Head vs Heart: Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Eagles
Last updated: Apr 30, 2018, 4:46AM | Published: Apr 26, 2018, 11:39PM
In Head vs Heart, the common sense of data goes head-to-head with unbridled power of passion in a weekly battle here on Stats Insider. This week the Western Bulldogs host the West Coast Eagles at Etihad. Can the Bulldogs bounce back from a humiliating defeat or will the Eagles get their first win of the season?
 | Despite a 29 point loss to the Swans in Round 1, Heart can't help but leap out at the $2.35 on offer for the Eagles to beat the Bulldogs. Forget the fact the Dogs were embarrassed by the Giants, the Eagles don't have to face Buddy Franklin this
week. The only thing in favour of the Dogs is the fact that the Eagles don't travel that well but 2018 is a new season and Round 1 form will talk louder than past season travel issues. |
 | Head is inclined to agree. SI has picked West Coast as the sharp head to head bet. They cover the 8.5 point spread 53 percent of the time, and the Bulldogs are going to find it hard to stop Nic Nat with a lack of ruck stocks currently available. Just
like GWS, the Eagles will punish their notoriously bad ball use. The Dogs are under pressure just one round into the season. $2.35 looks great value for West Coast. |
 | Hard to stop! Nic Nat will destroy the B Grade Bulldogs ruck brigade, giving his midfield first use. The Eagles kicked 86 points against an experienced Swans defence, imagine what Darling, LeCras and co will do to the severely undermanned Bulldogs with
no Morris, Adams and a few rookies in there. |
 | I can't debate that. Nic Nat gives them a serious edge. I believe Unders shows good value, with SI's simulations coming under 53 percent of the time. With no Kennedy for the Eagles and the Dogs struggling to kick goals across the board, Unders
looks the goods. |
 | I have to agree with the Unders there. While I think the Eagles are great value, the Dogs will defend fiercely and scrap for every point after being embarrassed last week. With the Dogs already being a low-scoring team the Unders look a solid bet on Sunday . |
 | It's going to be another tough day for Western Bulldogs fans, that's for sure. Based on our earlier discussions about Nic Nat, the West Coast midfielders should be some value finds in the disposals market. |
 | Here's some more value on top of that: Luke Shuey paying $2.75 for 30+ disposals which looms as a great value bet for punters, Nic Nat will have it on a string all game and with no Libba to tag, Shuey should enjoy a big 30+game. The Eagles will come
to Melbourne and leave with the four points. |
