Round 13 sees the return of Thursday night footy. The struggling Bulldogs will travel to Adelaide to face the Power, who are full of confidence and looking to win by a sizeable margin to give their percentage a much-needed boost.
But the highlight comes on Friday night, when the Swans are aiming to snap West Coast's 10-game winning streak and jump to the top of the ladder in the process.
Needless to say, it won't be easy, especially as the Eagles are out for revenge after their Round 1 defeat to the Sydneysiders.
Now heading into the second half of the season, the race for the top eight is well and truly on. After an impressive win over reigning-premiers Richmond last week, Port Adelaide should be winning this one comfortably.
A big win against the struggling Bulldogs won't just sure up their top eight spot, but give a much needed boost to their percentage.
Despite not finding himself on the score sheet, Power player Chad Wingard had one of his best games in recent memory last week. If he backs up that performance week in week out, Port will be genuine premiership contenders come September.
With a week off because of the bye, the Western Bulldogs have had a long time to prepare for this clash. But with a dreadful away record in 2018, the Dogs would have to play at their absolute best, as well as rely on some Port Adelaide complacency to have any chance at the Adelaide Oval.
Key Ins: Zane Cordy (Bulldogs)
Key Outs: Tory Dickson (Bulldogs), Matthew Suckling (Bulldogs)
Game Day WeatherThere is a 95% chance of showers throughout the late afternoon and evening in Adelaide, so expect typical wet-weather footy where contested ball is extra-crucial.
Key AFL Stats
Port Adelaide are ranked 6th in contested possessions per game in 2018, while the Western Bulldogs are ranked 13th.
The Bulldogs have lost each of their last 7 interstate night matches.
The Western Bulldogs have lost their 4 other away games this year, by an average margin of 52 points.
AFL Betting TipPort Adelaide to win by a margin of 40+ points @ $2.00
The game of Round 13 looks to be another classic installment of the Swans and Eagles rivalry.
After losing to Sydney in Round 1, the Eagles haven't lost again all year, and are coming into this game at the top of the ladder. But the Swans aren't far behind in third, and a big win at home would see them leapfrog West Coast into first place.
While West Coast will be desperate for revenge, the Bloods will fancy their chances of putting an end to their rival's ten-game winning streak.
On a five-game winning streak themselves, the Swans' hardened midfield duo of Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy will look to lay the platform for their new brigade of young forwards to shine.
But the Eagles have a Josh Kennedy of their own, and he is arguably the league's best lead-up full forward. If Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe can curtail his influence, the Swans will be winning.
Key Ins: Kieren Jack (Sydney), Luke Shuey (West Coast)
Key Outs: Jack Darling (West Coast)
Game Day WeatherOnly a slight wind to contend with, which could impact kicking accuracy.
Key AFL Stats
Each of the last 6 meetings between the Swans and Eagles have been won by the favourite.
West Coast have covered the line in 8 of their last 10 games as an away underdog.
The Swans have won their last 6 games against the Eagles at the SCG.
AFL Betting Tip Sydney to win by a margin of 1-39 points @ $2.20
Jun 14, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Game Day WeatherThere is a 95% chance of showers throughout the late afternoon and evening in Adelaide, so expect typical wet-weather footy where contested ball is extra-crucial.
AFL Betting TipPort Adelaide to win by a margin of 40+ points @ $2.00
