Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Tips - Bulldogs to have too much class for Bombers in Sir Doug Nicholls Round

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 16 May 2025

Adam Cusworth 16 May 2025

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Western Bulldogs aim to bounce back after Round 9 AFL loss.
Key players: Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore for Bulldogs; Zach Merrett for Bombers.
Essendon seeks to maintain winning streak despite narrow victories and injuries.

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western bulldogs vs essendon Marvel Stadium

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Jason Johannisen of the Bulldogs handballs whilst being tackled by Harrison Jones of the Bombers during the round five AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium, on April 12, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Preview

Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Preview
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs Form Analysis
Western Bulldogs Team News
Western Bulldogs Team List
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon Bombers Team List

The Western Bulldogs will bounce back from the Round 9 loss to the Gold Coast with a win over Essendon in Saturday night AFL.

The Bulldogs have won five of their nine matches this season, despite missing a number of their star players throughout.

Essendon have won five of eight and have capitalised on a soft draw to start 2025. They were fast out of the blocks against an injury depleted Sydney Swans outfit last weekend, handing the Swans an eight-point defeat, despite registering less scoring shots (16-23).

But it is the Bulldogs that can put the pressure on Essendon’s defence with their superior depth in the midfield. Look for them to get on top in the clearance game, providing opportunities for their makeshift forward line, that have averaged 113 points per game in the weeks since Sam Darcy went down with a knee injury.

The Western Bulldogs have won three of the past four between the two sides
Tom Liberatore has averaged 30 disposals from his past four matches against the Bombers
Marcus Bontempelli is averaging 26 disposals per game this season.
Rhylee West has kicked 10 goals in the past four rounds.

Head to Head

The Western Bulldogs have won three of the past four between the two sides but Essendon took out the most recent meeting in Round 5 last season by 29 points. Kyle Langford kicked three goals for Essendon in that match.

Tom Liberatore has averaged 30 disposals from his past four matches against the Bombers, while Zach Merrett has averaged 29.5 for Essendon.

Western Bulldogs Form Analysis

While the Western Bulldogs come in with a loss last weekend to the Gold Coast, they took out their three matches prior to that by an average margin of 64 points. This coincided with Marcus Bontempelli’s return to the side.

The skipper is averaging 26 disposals from his four matches, while Tom Liberatore, Bailey Dale and Ed Richards are all at 25+. The Dogs rank 3rd in the competition for disposals and points per game, while they are 2nd for inside 50s and clearances.

They havent quite found the right formula inside 50 in terms of tall targets since Sam Darcy’s knee injury. Aaron Naughton could not manage a goal last weekend. Matthew Kennedy booted three, while small forwards, Rhylee West and Latham Vandermeer, each kicked two goals.

Western Bulldogs Team News

Latham Vandermeer was subbed out with calf tightness in the loss to the Suns and will be monitored at training. Adam Treloar missed that match wit a calf injury. Taylor Duryea is in line for a recall.

Western Bulldogs Team List

Team List yet to be released

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis

Essendon’s four wins this season have been by 12 points or less, while their four losses have all been by over 24 points. They have snuck under the radar a little bit in recent times with four wins from their past five matches. Their only loss in that period was against Collingwood on ANZAC Day.

The Bombers top the competition for disposals per game this season. Nic Martin had 38 disposals last weekend, while Andrew McGrath had 35. Zach Merrett is averaging a tick under 30 disposals per game.

Essendon Bombers Team News

Lewis Hayes debut was soured for Essedon last week with the youngster becoming the latest victim to a long term injury. He will miss. Darcy Parish and Jade Gresham are edging closer towards a return from injury.