Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne AFL tips | Round 1 preview

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne best bets

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne Round 1 preview – AFL 2025

The Western Bulldogs are red-hot AFL betting favourites for their Round 1 clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium this Saturday, even after a somewhat turbulent offseason.

Top online bookmakers have the Bulldogs at $1.36 for the win, while the Kangaroos are outsiders at $3.10, with a 22.5-point line set for the contest.

For North Melbourne, this season is about progress as they look to climb up the AFL ladder after a challenging 2024.

Their young core, led by Harry Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke, will need to fire if they’re to trouble the Dogs, while it will be interesting to see what sort of impact their veteran recruits can make.

Priced at $5 with PlayUp to make the top eight, the Roos face an uphill battle but have the talent to spring a surprise.

Bulldogs v Kangaroos R1 team news

The Bulldogs will be without captain Marcus Bontempelli, who is sidelined for at least six weeks due to a calf injury. His absence leaves a significant gap in the midfield, with Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards expected to step up.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is another notable absentee, with the star forward out indefinitely due to off-field issues. Meanwhile, Sam Davidson and Josh Dolan are both set to make their AFL debuts for the Bulldogs.

Recommended!

Fast Payouts

50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000

Visit BetOnline

North Melbourne will be without promising young midfielder George Wardlaw, who has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a hamstring injury. However, the Kangaroos will unveil No.2 draft pick Finn O’Sullivan, who impressed in the preseason.

The Roos also bring in more than 750 games’ worth of experience through a trio of premiership-winning recruits. Jack Darling lines up alongside Nick Larkey in the forward line, Luke Parker adds steel and skill to the midfield, and Caleb Daniel brings a touch of class across half-back as he faces his old club.

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne predictions

The Western Bulldogs should have too much firepower for North Melbourne in this clash, making them strong favourites to cover the -22.5 line at $1.91 with online bookmakers. The Kangaroos have struggled defensively, and with the Dogs’ midfield dominance, expect them to control territory and put plenty of scoreboard pressure on.

One player who could thrive in this matchup is Bailey Scott. The North Melbourne ball-winner was a consistent performer last season, and with the Bulldogs likely to force the Roos into a high-possession game in defence, Scott should see plenty of the footy. Back him to collect 25 or more disposals at $3.30 with Picklebet.

If North are to stay competitive, Nick Larkey will need to hit the scoreboard. The key forward has been their most reliable avenue to goal and should get his chances against a Bulldogs defence that has leaked goals at times. With a strong marking ability and elite accuracy, back Larkey to kick three or more goals at $2.25 with Neds.

Sports betting tips