AFL: Bulldogs aiming to press finals claims

Western Bulldogs have a chance to boost their top-eight hopes when they entertain Brisbane at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

The Bulldogs have found some form when winning three of the last four games to get their push for finals back on track.

They can be backed at 2.30 to make it but will need to keep the wins coming as they sit in 11th spot on the ladder, four points behind a host of teams on 28 points.

Brisbane on the other hand continue to struggle and can be backed at 3.20 to make the top eight.

There is time, but last season’s grand final runners-up need to get their act together quickly if they are to make it.

A win under the lights at Marvel would certainly help their cause and close the gap on the Bulldogs to two points.

. What: Western Bulldogs v Brisbane
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Friday 7th June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.54, Brisbane 2.50

Bulldogs on a roll

Despite being hampered by injuries, the Bulldogs have played their way back into finals contention, with three wins from four.

That run includes an 18-point win at Collingwood last weekend, while they also beat Greater Western Sydney by 27 points on their own patch.

Luke Beveridge’s side also gave high-flying Sydney a run for their money, so are certainly in good form and will be expecting to knock over the Lions.

In the same fixture in 2023, the Bulldogs came out on top when winning by 14 points in a low scoring clash.

They can be backed at 5.50 to win by 13-24 points on this occasion as well.

Skipper Marcus Bontempelli continues to lead by example and is enjoying another stellar season.

The midfielder is averaging just over 26 disposals a game this season and can be backed at 2.15 to produce 30+ on Friday night.

He also has 16 goals for the season and is 1.28 to grab another at anytime, or 15.00 to kick the first of the game.

Lions back after the bye

The Lions have picked up just four wins so far this season and there will need to be a big change in fortune if they are to make the eight.

They suffered a shock loss at Hawthorn in their last game, so the bye came at the right time, giving them a chance to review what is going wrong.

After the Bulldogs showdown, they take on St Kilda, so there is an opportunity to get on a roll and they need to take it.

Brisbane have the list to do it, but injuries have not helped their cause.

Hugh McCluggage is a player that needs to raise his game, and he can be backed at 1.65 to produce 25+ disposals against the Bulldogs.

The firepower is also there in the form of Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher, who are both 12.00 to boot the first goal of the game.