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Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers Tips - Bombers to prevail in Dreamtime at the G

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 20 May 2025

Adam Cusworth 20 May 2025

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Essendon aims to recover from a heavy loss to the Bulldogs.
Richmond searches for improved performance after losing to North Melbourne.
Key players Merrett and Roberts pivotal for Essendon, who hold an edge.

Expired

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Kyle Langford of the Bombers marks the ball during the round 11 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers Preview

Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers Preview
Head to Head
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon Bombers Team List
Richmond Tigers Form Analysis
Richmond Tigers Team News
Richmond Tigers Team List

Essendon are set to bounce back after a Round 10 belting at the hands of the Western Bulldogs.

The Bombers were blown away to the tune of 91 points by the Bulldogs, registering just five goals for the match. But their win-loss record remains in the positive territory at 5-4, while they won five of their six matches prior to last week’s blowout.

Richmond are 3-7 and couldnt knock over fellow cellar-dwellars, North Melbourne, in Round 10, going down to the Kangaroos by four points. The Tigers rank poorly in a number of key statistical measures and while the Bombers have had trouble finishing off inside 50, they should find enough of the ball to kick a winning score in Dreamtime at the G.

Look for Zach Merrett and Archie Roberts to have an influence, with the Bombers having enough answers to advance to 6-4, staying in touch with the top eight.

Six of the past seven matches between the two sides have been decided by 39.5 points or less
All of Essendon’s wins have been by 39.5 points or less in 2025
Archie Roberts has had 25+ disposals in his past four matches.
Merrett has averaged 36 disposals in the past three matches between the two sides

Head to Head

Essendon have taken out the past two matches between the two sides and won the corresponding encounter at the MCG last season by 12 points. Zach Merrett and Jordan Ridely both had 31 disposals in that match, while Kyle Langford kicked three goals. Dion Prestia had 27 dispoals for the Tigers.

Merrett has averaged 36 disposals in the past three matches between the two sides. Six of the past seven matches between the two sides have been decided by 39.5 points or less. They include a one-point margin in favour of the Dons in the 2023 version of the Dreamtime at the G.

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis

Essendon are 3-1 against non-finalists from last season. All of their wins have been by 39.5 points or less, with four by 12 points or less. Three of their four losses have been by margins over 39.5 points.

The Bombers rank 2nd in the competition for disposals. But they are 15th for clearances and 16th for inside 50s. Zach Merrett had a quiet night for his standards with just 20 disposals last weekend but averages 29 this season. Archie Roberts has had 25+ in his past four matches.

Essendon managed just five goals last weekend and are averaging just 63 points per game in their last five matches. Peter Wright has booted nine from five matches, while Nate Caddy and Archie Perkins are others going at 1+ goal per game.

Essendon Bombers Team News

Essendon escaped unscathed on the injury front in the Bulldogs match. Darcy Parish and Jade Gresham are in the mix to return from injury. Elijah Tsatsas and Matt Guelfi will be considered, should the Bombers match committee decide to make wholesale changes.

Essendon Bombers Team List

Team List yet to be released

Richmond Tigers Form Analysis

Richmond’s three wins have been by 13 points or less. Four of their seven losses have been by under 39.5, including the four point loss to North Melbourne in Round 10. They were slow out of the blocks in that match, trailing by four goals at quarter time before working their way back into it.

Seth Campbell booted three goals and has 17 for the season from 10 matches. Over the course of the season, the Tigers rank 18th for inside 50s and 17th for scoring, averaging just 68 points per game.

Richmond are 18th for disposals in 2025. Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto are both averaging 26 disposals and had 27 and 30 last weekend. Sam Banks has had 25+ in the past two rounds.

Richmond Tigers Team News

Richmond’s Tyler Sonsie dominated in the VFL last weekend and is set for a recall, while James Tresize and Jacob Blight will be considered. Dion Prestia is edging closer to a return from injury.

Richmond Tigers Team List

Team List yet to be released

Verdict

Essendon v Richmond

Essendon will have the answers in this match. Merrett and Roberts amongst the disposals

Essendon Bombers 1-39

Winning Margin 1-39

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Zach Merrett

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