AFL Odds: North Melbourne $1.30 (-23.5) / Western Bulldogs $3.55 (+23.5)
Sitting just outside the top eight with only three rounds left, every game is must-win for the Kangaroos in their quest to secure a finals berth.
And this could prove a tricky encounter against local rivals the Western Bulldogs, who had a strong win last week over the Saints.
Marcus Bontempelli had a whale of a third quarter, booting four goals that turned the game on its head.
The Roos will need to be wary of "the Bont", as well as Jason Johanissen who also impressed last week with a whopping 42 disposals off half-back.
When these two Dogs are up and about, they look every bit the side that triumphed in the 2016 Grand Final.
The Kangas meanwhile only just escaped with the four points by the skin of their teeth last round.
A commanding performance is needed to get the better of the Dogs, and prove they deserve a spot in the finals.
Shaun Higgins (Kangaroos)
None
Nothing to report with the closed roof.
AFL Stats in Focus
The Roos key advantage comes from both their ability to generate more shots from their inside 50 entries, and their superior goal kicking accuracy.
Much of this is down to Ben Brown, who is currently leading the Coleman Medal race.
But Brown has been quiet of late.
With noted sharp shooter Tory Dickson playing his second game back from injury, the Bulldogs goal kicking should improve.
Key AFL Stat
The last 3 games between the Kangas and Dogs have been decided by a margin of 3 points or less: Either team to win by less than 15.5 points @ $3.20
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to win head-to-head @ $3.55
Reasoning: Even though the Roos have more to play for, and are bolstered by the return of Higgins, the Bulldogs looked very impressive in their second-half display last week.
A repeat of that will see a win in what in recent years has been a tight match-up.
AFL Odds: Melbourne $1.37 (-21.5) / Sydney $3.10 (+21.5)
Both of these clubs had big wins in Round 20: Melbourne in terms of the scoreline, Sydney in terms of the importance of the result.
The Swans needed to win against the Pies and they did so in an absolute nail-biter, with the league's youngest player Tom McCartin kicking a miraculous goal to win the game.
Buddy was also back and firing with six goals, which could have been even more after three of his shots hit the post.
But after their 96-point victory last week, the Demons look a fearsome opponent for the Sydneysiders.
Their high scoring footy will test the Swans who like to keep their games low-scoring and tight.
If the Dees can overcome their woeful record against top eight opposition, they will go a long way towards securing a finals' berth, and putting a substantial dent in Sydney's finals chances in the process.
Jake Melksham (Melbourne, likely), Gary Rohan (Sydney, likely), Dan Hannebery (Sydney, likely)
None
A little bit of rain around, but not enough to play into Sydney's hands.
AFL Stats in Focus
The Demons look to have just too many points in them for the Swans to keep up with.
Only a Buddy special would turn this around. He is more than capable based on last week's display.
Key AFL Stat
Melbourne have lost all 4 games against top 8 opposition in 2018: Sydney to win head-to-head @ $3.10
AFL Betting Tip: Melbourne to cover the -21.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: Their inability to prove their mettle against top 8 opposition is the only query on Melbourne's ability to win and win big.
Round 21 winds down in a sedate fashion, with the Blues traveling to Perth to take on the Dockers.
While only the most rusted on fans of both clubs will pay much attention to the game, it remains an interesting clash from a punting view point.
Both clubs were humiliated last week: the Dockers losing by 58 in the Derby, and the Blues by 105 at home to the Giants.
The winner will be the side who can bounce back, and with the home ground advantage, you'd have to lean towards the Dockers.
Nat Fyfe (Fremantle, likely), Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton, likely), Jacob Weitering (Carlton, likely)
Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle)
Sunny conditions, so Freo might get a few more home fans through the gate.
AFL Stats in Focus
When two struggling teams are playing, these are the two stats to look at when considering which team is busting their gut to remain competitive.
With a big advantage in the tackling stats, you can't envisage another huge blowout for the Blues.
Key AFL Stat
Fremantle have won 5 of their 7 home matches following a loss in 2018: Fremantle to win head-to-head @ $1.23
AFL Betting Tip: Carlton to cover the +27.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: Their performance from two weeks ago suggest the Blues are right in this one. However, if Fyfe starts for the Dockers, you may want to reconsider.
Aug 09, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Shaun Higgins (Kangaroos)
None
Nothing to report with the closed roof. 
AFL Stats in Focus
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to win head-to-head @ $3.55
