Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide AFL tips & odds – R23, 2021

Two top-four heavyweights will face off at Marvel Stadium on Friday night when the Western Bulldogs host Port Adelaide in round 23 of the 2021 AFL Premiership season.

The Power are guaranteed a double chance in the upcoming AFL finals, while the Bulldogs could still slip outside the top four if they lose this match.

Luke Beveridge’s men only scored 37 points in their embarrassing loss to the Hawks last week, as their forward-line struggled in the absence of the injured Josh Bruce.

The Power started slowly against the Blues and trailed halfway through the second quarter, but they kicked an incredible 19 consecutive goals to eventually win by 95 points.

Port Adelaide can still win the minor premiership with a big win, but it will not be easy beating the Bulldogs at Docklands.

Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide match analysis

The loss of Josh Bruce had an immediate impact on the Bulldogs’ forward setup, as they struggled to hit the scoreboard last weekend. The Power rank third in the AFL when it comes to defence, but they were exposed by the Dogs earlier this season. Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman combined for seven goals when the Dogs beat the Power in round nine, and they may need to produce something similar to get a result against Port Adelaide on Friday night.

Mitch Georgiades has impressed in his second season at AFL level, kicking 32 goals amongst a stacked forward mix. Georgiades kicked a couple of goals and took a team-high eight marks against the Bulldogs back in round nine. The emerging forward is priced at $2.88 to kick two or more goals this weekend, which we think is great value.

WesternBulldogs

• Taylor Duryea
• Alex Keath
• Bailey Williams
• Easton Wood
• Zaine Cordy
• Bailey Dale
• Josh Dunkley
• Adam Treloar
• Lachie Hunter
• Caleb Daniel
• Lewis Young
• Bailey Smith
• Tom Liberatore
• Aaron Naughton
• Cody Weightman
• Tim English
• Jackson Macrae
• Marcus Bontempelli
• Jason Johannisen
• Mitch Hannan
• Laitham Vandermeer
• Roarke Smith
• Josh Schache (Emg)
• Lachlan McNeil (Emg)
• Ed Richards (Emg)
• Anthony Scott (Emg)
• Coach: Luke Beveridge

Port AdelaidePower

• Connor Rozee
• Charlie Dixon
• Robbie Gray
• Zak Butters
• Mitch Georgiades
• Karl Amon
• Dan Houston
• Ollie Wines
• Xavier Duursma
• Darcy Byrne-Jones
• Tom Jonas
• Miles Bergman
• Aliir Aliir
• Trent McKenzie
• Ryan Burton
• Scott Lycett
• Travis Boak
• Willem Drew
• Todd Marshall
• Riley Bonner
• Steven Motlop
• Peter Ladhams
• Sam Mayes (Emg)
• Tom Clurey (Emg)
• Sam Powell-Pepper (Emg)
• Jarrod Lienert (Emg)
• Coach: Ken Hinkley

Key matchup: Marcus Bontempelli vs Ollie Wines

The two favourites in the Brownlow Medal betting will go head-to-head this Friday night when Marcus Bontempelli and Ollie Wines collide. Both players have taken their games to new heights this season, each averaging a career-high for disposals.

Bontempelli has been in great form over the last month, gathering 30 or more disposals in four of his last five matches. The Bont will have it tough against the powerful Port Adelaide midfield this Friday, but we still think he will collect over 30 disposals in this contest at $2 with Sportsbet.

Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide predictions & best bets

Western Bulldogs to win by 1-39 points

The Bulldogs were fantastic against the Power at the Adelaide Oval back in round nine, and we think they will be even better on their home deck this Friday night. Either Tim English or a recalled Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will fill the void of Josh Bruce up forward, while we are tipping the Bulldogs’ star-studded midfield to hit top gear on the eve of the finals.

Mitch Georgiades to kick 2+ goals

Mitch Georgiades has the potential to take high-flying marks up forward and convert difficult set-shots, making him a very important prospect for Port Adelaide. Georgiades has kicked multiple goals in 11 matches this season, including four of his last six. We think the young gun will get a favourable matchup and punish the Bulldogs on the scoreboard.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $16

Marcus Bontempelli will find plenty of the footy as the Bulldogs notch a gritty victory over the in-form Power. Mitch Georgiades will take his chances up forward and kick a couple of goals, but the Doggies should still get the job done.