The highly anticipated return of AFL’s "most exciting prospect" has shifted the balance in the upcoming match between St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs, with bookmakers and experts predicting a clear advantage for the Bulldogs. Currently, both teams are closely positioned on the ladder, with St Kilda sitting 12th and the Bulldogs at 9th, separated by merely one victory. Despite this, analysts are overwhelmingly favouring the Bulldogs, all six of Nine’s tipsters have chosen them to win, and the odds reflect this, with the Bulldogs at $1.27 and St Kilda as long shots at $3.78.
The expectations are significantly heightened due to the return of key forward Sam Darcy, who has been sidelined for six weeks. His injury had raised concerns of a serious knee problem, potentially an ACL tear, but fortunately, it was not as severe as initially feared. His comeback is seen as a major boost for the Bulldogs, with AFL legend Matthew Lloyd emphasising the excitement surrounding Darcy’s return. He remarked on the narrow escape from a grave injury and noted the importance of Darcy being back as the season progresses.
The Bulldogs are expected to secure a win against the Saints if they are genuine contenders for the finals; however, their performance against top-eight teams has been disappointing this season. Meanwhile, in another match, opinions are mixed on Friday’s clash featuring the struggling Hawthorn and a confident Adelaide, where the Hawks are favoured but some experts believe the Crows could spring an upset.
As the anticipation builds for Round 14, the tipsters at Nine have made their predictions clear.
- Eddie McGuire: Bulldogs, Crows, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues
- Rory Sloane: Bulldogs, Crows, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues
- Jimmy Bartel: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Demons, Blues
- Tom Morris: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues
- Nat Yoannidis: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues
- Clint Stanaway: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially with the return of such a pivotal player as Darcy, and fans are keen to see if the Bulldogs can live up to expectations against a St Kilda side eager for victory.