The Western Bulldogs will be hoping to take their impressive quarter-final performance into their semi-final against Port Adelaide at the Etihad Stadium on Friday.
The Bulldogs booked their place in the last four with a convincing 111-54 demolition over previous second favourites the Hawthorn Hawks.
The Bulldogs welcome Will Minson to the squad after recovering from a bout of food poisoning from some soy milk and he replaces Ben Hudson as first ruckman. Daniel Giansiracusa has also been rested, while Brad Johnson is still not fit to return following a calf-related Achilles injury.
Their opponents, the Port Adelaide Power, (5.25 to win the NAB Cup) also head into this semi-final showdown in good form following their 158-80 quarter-final cruise over the West Coast Eagles.
The Power have opted to recall a number of experienced players back for this semi-final as they are very eager to lift the NAB Cup this time around.
Warren Tredrea, Robbie Gray and Marlon Motlop could all play their first game for 2010 having been named in the squad of 29, while Travis Boak and Dean Brogan will return from injury to bolster the midfield. Jay Nash, who made his Power debut against West Coast, and Mathew Lobbe have been omitted from the squad of 29.
The last time these two met was in round 12 of the AFL season in June 2009, when the Bulldogs destroyed the Power 137-44 at the TIO Stadium.
The betting for this game sees Sportsbet.com.au have the Bulldogs as favourites to win the game at 1.36, while the Power are on offer at 3.15 to get through to the final on Saturday, March 13.
Half-time/full-time spreads are very popular in the NAB Cup and for the Bulldogs to be up at the break and to win the game Sportsbet.com.au have them available at 1.62, while if you fancy the Bulldogs to take a lead going into the break but feel the Power will take the match, then they are on offer at 8.00.
Looking back at last weekend’s quarter-final clashes this could be a high scoring affair and the Bulldogs are 1.80 to get on the score sheet first and the Power are available at 2.05.