AFL Round 14 Insights: Experts Shift Their Support as ‘Most Exciting Prospect’ Makes a Stunning Return

The unexpected comeback of “the most thrilling prospect” in the AFL has transformed an anticipated Thursday clash into what many are forecasting as a one-sided encounter, per bookmakers and the expert tips from Nine.

Currently, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs occupy the 12th and 9th spots on the ladder, with just a single win separating them.

However, the Saints are considered underdogs, with all six of Nine’s tipsters firmly backing the Bulldogs to secure a victory.

Bookmakers have shortlisted the Bulldogs to as low as $1.27, while the Saints are lurking as $3.78 outsiders in the betting markets.

The heightened expectations for the Bulldogs can be attributed to the return of their imposing key forward, Sam Darcy.

Only a few weeks ago, the AFL community held its breath as Darcy crumpled to the ground, grasping at his knee.

While there were grave initial concerns it could be a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury, it turned out to be much less severe than anticipated.

Now, Darcy is set to make his return against the Saints this round 14.

“It’s fantastic to see him back,” acknowledged AFL legend Matthew Lloyd during an appearance on Nine’s Today show.

“We all thought he had torn his ACL, including the club, and usually, they are spot on with those assessments… but he has only been out for six weeks.

“He is the most electrifying prospect in football… and he’s returning with half a season left to play.

“The Bulldogs must secure a win against the Saints if they are to remain serious contenders for the finals, but they have struggled against top-eight teams throughout this season,” cautioned Matthew Lloyd.

As for the clash on Friday, the Nine experts are split over the match between the struggling Hawthorn and the on-form Adelaide.

The Hawks are seen as the favourites, though Crows icon Rory Sloane and Eddie McGuire are both tipping a potential upset by the South Australian side in Launceston.

Keep scrolling to check out the current leaderboard and Round 14 predictions from all of Nine’s expert tipsters!

Eddie McGuire: Bulldogs, Crows, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues

Rory Sloane: Bulldogs, Crows, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues

Jimmy Bartel: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Demons, Blues

Tom Morris: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues

Nat Yoannidis: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues

Clint Stanaway: Bulldogs, Hawks, Lions, Cats, Dockers, Power, Blues