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

When: Saturday May 4, 2024 at 8:10 pm

Where: Optus Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Odds

West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Preview

The Bombers have been gaining attention with a series of improved performances, raising the question of their potential to contend for the finals this year.

Despite leading for much of the game and establishing a 27-point lead in the first quarter, the ANZAC Day Draw left Essendon with mixed feelings.

Returning from their trip to the Gold Coast, West Coast will be bolstered by a strong showing, despite a third-quarter dip in performance.

While Essendon has shown flashes of brilliance and determination, maintaining control throughout the game has been a challenge, often waning after two or three quarters.

The upcoming match could present some surprises. Historically, the Bombers have struggled to secure wins against lower-ranked teams on the road, and the Eagles are well aware that intense forward pressure, similar to what’s seen in derbies, can turn the game on its head.

Harley Reid, returning to the West Coast lineup after a week off for management, will likely be a focal point for the Bombers, having previously trained and played in Essendon’s VFL squad as part of the AFL Academy program.

Essendon’s tactic of creating rapid and effective entries from stoppages in their forward half will be critical, and it’s an area the Eagles will need to counter.

The midfield duel will be decisive in establishing dominance, and Essendon will need to be strategic in their buildup play to penetrate the Eagles’ defenses.

Though Essendon is favored to win, this matchup could prove to be closer than many expect.

Content provided by Ladbrokes

West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Tip

West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Teams

EAGLES

B: T.Cole, T.Barrass, J.Rotham

HB: L.Duggan – C, J.McGovern, B.Hough

C: R.Ginbey, E.Yeo, L.Edwards

HF: L.Ryan, J.Waterman, J.Cripps

F: N.Long, J.Darling, J.Petruccelle

FOLL: B.Williams, T.Kelly, H.Reid

I/C: C.Chesser, A.Witherden, H.Johnston, J.Williams, R.Maric

EMG: A.Gaff, D.Sheed, H.Edwards

IN: T.Barrass, N.Long, H.Reid, H.Johnston

OUT: H.Edwards (Omitted), J.Hunt (Injured), D.Sheed (Omitted), T.Brockman (Omitted)

BOMBERS

B: D.Heppell, B.McKay, J.Laverde

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

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

HF: S.Durham, K.Langford, A.Davey Jnr

F: H.Jones, P.Wright, A.Perkins

FOLL: T.Goldstein, J.Caldwell, Z.Merrett – C

I/C: B.Hobbs, J.Gresham, N.Cox, J.Stringer, M.Guelfi

EMG: E.Tsatas, S.Weideman, N.Hind

IN: A.Perkins, M.Guelfi

OUT: S.Draper (Injured), N.Hind (Omitted)