Optus Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 15 AFL game between Fremantle Dockers and Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with Fremantle Dockers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Fremantle Dockers vs. Essendon Bombers game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday June 19, 2025 at 8:10 pm

Where: Optus Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers Odds

Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers Preview

Fremantle will look to strengthen its hold on a top-eight spot when it hosts Essendon at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.

The Dockers enter the clash on a four-game winning streak, having narrowly overcome North Melbourne by six points in a hard-fought contest last week. Midfield stars Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw were again instrumental, combining for 67 disposals and 17 clearances.

Despite their winning run, Fremantle’s percentage of 106.6 remains the lowest among the current top eight—an area they’ll aim to boost against an Essendon side reeling from a 95-point thrashing at the hands of Geelong in Round 14.

The Bombers can draw some confidence from last year’s comeback win over Fremantle at the MCG, but they’ll need a dramatic improvement to replicate that result. With home-ground advantage and momentum on their side, the Dockers rightfully enter as favourites.

Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers Tip

Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers Teams

DOCKERS

B: L.Ryan, J.Draper, B.Cox

HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark

C: J.Sharp, C.Wagner, M.Johnson

HF: M.Frederick, S.Bolton, B.Banfield

F: P.Voss, J.Treacy, J.Amiss

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw (c)

IC: J.Aish, N.Erasmus, N.Fyfe, N.O’Driscoll, M.Reid

EMG: W.Brodie, O.McDonald, L.Reidy

In: J.Aish, N.O’Driscoll
Out: S.Switkowski (injured), S.Darcy (managed)

BOMBERS

B: A.McGrath, J.Laverde,. A.Roberts

HB: Z.Johnson, J.Prior, A.Clarke

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett (c), L.Lual

HF: A.Perkins, N.Caddy, N.Martin

F: A.May, P.Wright, I.Kako

R. V.Visentini, J.Caldwell, D.Parish

IC: B.Hobbs, J.Gresham, W.Setterfield, M.Guelfi, L.Blakiston

EMG: D.Shiel, R.Unwin, A.Day-Wicks

In: V.Visentini, B.Hobbs

Out: T.Goldstein (managed), A.Day-Wicks (omitted)