Bulldogs best backed at Sportsbet to bundle out of the eight

IT’S hard to fathom after their fairy tale premiership breakthrough, but the Western Bulldogs are the best backed team at Sportsbet.com.au to miss the eight in 2017.

Punters who think the Bulldogs will be the first team since Hawthorn in 2009 to win the premiership then miss the finals the following year are getting odds of $4.20 at Sportsbet.

To compound the lack of faith in the finals market, Sportsbet clients are not confident that the Dogs can go back-to-back.

Luke Beveridge’s men are the second favourites for the flag at the $5.50 quote, but even Brisbane at the $501 price have received more bets than the reigning premiers.

The online agency clearly disagree.

Sportsbet is offering $1.20 for the Bulldogs to make the eight in 2017 – the second shortest team behind GWS to be playing finals this season.

The punters are letting their hard earned cash do the talking, but the experts are tipping another strong season for the red, white and blue.

Three-time AFL premiership coach Mick Malthouse believes the Bulldogs are a virtual lock for the finals in 2017.

“The Bulldogs will be up there again this year,” Malthouse wrote in the Herald Sun.

“The reigning premiers are always under massive pressure as they become the hunted, but they have enough ammunition.

A fit Bob Murphy and Mitch Wallis, the inclusion of Travis Cloke and the return of Stewart Crameri will alter the dynamics but won’t diminish the depth and quality of a very good team.”

Despite their young and dynamic list, punters have rallied against the Dogs; something Sportsbet is struggling to understand.

Sportsbet.com.au representative Christian Jantzen said the company is happy to take the bets of ambitious punters, but he will not be following their lead.

“There’s no logical explanation for the lack of support for the Bulldogs but the punters have spoken. If people prefer to back Brisbane to win the flag over the Doggies, be my guest,”

Western Bulldogs 2017 betting

Market provided by Sportsbet.com.au

To make Top 8 – $1.20
To make Top 4 – $1.90
To make Grand Final – $3.50
To win Premiership – $5.50
To win Minor Premiership – $6.00
To Miss Top 8 – $4.20
Least Wins – $251

AFL Premiership Winner:

GWS – $4.50
Western Bulldogs – $5.50
Sydney – $7.00
Adelaide – $9.00
West Coast – $9.00
Geelong – $11
Hawthorn – $13
Fremantle – $18
Essendon – $23
Melbourne – $23
St Kilda – $26
Collingwood – $34
Port Adelaide – $34
Gold Coast – $41
Richmond – $51
North Melbourne – $67
Carlton – $101
Brisbane – $501