Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs AFL tips – Thursday, July 13

Swans v Bulldogs betting predictions

Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs match preview

Kicking off round 18 of the 2023 AFL season on Thursday night, the Western Bulldogs look to continue their finals push as they take on the dangerous Sydney Swans at the SCG.

The Swans travelled down to Melbourne last weekend where they fell to the Richmond Tigers by 13 points. In a must-win game to keep their season alive, the Swans lead for the whole match up to three quarter time. A tight final quarter saw scoring dry up, before two late goals from the Tigers saw them seal the game.

Sitting in 15th position, the Swans finals hopes appear to be over. However, look for them to still be a threat across the remaining games as they play with nothing to lose.

The Bulldogs fell to the Collingwood Magpies last weekend by 12 points at Marvel Stadium. After the Bulldogs started the game strong, the Magpies went on a run of goals throughout the middle of the game, kicking 11 goals to one, creating a 38-point lead. Some late consolation goals from the Bulldogs narrowed the margin in the end, but never looked to threaten the lead.

Holding the worst percentage of any team in the top eight, the seventh ranked Bulldogs are on the edge of the finals positions. Against a much lower ranked opponent, a win is needed this weekend.

Both sides come into this game in questionable form, with the Bulldogs winning only two of their last six games, whilst the Swans have only won once in their last five.

For the Swans, small defender Jake Lloyd will miss this one due to a concussion sustained from a late hit last week. No forced selection changes are expected for the Bulldogs this weekend, who got through last weekend’s game unscathed.

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Swans v Bulldogs betting strategy

The Bulldogs should have a major advantage in the midfield, as they are one of the best clearance teams in the AFL. With the Swans missing their most explosive midfielder in Chad Warner, expect the likes of Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney to be thrown into some centre bounces to impact the contest.

The Bulldogs also have a major advantage in the ruck, with the in-form Tim English coming up against veteran Tom Hickey. Look for English to take advantage as the game wears on, stretching Hickey across the ground.

In a must-win game, the Bulldogs offer great value as $2.12 outsiders with the best AFL bookmakers.

Although losing last week, the Bulldogs forward line was particularly impressive as Aaron Naughton, Cody Weightman and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan contributed to 10 of their 11 goals. Ugle-Hagan proved to be the greatest aerial threat going forward, taking 10 marks with his accuracy letting him down.

With six goals and 11 scoring shots across the last two weeks, the 21-year-old is a consistent danger in front of goal. Expecting this form to continue, we like him to kick two or more goals at $1.91 with [rm_geo_casino_table].

Coming off 32 disposals last week, Caleb Daniel is one of the Bulldogs’ most trusted ball-users. Averaging 25 disposals per game this season, he looks great value at $1.98 to hit that number this week.

Key matchup: Parker v Bontempelli

Luke Parker vs Marcus Bontempelli

Standing up in key moments this season, Luke Parker has shown that at 30 years old he is still a vital piece of the Swans midfield. Captain of the club, he leads from the front, gathering the contested ball when needed and getting it forward. Attending nearly every centre bounce last week, he will have another big role this weekend as he takes on the powerful Bulldogs midfield.

Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli shows each week why he is one of the best players in the competition. Ranking third in the AFL for clearances, Bontempelli makes the most of his time around the contest, getting the ball forward quickly to one-on-one contests. He also hits the scoreboard, using his size to create a mismatch in marking contests or running through the middle to kick goals from outside 50.

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