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Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Tips - Swans to prevail in battle of walking wounded

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 06 May 2025

Adam Cusworth 06 May 2025

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Essendon and Sydney both hit hard by 2025 injuries.
Swans won 6 of last 7 vs Bombers; strong Marvel record.
Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner key players for Sydney.

Expired

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: James Rowbottom of the Swans handballs under pressure during the round 23 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium, on August 16, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Preview

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Preview
Head to Head
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon Bombers Team List
Sydney Swans Form Analysis
Sydney Swans Team News
Sydney Swans Team List

This shapes as a bit of a season defining clash for the two sides, who have been hit hard by injuries in 2025.

The Bombers have lost a number of tall timber to season ending injuries and did well to hang on by three points in their Round 8 encounter against North Melbourne.

Sydney’s list has been decimated but they found a way to knock over GWS by 14 points last weekend with Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney among the better players.

Those two will have an influence for the Swans in this contest, while James Jordon will look to tag Zach Merrett, who has been influential for Essendon this season.

The Swans have an excellent recent record against Essendon and play well at Marvel Stadium, having won seven of their past eight at the venue.

They can account for the Bombers in what shapes a tight one. Isaac Heeney shapes as a matchwinner for the red and white

Sydney have won six of the past seven matches between the two sides.
The Swans have won seven of their past eight at the venue.
Isaac Heeney has kicked eight goals from his past four matches against Essendon.
Injury toll mounts for Essendon, who lose three players from the win over North last weekend.

Head to Head

Sydney have won six of the past seven matches between the two sides and were comfortable 39-point winners the last time the two sides met, with that coming in Round 23 last season at Marvel Stadium.

Zach Merrett has averaged 28 disposals from his past four matches against the Swans, while Chad Warner has averaged 26 from his past three against the Bombers. Peter Wright (eight goals from past three) and Isaac Heeney (eight from four) have been amongst the goals.

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis

Essendon have a win-loss record of 4-4. They have scraped through to win two of their past three with wins by under a goal over North Melbourne and West Coast. Sandwiched in between those is a 41 point loss to Collingwood, a game that they led during the third quarter.

The Bombers are a high disposal side (ranking 2nd), but this hasn't translated to inside 50s and points scored (15th in both).

Zach Merrett was the difference against North Melbourne with 35 disposals and is averaging over 31 this season. He has hit the 30+ mark in four of his past six matches. Goals have been shared. Peter Wright has kicked eight in three weeks since coming back into the side.

Essendon Bombers Team News

Essendon’s injury curse continued last weekend with Harrison Jones, Jordan Ridley and Jade Gresham all going down. That trio join an ever-growing list. Jye Caldwell may be available to come back in. Matt Guelfi returned via the VFL last weekend and should slot in. Untried ruckman, Vigo Visentini may be looked at to bolster the stocks in the ruck.

Essendon Bombers Team List

- team list not yet released

Sydney Swans Form Analysis

Sydney snapped a three game losing streak with their win over the Giants and are now at 3-5. Their five losses have all been under the 39.5 points range.

The Swans have travelled to Victoria just once in 2025 for a 65 point win over North Melbourne in Round 4. They have won seven of their past eight at the venue.

Matt Roberts tops the disposals averages for the Swans at 24.6 per game, while Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner are both at 20+.

Sydney Swans Team News

Lewis Melican is set to miss with suspension and he joins a stack of top 22 players on the sidelines. Taylor Adams and Callum Mills are getting closer to returning from injury. Tom Hanily and Peter Ladhams have some solid form in the VFL.

Sydney Swans Team List

- team list not yet released

Verdict

Essendon v Sydney

Sydney to prevail with Isaac Heeney amongst the match winners

Sydney Swans

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