West Coast v Fremantle AFL betting tips – Round 22, 2023

West Coast v Fremantle AFL R22 best bets

West Coast v Fremantle AFL R22 match preview

In the second WA Derby of the 2023 AFL Premiership season, the last-placed West Coast Eagles take on the 15th-placed Fremantle Dockers in a match that means more than just four points.

The Eagles nearly caused one of the upsets of the season last weekend, losing to Essendon by just one point. After a tight start, the Bombers kicked away to lead by 30 points halfway through the third quarter. The Eagles then proceeded to kick seven of the next eight goals before a late Bombers goal against the run of play sealed the result.

Sitting in last place, there were concerns that a win would hurt the Eagles, as it would have pushed them off the bottom of the AFL ladder and potentially cost them the first pick in the draft.

The Fremantle Dockers also nearly caused a major upset last weekend as they lost to the Brisbane Lions by three points. In a game full of lead changes, the Dockers were up by as much as 17 points during the third quarter but couldn’t hold on in the end. Particularly impressive was Freo ruckman Luke Jackson, who had 24 disposals, 44 hitouts and a goal, while star midfielder Caleb Serong continued his excellent season with 35 disposals.

With finals out of the picture, the Dockers are now looking to get some more experience into their younger players while trying to take some winning form into next season.

Expect the West Coast Eagles to remain largely unchanged after getting through last weekend unscathed. After announcing his retirement during the week, Eagles captain Luke Shuey looks set to miss once again, with a farewell game in round 24 looking likely.

The Dockers should have limited changes this weekend but will lose defender Ethan Hughes after he suffered an ankle injury against the Lions.

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West Coast v Fremantle AFL R22 betting predictions

With both sides winning just one of their last six games, neither is playing particularly good football. However, that form sets up a fairly even contest, with both sides missing best-22 players due to injury. With the Dockers not looking particularly convincing at all throughout this season, we like West Coast with the +27.5 handicap at $1.90 with top AFL bookmakers.

Although the Dockers have struggled in attack this season, small forward Lachie Schultz has been an exception. One of the best pressure forwards in the AFL, he also has all the skills to crumb packs and create his own chances. With 27 goals this season, including eight in the last three weeks, look for Schultz to continue his good form with two or more majors at $1.98 with Palmerbet.

Playing all but one game this season, Liam Duggan has been one of the few consistent performers for the Eagles. Attending a season-high 72% of centre bounces last weekend, Duggan collected 29 disposals and thrived in a different role. Expecting him to play the same role this weekend, we like Duggan to collect 25 or more disposals at $1.77.

Key matchup: Bailey Williams v Luke Jackson

Bailey Williams vs Luke Jackson

Bailey Williams has been serviceable in the ruck for the Eagles, playing every game this season. Averaging 27 hitouts a game, Williams has had some excellent games but has also struggled against more experienced opponents. After only 12 hitouts and nine disposals last weekend, look for Williams to bounce back this weekend.

Fremantle’s Luke Jackson has been enjoying increased ruck duties in the absence of Sean Darcy, and he will be keen to continue his good form after playing one of the best games of his AFL career last weekend. The former Demon is almost an extra midfielder once the ball hits the ground, and those skills – along with his forward craft – could be the difference in this matchup.

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