<p>The Swans' season still has a pulse.&nbsp;</p> <p>After an away win against Port Adelaide last week, last year's vanquished Grand Finalists have emerged as one of the most fascinating teams to watch on the run home this season.</p> <p>Of course, it helps when you get an influx of star players returning from injury. Erroll Gulden for the first time this season, Tom Papley for his first game back since the early rounds, and key forward Joel Amartey back from suspension, all of whom make a significant difference to the side and overall performance.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now with them back, the Swans, despite sitting 11th on the ladder at 6-8, remain a puncher's chance of making the top eight after not looking like it all season.&nbsp;</p> <p>They’re back home this week, hosting the high-flying Bulldogs, who are coming off a pair of convincing wins against the lowly Saints and Tigers.&nbsp;</p> <p>The wins have taken the Dogs to 8-6, and while they are still viewed as one of the teams capable of seriously challenging for the premiership this year, they remain in the top eight by percentage only. With the Suns breathing down their neck on the same points, a win here for the Dogs is crucial not only to gain some breathing room but also to jump up into those home final spots.&nbsp;</p> <p>They will have fond memories of the last time they visited Sydney—the Dogs dominated at the SCG late last season as they went on a run to secure a finals berth.&nbsp;</p> <p>These games have featured their fair share of memorable moments, so here’s hoping we get another one.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the Swans fielded close to their best lineup all season last week, and after a strong result (which could have been even better if they’d kicked straighter), there might not be many changes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Veteran Jake Lloyd, who was dropped, put his hand up for an immediate recall with a big performance in the VFL, while Caiden Cleary and Ollie Florent also pressed their claims for a return. Utility Robbie Fox should be available this week after passing concussion protocols, while first-year draftee Jesse Dattoli continues to impress and put his case forward for a senior debut.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs will need to make one forced change, with midfielder Adam Treloar injuring his calf again against the Tigers. Ryley Sanders should come straight back in after being a late withdrawal due to illness, as will Jason Johannisen, who returned from illness last week through the VFL.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Swans vs Dogs prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Nick Blakey</p> <p>HB: Matt Roberts, Lewis Melican, Sam Wicks</p> <p>C: Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Callum Mills</p> <p>HF: Braeden Campbell, Will Hayward, Justin McInerney</p> <p>F: Tom Papley, Joel Amartey, James Jordon</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, James Rowbottom</p> <p>Int: Aaron Francis, Harry Cunningham, Angus Sheldrick, Hayden McLean, Riley Bice</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nick Coffield, James O’Donnell, Bailey Williams</p> <p>HB: Lachie Bramble, Rory Lobb, Bailey Dale</p> <p>C: Sam Davidson, Ed Richards, Joel Freijah</p> <p>HF: Ryley Sanders, Aaron Naughton, Matt Kennedy</p> <p>F: Laitham Vandermeer, Sam Darcy, Rhylee West</p> <p>Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore</p> <p>Int: Josh Dolan, Cooper Hynes, Buku Khamis, James Harmes, Lachie McNeil</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Western Bulldogs Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dogs might have claimed the last one these two teams played when they met at the SCG, but the Swans still hold sway in the recent head-to-head with three wins from the past five matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs have made a habit of winning against the odds, winning against Sydney in Sydney, having won at the ground four times in the past 10 years.</p> <p>The Dogs have elevated their game to the number one attacking team in the competition. While those numbers are slightly skewed with five 70+ point wins against lowly opposition, their ball movement has stacked up against all sides this year.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Swans are starting to show elements of what has made them great. An improved profile over the last five weeks has seen the Swans jump to 6th for defending opposition chains from defensive 50 to forward 50 and has become more potent in front of goal.</p> <p>Which Sydney key defender will get the big job on young man mountain Sam Darcy?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>With Gulden and Papley back to combine with Heeney and Warner, there’s suddenly some added quality in this Sydney team, matching up with the ball-winning prowess of Bontempelli, Liberatore, Dale, and Kennedy.</p> <p>The Dogs are yet to drop a game to a team below them this year. We’re picking them to put the mini Swans’ resurgence to a screeching halt before it can even get going.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-western-bulldogs-9321044">Bulldogs</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Sam Darcy is the game's newest unicorn. The young star is already commanding the best key defenders in the game, and his career isn't even 50 games old.</p> <p>He’s our pick for the first goal of the night.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-western-bulldogs-9321044">Sam Darcy</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Isaac Heeney saves his best performances for primetime footy at the SCG.</p> <p>Last week against Port was a promising step towards his best form with 28 touches. Last time he was at the SCG on a Friday night, he had 38 and could have kicked half a dozen goals too.</p> <p>We don’t expect him to kick that many, but we are backing him to find plenty of the ball on his happy hunting ground.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-western-bulldogs-9321044">Isaac Heeney 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Swans vs Western Bulldogs Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, June 27, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:40 PM AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> SCG, Sydney</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>