2016 AFL Grand Final – Sydney Swans vs Western Bulldogs
As sporting events go, Aussie Rules is as tough as they come. It is certainly no sport for weaklings or sensitive souls. So here we are once again at AFL Grand Final time, that “One day in September”, which ironically falls on October 1 this year. The venue is the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the most iconic of all sporting venues.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this will be just like any other AFL final…except it isn’t! For a start, the Western Bulldogs are taking part. So what’s so special about that? The record books show they haven’t participated in an AFL Grand Final since 1961, and that has been far too long between drinks for “Doggies” fans; they’re desperate to end the drought.
No Certainty for Sydney
The Swans have been finalists on a regular basis and they really seem to perform well in the big pressure games. So what can we expect? Firstly, the Sydney Swans have plenty of Grand Final experience. On the flip side they have also been known to blow up on the big occasions too. This season’s stats seem to suggest that this game could be close.
Sydney’s win over Geelong in last week’s preliminary final is an instructive game to take into consideration when looking for a winner in this match. Sure, Sydney won, but they failed in a couple of key areas. One being the inside 50’s. Geelong came out on top in that one 72-40.
Preferred Defence
What this does however is give the “Dogs” an insight into how Sydney are looking to defend. The big question is can they exploit that? The Swans have been one of the top teams this season when it comes to clearances. In fact, only the Greater Western Sydney Giants have bettered them. The Bulldogs have also performed well in this area. So what we have in this final is a battle in the midfield.
Who Will Win the Midfield?
The midfield is going to be the key. The experts, pundits and ex-players all seem to agree. Whoever wins the midfield on Saturday will win the game. Sydney has a formidable line up. Kennedy, Jack, Parker and Hannebery are as tough as they come. However the Dogs won the clearance battle last time out. Many believe they will do it again.
All this makes for one thing. An absolutely enthralling AFL Grand Final. So where is your money going, and where will the value be? Sun Bets have the Swans as clear favourites at 4/7. Do they deserve to be so short?
Time to Place a Wager
With the Dogs at 11/8 and showing some good game stats this season then many people will fancy those odds!
If these potential wagers don’t get you excited, then try these. You could get 6/1 with Sun Bets on Western Bulldogs overturning a half-time deficit and going on to win the game. If you fancy the Swans to win and be ahead at half time, then you may want to take a punt on the 4/5 being offered. So come on, are you a man or a mouse?
Do you go for the safer option and take odds on? Experience shows that favourites don’t always win these games. All it takes is for one player to underperform. This means that the underdog stands a great chance as long as they are not outclassed.
One thing is sure, the Western Bulldogs may be the underdogs in this clash, but they are certainly not outclassed. They have the personnel to win this match and upset the odds, and the stats back that up.
