Western Bulldogs v Richmond AFL betting tips – Round 21, 2023

Bulldogs v Tigers AFL R23 best bets

Western Bulldogs v Richmond match preview

Kicking off round 21 of the AFL Premiership season, the Western Bulldogs face off against the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on Friday night. Two sides fighting for a finals spot, this match has major implications for the top eight.

The Bulldogs hosted the Giants last week in Ballarat, going down by five points in an exciting finish. Starting the game strong, the Bulldogs led by as much as 35 points in the third term. However, the Giants came home strong, kicking nine of the last 12 goals to secure an impressive comeback victory.

The Western Bulldogs have now lost three of their last four matches and their position in the top eight does not look as secure. There are now six teams within a game below them, including the Tigers.

Last weekend, Richmond played the Melbourne Demons at the MCG, losing by 32 points in a high-scoring affair. After a close first half, the Tigers kicked away to a 20-point lead just after half time. But Richmond conceded eight of the last 11 majors as the margin blew out to over five goals.

Sitting in 11th, the Richmond Tigers just need to keep winning – especially in games against the other sides fighting for finals positions.

In a terrible afternoon for the Bulldogs, they lost key defenders Alex Keath (concussion) and Josh Bruce (knee) to injury. However, in positive news, star defender Liam Jones may be available for his first game back since round 15, while Ed Richards is also expected to return after missing last week with illness.

The Tigers got through last weekend unscathed and, as a result, should have no forced changes to the side. In a major boost, half-back Jayden Short is expected to return if he can get through training during the week. Youngster Jacob Bauer is also available after suffering a hamstring injury minutes into his debut in round 17.

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Bulldogs v Tigers AFL R23 betting predictions

There are big concerns surrounding the Bulldogs’ ability to run out games. With Toby Nankervis missing, Dogs ruckman Tim English will need to continue his great form against the Richmond backup pairing. The Tigers midfield unit was comprehensively beaten by the Demons and will need to improve against the Bulldogs who are one of the top teams in the AFL for clearances.

The Richmond pairing of Tylar Young and Noah Balta will have their hands full with Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton. The Richmond forward line is much smaller, with Jack Riewoldt as the only key forward.

With the quality of the Bulldogs midfield, it is hard to look past them in this one. At $1.65 with Palmerbet, they show good value to get the win and their season back on track.

After being held goalless last week, Ugle-Hagan will be looking to bounce back. Coming off 10 goals in four weeks before last weekend, the 21-year-old has shown career-best form of late. We like him in this one to kick two or more goals at $1.68 with top AFL bookmakers.

Coming off a good run of form in recent weeks, Dustin Martin has shown he is still as dangerous as ever for the Tigers. Splitting time between the midfield and the forward line, Martin attended his highest percentage of centre bounces for the season last weekend. In such an important match for the Tigers, expect Martin to put in a big performance and gather 25 or more disposals at $2.20.

Key matchup: Bontempelli v Taranto

Marcus Bontempelli vs Tim Taranto

Leading from the front, Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli is the top player in the AFL for contested possessions this season. He is an elite clearance player, but he also averages nearly a goal a game, using his size to take contested marks inside 50.

Tim Taranto has suffered a slight form slump of late, but he is still an elite player and the Tigers’ main ball-winner. Expect Taranto to put in a big performance this weekend against the prolific Bulldogs midfield.

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