Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide Power, Round 8 2025 - Expert Prediction
The Bulldogs will make it 3 straight wins with a significant victory over Port Adelaide breaking their losing trend against the club.
With the Western Bulldogs getting healthier by the round it is clear to see that they are a top level team. Over the last 5 games they are ranked 2nd in Official AFL Player Ratings while their Inside 50 rate has jumped to 3rd in the league and disposal efficiency to 6th best in the AFL. If we were able to get numbers for just the last two games, it is likely they are top of the bunch.
Port Adelaide have taken 3 wins, beating Hawthorn and Sydney as well as the Kangas last weekend which should fill their fans and bettors with confidence. But I see through the mist and they are still one of the least accurate teams in front of goal, which almost cost them the game against the team running 2nd last. They are also just below average in allowing opposition teams forward entries which the Bulldogs have really picked up on the past few weeks.
My expectation in this game is that the Bulldogs will overwhelm Port Adelaide with their potent attack. When Port get into range they can’t be trusted to convert consistently despite the Bulldogs giving up the 2nd highest number of Goals Inside 50m.
Take the Dogs to win 1-39 while going Over their team total. With Sam Darcy sidelined we saw Harmes, West and Lobb step up to the plate. West has scored 3 in his last 2 games, let’s back him in again here on the ladders.
- The Western Bulldogs are ranked 2nd in Player Rating and 3rd in Inside 50’s.
- The Dogs have gone over this Team Total in 3 straight games.
- Port are ranked 4th last in allowing opposition to score points from their forward half.
- Rhylee West has scored 3 goals in each of his last two games, scoring at least once in 6 straight games.
Head to Head
Port Adelaide own the recent head to head numbers dating back to 2019 with a 6-2 advantage in regular season matchups. The Dogs won the lone finals matchup in 2021 which was also the year they last won in the regular season.
5 of 8 games have gone Under the Game Total while the winning margin has exceeded 39pts on only 1 occasion.
Western Bulldogs Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Recent Form
Last 5 W/L | Last 5 ATS | Last 5 O/U |
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3-2 | 3-2 | 4-1 |
The Dogs have won two in a row and are gaining momentum in the 2025 AFL season. Their 71 pt win over St Kilda two weeks ago was backed up by a 32 pt victory over the Giants last weekend, their biggest scalp of the season to date.
The win puts them just inside the 8, ahead of Freo and Port on percentage. The 2nd half display by the Doggies was nothing short of fantastic as they scored on 50% of their forward entries. During the game they outmaneuvered their opponent getting 22 more clearances leading to 25 extra points from stoppages.
Ed Richards led the team with 9 clearances to go with his 27 disposals and 1 goal while James Harmes kicked 4 goals and Tom Liberatore continued to turn back the clock in what is turning out to be a career year for the 33 year old.
2025 Betting Trends
ATS | Over/Under | 1-39 | 40+ |
---|
4-3 | 5-2 | 3-3 | 1-0 |
Western Bulldogs Team News
Sam Darcy looks to have avoided surgery for his knee injury and might be a chance to return later in the year. James Harmes and Laitham Vandermeer will both need to pass fitness tests to be available for selection. Same deal for Lachie McNeil and Nick Coffield with hamstring injuries as well as Luke Kennedy with concussion.
Adam Treloar could make his return this weekend from a calf injury.
Western Bulldogs Team List
B: B.Khamis, J.Busslinger, L.Bramble
HB: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb, B.Dale
C: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah
HF: L.Vandermeer, J.O’Donnell, M.Kennedy
F: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli - C, T.Liberatore
I/C: L.Cleary, S.Davidson, L.McNeil, A.Treloar, J.Harmes
EMG: TBA
In: L.McNeil, A.Treloar
Out: J.Dolan (managed), C.Hynes (omitted)
Port Adelaide Power Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Recent Form
Last 5 W/L | Last 5 ATS | Last 5 O/U |
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3-2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
Port Adelaide had to fight hard to get the win over North Melbourne last weekend. It is the third straight for the Power who had a troublesome start to the year going just 1-3 prior to this win streak.
Accuracy in front of goal threatened to derail their chances, kicking 14 goals 13 behinds in the matchup where they were 40.5 point favourites. Ex Roo Jason Horne-Francis tormented his former club with 27 disposals, 7 inside 50’s and 1 goal in the victory.
Port were much better around stoppages than what they have been in many games this season, outdoing their season averages in hitouts, centre clearances and stoppage clearances. They were also able to reduce their turnovers by around 10%.
2025 Betting Trends
ATS | Over/Under | 1-39 | 40+ |
---|
3-4 | 4-3 | 3-2 | 1-1 |
Port Adelaide Power Team News
Josh Sinn is in concussion protocols and will miss this weekend's clash. Jack Lukosius has 3-5 weeks before he is expected to return.
Port Adelaide Power Team List
B: La.Jones, A.Aliir, M.Bergman
HB: C.Rozee - C, E.Ratugolea, K.Farrell
C: L.Evans, O.Wines, J.Burgoyne
HF: J.Mead, M.Georgiades, W.Rioli
F: S.Powell-Pepper, O.Lord, J.Richards
FOLL: J.Sweet, J.Horne-Francis, Z.Butters
I/C: W.Drew, J.Finlayson, D.Byrne-Jones, J.Berry, W.Lorenz
EMG: TBA
In: L.Evans, W.Lorenz
Out: J.Sinn (concussion), C.Moraes (omitted)