Like the Saints, the Bulldogs are a team that have seemingly turned their form right around in recent weeks.
It would have been criminal if the Doggies copped an after-the-siren loss last week after playing their socks off. Luckily for them, Harry Taylor sprayed his shot wide, giving the team from Footscray their first win in six games- and deservedly so.
There's no reason to suggest why they can't go on with it against the Hawks.
However, unlike the Dogs, Hawthorn are still alive in 2018 and are playing for finals footy.
They will view this game as a must-win if they want to make the eight. A narrow loss to GWS last week would have angered Alastair Clarkson, who is grumpy at the best of times.
You can expect that he will have his team fired up and ready to go against a resurgent Bulldogs outfit.
Caleb Daniel (Bulldogs, likely) Jordan Roughead (Bulldogs, likely)
None
Rain around so the roof will be closed at Etihad Stadium, which will favour a high-scoring game.
AFL Stats in focus
The key for the Bulldogs will be stopping Tom Mitchell.
The Brownlow favourite is fresh off 50 disposals against the Giants, and no doubt looking for another half century of touches.
He averages more than 16 per game, the only Hawk in double figures. The Bulldogs meanwhile have a more even spread of ball winners. Another reason why stopping Mitchell will benefit the Bulldogs.While these two teams have similar contested possession numbers, Mitchell picks up more of the slack for his team.
Key AFL Stat
While Hawthorn have won 2 of their last 3 against the Bulldogs, the biggest winning margin has been 9 points.
AFL Betting Tip: Western Bulldogs to cover the +15.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: The Dogs' form in the last two weeks is too good to ignore here.
After three losses in-a-row, the alarm bells must be ringing for Melbourne fans.
Just when the Demons looked as though they would breeze into the finals with little difficulty, they provided a reminder of why they haven't played finals footy since 2006.
Luckily, they play what is as close to a gimme game as you can get in the AFL here.
Fremantle away from home and without Nat Fyfe is who Melbourne face on Saturday night. They couldn't have hoped for a better opponent as they look to snap their three game losing streak and get their season back on track.
Even though the Dockers lost Fyfe to a hamstring injury early on last week, they played probably their worst game of the year, going down to the Lions by 55 points.
Only a massive form turnaround would see them get something from this game.
None
Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
A balmy evening at TIO Stadium in Darwin. Melbourne are used to playing in the Northern Territory heat which could pose another challenge to Fremantle.
AFL Stats in focus
Melbourne have dominated in the middle this year, leading the comp in contested possessions.
However, in two of their last three games, their contested possessions have been way down, contributing to defeats.
If they can get their contested ball numbers back up to their 2018 average, Freo have no hope of coming within cooee of the Demons score.
Key AFL Stat
The Dockers have lost 6 of their 7 away games in 2018, all by a margin of at least 28 points.
AFL Betting Tip: Melbourne to cover the -38.5 point line @ $1.92
Resoning: When the Demons do win, they do so comfortably. They should have no trouble with this line.
Jul 06, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Tom Jonas (Port, likely)
Jasper Pittard (Port, likely)
A high chance of showers. Another factor to create uncertainty in the punter's mind.
AFL Betting Tip: No bet.
AFL Stats in focus
