Marvel Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 3 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and St Kilda Saints. The game kicks off at 4:20 pm with St Kilda Saints heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs. St Kilda Saints game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 30, 2024 at 4:20 pm

Where: Marvel Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints Odds

Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints Preview

Is it time to start taking the Saints seriously?

Ross Lyon’s side defied most people’s expectations last week when they ran out 15-point winners against Collingwood, another inspiring defensive effort fans might look back on if they finish top four.

Jack Higgins was brilliant on the night, but if you’re a Saints fan, there’s plenty to like about the run through the middle of the ground with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jack Higgins touching plenty of the footy.

The Bombers had their moments in a 30-point loss to the Swans, but it felt like there was still a significant gap between Essendon and Sydney’s effort levels at times.

Brad Scott’s side was strong around the clearances but failed to match the Swans’ pressure – particularly in their own back half with the Swans taking their fair share of uncontested marks.

Adding further concern, key forward Peter Wright is set for an extended stint on the sideline following a dangerous bump, while Matt Guelfi is still out for a couple more weeks with a calf injury.

Essendon’s forward line has been the subject of concern for quite some time, making this assignment even more difficult against a St Kilda outfit that rebounds so well from their own defensive 50.

To me, it feels like the Saints are a team many are sleeping on. They finally have options moving the ball forward, and their work around the stoppages has been strong. The Bombers should measure up early, but I think the Saints do this comfortably in the end.

Content provided by Neds

Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints Tip

Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints Teams

BOMBERS

B: D.Heppell, B.McKay, N.Hind

HB: N.Martin, M.Redman, A.McGrath

C: X.Duursma, D.Parish, J.Kelly

HF: A.Perkins, K.Langford, J.Caldwell

F: J.Gresham, J.Stringer, B.Hobbs

FOLL: T.Goldstein, W.Setterfield, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: S.Draper, N.Cox, J.Laverde, S.Durham, J.Menzie

EMG: E.Tsatas, H.Jones, A.Davey Jnr

IN: M.Redman, D.Parish, J.Kelly

OUT: E.Tsatas (Omitted), P.Wright (Suspension), A.Davey Jnr (Omitted)

SAINTS

B: J.Battle, Z.Cordy, C.Wilkie

HB: R.Bonner, J.Sinclair, N.Wanganeen-Milera

C: R.Byrnes, S.Ross, B.Hill

HF: J.Higgins, D.Butler, M.Owens

F: D.Wilson, A.Caminiti, T.Membrey

FOLL: R.Marshall, J.Steele – C, M.Windhager

I/C: Z.Jones, L.Stocker, A.Hastie, M.Phillipou, C.Sharman

EMG: A.Schoenmaker, H.Garcia, T.Campbell

IN: D.Butler, A.Caminiti, A.Hastie

OUT: M.Wood (Injured), L.Henry (Injured), M.King (Suspension)