Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Prediction - Round 9 2026

Round 9 of the 2026 AFL Season sees the Western Bulldogs fly to Adelaide to take on the Power.

Coming off four losses in a row and sinking to 12th on the ladder, the Dogs early season success seems a world away.

Last week they were brave against competition heavyweights Fremantle, but they were outgunned in a 114-102 shootout.

Port Adelaide meanwhile seem to be on the up – they did fall short in the Showdown clash with the Crows. But a one-point margin against last year's minor premiers shows how far they’ve come in a couple years under coach Josh Carr.

With both Port and the Dogs sitting outside the top 10 and desperate to recalibrate, the contest shapes to be a fierce one at Adelaide Oval.

Port Adelaide will be eager to prove their resilience, while the Bulldogs are fighting to keep their season from slipping away completely.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Round 9 prediction and preview below.

Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

A month ago, this was a genuine half-volley for the rampaging Dogs. Problem is, those Dogs are no longer rampaging, and Port have really turned their form around.

The Power were excellent against the Hawks and combative and competitive in another epic Showdown last week.

When Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, and Mitch Georgiades are firing, this Port outfit is an incredibly tough test.

The Dogs/Butters storyline will be one to watch in the lead-up to this one, but with the Bulldogs struggling for defensive consistency and currently on a four-game skid, it's hard to see them overcoming the Power on their own turf.

Head-to-head prediction: Port Adelaide by 13 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Mitch Georgiades has been on a tear lately, establishing himself as the focal point of the Power's attack as their form has improved over the last few weeks.

With the Bulldogs' defence still undermanned and missing key pillars like James O’Donnell and Rory Lobb, the athletic Georgiades should find plenty of space early.

We're backing him to hit the scoreboard first and ignite the Adelaide Oval crowd.

Betting tip: Mitch Georgiades.

Most Disposals Prediction

Zak Butters is the undisputed safe bet here. The dynamic midfielder has been a disposal machine recently, recording tallies of 30, 31, 35, 30, and 30 in his most recent outings.

Even if the Bulldogs try to limit his influence, Butters' work rate and ability to hunt the Sherrin make him the safest play to lead the stats sheet once again.

Betting tip: Zak Butters.

Odds are subject to change. *

Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Team Lists

Port Adelaide Predicted Team List

FB: Miles Bergman, Lachie Jones, Darcy Byrne-Jones

HB: Kane Farrell, Aliir Aliir, Logan Evans

C: Jacob Wehr, Jason Horne-Francis, Jase Burgoyne

HF: Dante Visentini, Mitch Georgiades, Ewan Mackinlay

FF: Joe Richards, Jack Whitlock, Corey Durdin

Foll: Jordon Sweet, Zak Butters, Willem Drew

I/C: Joe Berry, Christian Moraes, Ollie Wines, Todd Marshall, Josh Lai

Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List

FB: Michael Sellwood, Buku Khamis, Nick Coffield

HB: Lachlan McNeil, Jedd Busslinger, Bailey Dale

C: Arthur Jones, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Williams

HF: Sam Davidson, Will Lewis, Laitham Vandermeer

FF: Joel Freijah, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West

Foll: Tim English, Matthew Kennedy, Ed Richards

I/C: Lachlan Bramble, Ryley Sanders, Louis Emmett, Harvey Gallagher, Josh Dolan

Port Adelaide Power vs Western Bulldogs Match Details

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026.

First Bounce: 8:10pm AEST.

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.