The confirmed teams are in for Friday night’s blockbuster between Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, with both clubs making significant selection calls that could shape the betting markets. Fremantle regains a star defender, while the Bulldogs have elected to manage two of their most dangerous forwards ahead of the trip west.

With first place on the ladder on the line for Fremantle and the Bulldogs chasing a finals berth, here are the biggest team news impacts for punters.

Biggest Ins – Fremantle

Hayden Young

Hayden Young returns from injury to provide a major boost to Fremantle’s defence and ball movement. One of the Dockers’ best users of the football, Young adds class across half-back while also giving Justin Longmuir another option through the midfield if required.

His return strengthens Fremantle’s ability to control possession and launch attacking chains, making the Dockers an even tougher proposition at Optus Stadium.

Biggest Outs – Fremantle

Corey Wagner

Wagner misses through injury after playing an important role on the wing and across half-back. While he has been a valuable contributor this season, Young’s return is a significant upgrade, meaning Fremantle arguably comes into this match stronger than it was last week.

Biggest Ins – Western Bulldogs

Laitham Vandermeer

Vandermeer returns to add speed and forward pressure, providing another small forward capable of locking the ball inside attacking 50. His pace will be important against Fremantle’s rebounding defenders.

Louis Emmett

Emmett earns an opportunity after strong VFL form and will help cover the loss of two experienced forwards. While inexperienced at AFL level, his inclusion gives the Bulldogs another marking option inside 50.

Biggest Outs – Western Bulldogs

Aaron Naughton

Managing Aaron Naughton is the biggest selection decision of the week. One of the Bulldogs’ primary key forwards, his absence removes a major aerial threat and places far more responsibility on Rory Lobb and Jordan Croft to provide scoreboard impact.

Cody Weightman

Weightman is also being managed after showing encouraging signs since returning from injury. Without his forward pressure and goal sense, the Bulldogs lose another proven match-winner inside 50 and become more reliant on Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards to drive scoring opportunities from midfield.

Early Betting Verdict

The confirmed teams clearly favour Fremantle. The Dockers regain Hayden Young while the Bulldogs travel west without two of their most dangerous forwards in Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman. On a ground where Fremantle has been exceptionally difficult to beat, the team changes further strengthen the home side’s position.

From a betting perspective, Fremantle head-to-head and the Dockers line become more attractive following the team announcements. Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss should receive greater opportunities against a Bulldogs side missing key attacking weapons, while Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Marcus Bontempelli remain standout disposal-market options in what shapes as a high-quality midfield battle.

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