Western Bulldogs v Collingwood betting tips – AFL Rd 17 preview

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood prediction & tips

Western Bulldogs will attempt to take down ladder-leader Collingwood in a battle between two premiership contenders at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

The Magpies are looking to hold onto top spot, while the improving Bulldogs are looking to jump into the top four and stamp themselves as as as serious threat in 2023.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs hosted the Fremantle Dockers, winning by 29 points in a match with six lead changes. It shaped up to be a thriller as the Dockers took the lead early in the fourth, but a run of seven goals to two meant that the Dogs won comfortably in the end.

After a three-game losing streak from round 11-13, the Dogs seem to be back on track with two wins in their last two matches. A win this weekend can potentially see them enter the top four.

The Magpies travelled to the Gold Coast on Saturday and defeated the Suns by 78 points. Leading from start to finish, the Magpies were always in control, with by a five-goal effort from small forward Jamie Elliott, who has been below his brilliant best this season.

As the Pies keep winning, their stay at the top continues and the gap over the third-placed Lions sits at two games and percentage.

Collingwood v Western Bulldogs betting strategy

Collingwood is the form team of the competition, having lost just two games to fellow top four opposition. Added to this is the return of star midfielder Jordan De Goey, following his suspension.

One query for the Magpies is the lack of height in their forward line, with key forward Brody Mihocek ruled out due to hamstring tightness.

Will the Magpies roll the dice with Dan McStay? With the Lions recruit available for selection, but did not play VFL level last weekend with illness. They could also recall Ash Johnson, but he was average at VFL, while Reef McInness will also come into contention after a six goal haul.

The Bulldogs have won their last two against the Magpies, with their midfield proving to be too strong on both occasions. If the Bulldogs are any chance of winning this one, then another class showing is needed from their stacked midfield. They will also consider Ed Richards, who is fit ahead of schedule.

De Goey is expected to be put straight back into the midfield where he has been so effective so far this season. An explosive player, De Goey makes his touches count as an elite clearance player that also gets involved in scoring chains. Able to hit the scoreboard as well, De Goey is a headache for opposition teams. Averaging 24.9 disposals this season, we think that he shows great value for 25 or more disposals at $1.96 with the top AFL bookmakers.

Emerging as the key target in the Bulldogs forward line over the last month, key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was the match winner against the Dockers, kicking four goals. The 21-year-old has kicked 10 goals in the last five weeks and is beginning to grow into the potential that he showed as the number one pick in 2020. We expect him to continue his good form in this one, kicking two or more goals at $2.12 with Palmerbet.

Key matchup: Tim English v Darcy Cameron

Tim English vs Darcy Cameron

The favourite for the All-Australian ruck position this year, Tim English has shown that there are different ways for a ruckman to impact the game. With a clear advantage over his Magpies opponents, expect English to take his opponent around the ground. Regularly getting involved in handball chains, English is almost considered an added midfielder when moving the ball forward.

Opposing him this week for the Magpies is Darcy Cameron. A serviceable ruckman, Cameron will be looking to take advantage in the hitouts and to neutralise English around the ground. With the lack of height in the Collingwood forward line, expect him to push forward at times to make a contest inside 50, with any scoreboard impact being a bonus. He will be backed up by Mason Cox and Billy Frampton, with the Magpies trio forming a handy combination.

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