals, slotting 14 majors in his last three matches. As good as the Doggies have been this season, we think their campaign will end in heartbreaking fashion this Saturday.

Hugh McCluggage anytime goalscorer

Hugh McCluggage is a consistent performer against the Western Bulldogs, having kicked a goal in each of his last five matches against them. The classy wingman has kicked 14.20 this season for the Lions, so he is not afraid to pull the trigger when in range. Although McCluggage is not the most accurate shot on goal, we think he will split the middle in this important final.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $10.50

We are tipping the Brisbane Lions to win, but the Bulldogs will give them a huge run for their money. Hugh McCluggage will continue his excellent goalkicking form against the Bulldogs, while Aaron Naughton looks the major threat at the other end of the ground.