The Western Bulldogs’ poor run of form continued when they were thumped to the tune of 62 points by Collingwood in the first qualifying final last Saturday night. It was the Dogs’ third loss in their past four matches. To make matters worse for the Bulldogs, classy youngster Shaun Higgins has been ruled out for the rest of the year due to a thyroid condition. He joins star midfielder Adam Cooney (hamstring – season) and defender Dale Morris (back – season) on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Sydney made it five wins on the trot with a thrilling five-point victory over Carlton in last Sunday’s elimination final at ANZ Stadium. Included in the Swans’ five-match winning run is a 44-point triumph over the Dogs in round 21.
Both sides have huge emotional factors driving them with Sydney coach Paul Roos and co-captain Brett Kirk departing at the end of the season while Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson announced this week that he will retire at the end of the club’s finals campaign, but the Swans have a better functioning forward line – which has become even more dangerous with the inclusions of Daniel Bradshaw and Ben McGlynn.
The smart money is on a Sydney win by 1-39, which is offering $2.40.