West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Tips - Bombers to push Eagles in close one at Optus
The West Coast Eagles are favored to edge out the struggling Essendon Bombers in the final AFL Round 12 match. West Coast have improved remarkably in recent games, especially defensively and in ball movement, with young forwards like Jake Waterman posing major threats. Essendon have suffered another spate of injuries and continue to struggle with efficiency, despite strong midfield performances. The recommendation is to back the Eagles for a 1-39 point win, with Waterman likely to be prominent on the scoreboard.
- West Coast are showing improved form and defense, especially at home.
- Essendon continue to struggle with injuries and scoreboard efficiency.
- Prediction: West Coast to win by 1-39 points, with Waterman among the goals.
West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Preview
- West Coast Eagles vs Essendon Bombers Preview
- Head to Head
- West Coast Eagles Form Analysis
- West Coast Eagles Team News
- Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
- Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon are set for more doom and gloom when they take on West Coast in the final match of AFL Round 12.
The Bombers are last on the ladder following a rough night when losing to Richmond last weekend and have won just one match this season.
They come up against an Eagles outfit that took out their most recent home match against GWS a fortnight ago before going down to Collingwood at the MCG in Round 11.
The Eagles can add to their win-loss record of 3-8 but there are likely to be a few nervous moments along the way. West Coast have shown significant improvement over the past fortnight, with a far more competitive brand built around pressure, contest work and stronger ball movement through the corridor.
Their younger players continue to grow in confidence and they look far more dangerous going forward with Jake Waterman, Jack Williams and the small forwards providing multiple scoring options inside 50.
Their ability to absorb momentum and respond against Collingwood on the big stage was particularly encouraging and returning to Optus Stadium should suit their developing style, especially against an Essendon side that is struggling to maintain defensive structure and scoreboard pressure across four quarters.
The Bombers should still be able to stay in the contest for long periods because of the depth and quality of their midfield. Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Archie Roberts all found plenty of the football against Richmond and Essendon were actually able to generate more inside 50s despite the difficult circumstances surrounding that match with injuries taking their toll.
But Essendon’s inability to capitalise on opportunities continues to hurt them and they continue to struggle with efficiency inside 50 and scoreboard conversion. Against a West Coast side that has tightened up defensively in recent weeks and is gaining confidence at home, that shapes as a major concern.
Take West Coast in the 1-39-point bracket in the Round 12 clash with Jake Waterman to continue his strong record against Essendon with 3+ goals. The Eagles’ improving forward structure and home ground advantage should prove enough, even if the Bombers remain competitive through the midfield battle, where Zach Merrett should find a stack of the footy.
- Bombers are 1-10 this season and suffered a number of injuries in their most recent loss.
- Essendon have won the past five against the Eagles with three of the past four decided by three points or less.
- Jake Waterman has kicked 10 goals in his past three matches against the Bombers.
- Zach Merrett had 36 disposals last weekend.
Head to Head
Essendon have taken out the past five matches between the two sides, including the Optus Stadium encounter last season by two points. Three of those four wins have been by one goal or less.
Standout player performances in recent head-to-head clashes have come from:
- Jake Waterman (Eagles) – 10 goals in his past three matches against the Bombers.
- Peter Wright (Dons) – six goals in the most recent head-to-head clash and 10 from his past three against the Eagles.
- Jack Williams (Eagles) – three goals in each of his past two outings against Essendon.
- Zach Merrett (Dons) – 25+ disposals in each of his past eight matches against West Coast.
West Coast Eagles Form Analysis
West Coast snapped a six-game losing streak by defeating GWS by 17 points a fortnight ago before pushing Collingwood all the way at the MCG last weekend in a 10-point loss. The Eagles were highly competitive in one of the toughest road trips in football and showed continued growth against one of the competition’s premiership contenders.
The Eagles shaded Collingwood in both the inside 50 and clearance counts but lacked polish at key moments and were punished for a handful of costly turnovers. Their ability to fight back whenever the Magpies threatened to break clear was one of the more encouraging signs, particularly with such a young side playing in front of more than 90,000 fans.
Bailey Williams continued his excellent recent form in the ruck with 20 disposals, 12 clearances and a goal against Collingwood after producing 41 hit-outs and two goals against GWS the previous week. Harley Reid again showed his explosiveness around stoppage, while Elliot Yeo booted three goals and Tom McCarthy gathered 30 disposals.
From a defensive point of view, the Eagles have improved significantly over the past month and are beginning to defend transition and territory far better than they did earlier in the season. They now return to Optus Stadium, where they are 2-2 against interstate opposition in 2026.
West Coast Eagles Team News
There were no injuries for the Eagles out of the Collingwood clash and Brandon Starcevich is a chance to appear for the first time in West Coast colours after returning through the WAFL last weekend. Cooper Duff-Tytler and Fin Macrae also impressed at state league level and will come into consideration at selection.
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon have won just one match this season and remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder after their 18-point loss to Richmond in the Dreamtime at the ‘G. Despite the result, the Bombers were competitive for long periods and actually finished with more inside 50s than the Tigers.
A return of 1.6 in the 3rd quarter proved costly after Essendon had managed to regain control around stoppages and territory. The Bombers attempted to slow the game down and set up more structurally behind the ball during the second half, which helped limit Richmond’s transition and gave them opportunities to stay in the contest.
Darcy Parish was outstanding with 41 disposals and nine clearances, while Zach Merrett had 36 touches and Archie Roberts continued his excellent season with 33 disposals. Roberts has now recorded 30+ disposals in seven of his past eight matches, averaging 34 in that stretch.
Nate Caddy and Archer May continue to provide scoreboard impact in attack. Caddy has kicked 2+ goals in his past five matches, while May has booted multiple goals in six of his past seven outings.
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon’s injury concerns deepened again in the loss to Richmond, with Andy McGrath suffering a serious jaw injury, Archer May sent to hospital with rib damage and Jye Caldwell battling through a leg issue after copping a heavy knock. Matt Guelfi and Sam Durham were also ruled out during the match, leaving the Bombers severely undermanned late in the contest.
Nik Cox is among the likely reinforcements after responding to his omission with a strong VFL performance, while Jordan Ridley and Saad El-Hawli are edging closer to returns from injury layoffs.
Verdict
Eagles to win but it won't be easy. Waterman amongst the goals with Essendon's Merrett to provide plenty of drive for the red and black
West Coast Eagles 1-39
Winning Margin 1-39
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