AFL Tips - Western Bulldogs v Essendon

Arguably the AFL’s hottest team hosts its coldest at Marvel Stadium on Sunday night. The market has spoken with a $1.01 line for the Bulldogs against Essendon, and it is hard to argue.

Best Bet

Western Bulldogs -72.5

Line

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$1.90

An enormous line but clearing it is a genuine possibility.

The Dogs beat Essendon twice last year by 91 and 93 points respectively. The Bulldogs have only grown stronger since, now sitting at 3-0 having accounted for Brisbane, GWS and Adelaide.

They are one of the most complete teams in the competition right now and they have made a habit of punishing the competition’s weaker sides. Since the start of 2024, they have covered the line in six of eight games against bottom-four teams, winning by an average of 84 points.

Essendon have been dreadful. Three losses from three games and they are yet to face anyone near the quality of this Bulldogs side. Losing Nate Caddy, their most dangerous forward, makes things even bleaker for a side that is already struggling to generate scores.

Triple figures are on the cards. Back the Dogs to cover.

Same Game Multi

Western Bulldogs -72.5, M.Bontempelli 2+ Goals, J.Croft Anytime Goal, T.English Anytime Goal

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$5.25

Marcus Bontempelli will feast. He is averaging 2.3 goals per game from his last five and kicked two in each of his games against Essendon last year. He is virtually impossible to stop when the Dogs are in this kind of form.

Jordan Croft and Tim English will stretch Essendon’s small backline to breaking point. The Bombers simply do not have the tall defensive stocks to handle Naughton, Darcy and these two. Both should find the scoreboard.

Value Bet

T.English 2+ Goals

Player Goals

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$3.50

English looks reborn under the new ruck rules and he will not get many easier match-ups than this. He kicked two in the opening round against Brisbane and should run Essendon’s ruckman off his feet before pushing forward for a couple.

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Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.