We take a look at Friday nights (10/5/2019) AFL Week 8 match which is between the Sydney Swans and the Essendon Bombers. View the odds and teams for both sides as well as our Tips and Bets for the match.
When: Friday May 10, 7:50pm
Where: SCG
Bet ?: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
It’s a clash between two of the league’s bottom eight clubs, although it certainly feels as though the Bombers and the Swans are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum.
Essendon occupy 11th on the ladder following last week’s 32-point loss to the Cats. At times the Bombers looked up for the challenge, but Geelong’s class through the midfield and the Dons’ inaccuracy in front of goal ultimately cost John Worsfold’s side a chance.
For Sydney, this is just about it. With one win from their seven games so far, the Swans must win on Friday if they hold any hope of playing finals and elevating from the bottom of the ladder. Last week’s trip to The Gabba ended in a 22-point defeat, but the good news is Buddy Franklin looks likely to return from a hamstring injury.
The Swans have won four of their last five games against Essendon, but they’ll be eager to make up for last year’s 109-66 loss. Defensively Sydney showed strong signs in the first half against Brisbane, but after allowing six combined goals to Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron and Daniel McStay, it’s tough to trust the Swans against Essendon’s potent forward line.
Still, the Bombers continue to do most things right on the ground, like winning the clearances and the inside 50’s last week against the Cats. As we’ve come to learn though, it means nothing when you can’t kick accurately in front of goal.
The Bombers last won at the SCG back in 2009, but you have to rewind a long way back to find the last time the Swans were the underdog at home to the Dons. If Buddy plays, Sydney look a good bet to keep this close.
Odds:
Tip: Essendon Bombers at $1.51
Value Tip: First Goal Scorer: Jake Stringer at $8.00
Teams:
SWANS
B: Rampe, Melican, Mills
HB: Lloyd, Aliir, Thurlow
C: Dawson, Jones, Heeney
HF: Hewett, Reid, Fox
F: Blakey, McCartin, Papley
FOLL: Sinclair, Kennedy, Parker
I/C: Jack, Hayeward, Florent, O’Riordan
EMG: Rowbottom, Cameron, McInerney, Stoddart
IN: O’Riordan
OUT: Cunningham (injured)
BOMBERS
B: Ambrose, Hooker, McGrath
HB: Francis, Hurley, Fantasia
C: Merrett, Parish, Heppell
HF: Guelfi, Stringer, Smith
F: McDonald-Tipungwuti, Myers, Saad
FOLL: Bellchambers, Shiel, Zaharakis
I/C: Ham, McKenna, Redman, Clarke
EMG: Baguley, Langford, Ridley, Hartley
IN: Fantasia, Myers, Ham, Clarke
OUT: Baguley (omitted), Ridley (omitted), Langford (omitted), Daniher (managed)
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
