AFL: Wounded Swans need to rediscover top form

Sydney Swans have hit a poor run of form at the wrong time and are in need of a boost when they entertain Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

The Swans remain top of the ladder, but following three defeats in the last four games they are no longer looking invincible.

They are still the hot fancies at 3.40 to win the 2024 AFL grand final, but they need to get back on track as soon as possible.

Sydney are not being helped by a mounting injury list, and it will be far from easy against a Bulldogs side that are also desperate for the points as they look to push into the top eight.

The Bulldogs sit ninth on the ladder, but it is very tight and they can be backed at 1.80 to make the eight and play finals.

There is a huge amount at stake at the SCG and a close battle looks to be on the cards.

. What: Sydney v Western Bulldogs
. Where: SCG, Sydney
. When: 15:20 (AEST), Sunday 28th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Sydney 1.54, Western Bulldogs 2.50

Injuries have hit Swans hard

The Swans have been hit by a number of injuries at just the wrong time, with Tom Papley and Dane Rampe among the players missing.

There is some good news, however, as Callum Mills and Sam Wicks return to the fold.

Isaac Heeney has been a revelation for the Swans this season, but with Papley out of the side the midfielder could play further forward.

In that case, Heeney can be backed at 15.00 to boot the first goal of the game, or 1.30 to score at anytime.

The Swans will be looking to bounce back from a narrow loss against Brisbane Lions last weekend.

Indeed, all three recent defeats have been by no more than two points and back on home soil Sydney will be out to pick up a convincing win.

They are priced at 5.50 to win by 13-24 points.

Bulldogs remain on the rise

Western Bulldogs have hit some form with finals fast approaching, having won four of the last five games.

The Bulldogs head into the clash on the back of a 47-point win at Geelong last weekend, so the SCG should hold no fears for them.

Sydney may have won the last two meetings, but there has not been much in either.

They won by 14 points in Round 11 this season, and then by two points at the SCG in Round 18 last year.

The Bulldogs could now sense a great opportunity to turn the tables, due to Sydney’s injury troubles and lack of form.

Luke Beveridge’s side can be backed at 5.50 to win another tight one by 1-12 points.

Gun midfielder Adam Treloar continues to shine for the Bulldogs this season, is averaging almost 32 disposals a game and can be backed at 1.87 to collect 30+ disposals against the Swans.