Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Friday 11th September 2009,
Start 5:45pm local / 8:45am BST

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What a game this is. Many experts along with bookmakers are predicting a comfortable Dogs victory, however this mouthwatering game may be the pick of the games for viewing.

Western Bulldogs

The Dogs were simply outclassed by Geelong last weekend. While not overly impressive the Cats did enough in short bursts to ensure the it would be the Dogs who would have to cash in their second chance.

However before last week the Dogs were arguably the form side of the competition and surely they can be forgiven for one week against the Cats.

The injury front is looking considerably better for the dogs than the Lions. Key forward Robert Murphy will carry some knee soreness into the game but besides that the team is fine.

The only changes could be Andrejs Everitt replacing a one of a few players that Coach Rodney Eade deems to be lacking in form.

Playing at the MCG won't offer the Dogs too much because the mighty Lions have a great rrecent record at the G'. Remember the three consecutive Grand Finals only 6-7 yrs ago.

Brisbane Lions

What can i say? Down by 30 points early in the last quarter last week at home to Carlton, a battered and bruised Lions were almost written off.

The Lions stormed home to win and that victory surely put some wind in their sails.

Captain Johnathon Brown will play despite an eye-socket injury and the Coach Michael Voss is expected to roll the dice with a few other players who are not 100 percent. They include Josh Drummond and Jed Adcock, while Joel MacDonald will face pressure to regain his spot.

Scott Harding will miss the game, but besides that they will do everything they can to be in decent shape for the game.

The Betting Verdict

I feel that the Lions midfield with the likes of Simon Black, Luke Power, Daniel Rich and Travis Johnstone can at least match it with the Dogs' Cooney, Cross, Eagleton and Boyd.

I would expect a close match that goes deep into the last quarter before a winner is decided.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I would suggest Brisbane +26.5 points start as the main bet.

For better odds take Brisbane to win at 3.75 or better.