Dockers Set to Continue Dominant Run Against Struggling Saints at Optus Stadium


Saturday • Optus Stadium • 18°C, NNE 14.8 kph
Looking at this Fremantle-St Kilda clash at Optus Stadium, I’ve been tracking both sides closely and there’s a fascinating betting angle developing here that the market might be missing.
The Dockers have strung together five straight wins and are absolutely flying, while the Saints have dropped four of their last five.
But here’s where it gets interesting – St Kilda’s losses have been against quality opposition, and at $3.65 for the head-to-head, there’s a conversation to be had about value.
Let me walk you through why Freo should win, but why the line might be where the smart money goes.
KRUZEY’S TIPS
After crunching these numbers, I’m seeing three distinct opportunities in this match.
The Dockers’ recent form is undeniable – they’ve been the more consistent side and deserve favouritism.
But that 22.5-point line feels generous given St Kilda’s ability to keep games close, even in defeat.
All odds from Unibet, correct at time of posting
KRUZEY MODEL VS MARKET
Here’s where the data gets really interesting. I’ve run the numbers through multiple angles and there’s a clear edge emerging that contradicts the market’s heavy favouritism for Fremantle.
Our Data Says: Fremantle 78, St Kilda 74 (based on season averages adjusted for recent form)
That gives Fremantle a 56.5% win chance, St Kilda 43.5%
Bookmakers have Fremantle at $1.27 (78.7% implied) vs St Kilda at $3.65 (27.4% implied)
The Market Edge: St Kilda offers significant value – our 43.5% vs market’s 27.4% implied chance
FORM LINE
The contrast couldn’t be starker when you dig into these recent results. Fremantle’s last five reads like a highlight reel – wins over Essendon by 41, Melbourne by 6, Gold Coast by 11, Adelaide by 49, and GWS by 34.
They’re averaging 89.4 points per game during this streak while conceding just 61.2.
St Kilda’s recent form tells a different story. They’ve managed just one win from their last five – a 28-point victory over Melbourne.
The losses came against Collingwood (34 points), West Coast (72 points), Gold Coast (19 points), and another West Coast defeat (28 points).
Here’s the kicker though – they’re averaging 73.2 points in this stretch, which isn’t terrible, but they’re leaking 98.2 points per game. That defensive number is what’s killing them.
- Defeated Essendon by 41 points
- Defeated Melbourne by 6 points
- Defeated Gold Coast by 11 points
- Defeated Adelaide by 49 points
- Defeated GWS by 34 points
- Lost to Collingwood by 34 points
- Defeated Melbourne by 28 points
- Lost to West Coast by 72 points
- Lost to Gold Coast by 19 points
- Lost to West Coast by 28 points
KEY STATS
After tracking both teams all season, the statistical gaps are revealing but not as dramatic as the odds suggest. Fremantle averages 12.4 goals per game to St Kilda’s 11.8 – that’s less than four points difference in scoring ability.
The real separator shows up in the other key metrics. The Dockers dominate territory with 53.6 inside-50s per game versus the Saints’ 48.6. Disposal efficiency tells a similar story – Fremantle at 73.9% compared to St Kilda’s 71.9%.
These aren’t massive gaps, but over four quarters at Optus Stadium, they add up. The clearance battle is dead even though (38.2 plays 37.9), which could keep this interesting if St Kilda can win the contested ball.
12.4
11.8
53.6
48.6
73.9%
71.9%
38.2
37.9
THE FINAL WORD
Bottom line – Fremantle should win this comfortably at home given their current form. But should they win by 23+ points against a Saints outfit that’s shown glimpses of competitiveness? That’s where I’m not so sure.
The smart play here is taking St Kilda with the 22.5-point start at $1.88.
Yes, the Dockers are flying and yes, they’ve been demolishing teams lately. But at Optus Stadium on a perfect Perth evening with 18 degrees and NNE wind at 14.8 kph, the Saints have enough firepower to keep this respectable.
My model says Freo by 4 points – the bookies say Freo by 22.5. That gap is too big to ignore.
LOCK IT IN: St Kilda +22.5 @ $1.88
Backing the Saints to stay within four goals looks the value play against an inflated line.
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