Super Saturday in AFL Round 2 begins at the home of footy, with the Bombers set to welcome the Crows to the MCG. The Crows were dominant winners against the Saints last weekend, while the Bombers started their campaign with a loss against the Hawks. What can we expect from these teams in Round 2? We bring you our thoughts and betting tips below!
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Essendon vs Adelaide
Location: MCG – Melbourne
Date: Saturday, 22nd March
Time: 1:20pm AEDT
Odds: Essendon ($2.35) vs Adelaide ($1.60)
Line: Adelaide -13.5
Points: 180.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
Essendon and Adelaide face off in the first of three Saturday games in Round 2 of the AFL season. The Bombers will be looking to bounce back after a frustrating 26-point loss to Hawthorn, while the Crows aim to build on their dominant opening-round win. These two sides played out a pair of thrilling encounters last season, with both games decided by less than a goal, setting the stage for another closely fought contest.
Essendon’s Round 1 defeat was a tale of missed opportunities. They were strong in the contest, winning the clearance battle (+19) and contested possessions (+24), while also generating more inside 50s (+10). However, their inefficiency going forward proved costly, as Hawthorn’s superior ball use and accuracy in front of goal made the difference. The Bombers’ inability to convert their statistical dominance into a winning score will be a key focus heading into this clash. A positive was the debut of Isaac Kako, who brought energy to the forward line with a goal and 14 disposals, but they will need a collective lift in efficiency to challenge the Crows.
Adelaide, on the other hand, could hardly have been more impressive in their season opener, dismantling an undermanned St Kilda side by 63 points. Their high-powered forward line clicked immediately, with six multiple goal scorers leading the way as they piled on 135 points. Darcy Fogarty (4 goals) and Riley Thilthorpe (3) were among the standouts, while the midfield controlled the contest, winning clearances, contested ball, and inside 50s with ease. The Crows’ efficient ball movement and ability to finish their work inside 50 highlighted why many have them tipped for a top-eight finish, with even a potential top-four push on the cards.
These teams had a pair of nail-biters last season, with Essendon claiming a three-point win in Adelaide before the Crows responded with a two-point victory in Melbourne. The close nature of those contests suggests the Bombers match up well, but with Adelaide looking significantly stronger than last year and Essendon still searching for efficiency inside 50, the Crows should have the edge.
Given the firepower Adelaide has at its disposal and their Round 1 form, they are well-placed to take control of this game. If the Bombers tidy up their forward efficiency, they can make this competitive, but the Crows' superior squad depth and scoring power should see them claim the win and comfortably cover the -7.5 spread.
Adelaide -7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Josh Rachele 2+ Goals – Had a ripping preseason and it showed last weekend where he was excellent against the Saints. He kicked two goals and set plenty up, and he’ll be dangerous again here.
James Peatling 20+ Disposals – Fell just short of the 20 disposal mark in his Crows debut, but the role was there – playing in the midfield and as a high half forward. Happy to back him in.
Andrew McGrath 20+ Disposals – 27 touches against the Hawks last weekend and should see plenty of ball down back again here.
SGM Odds: $5.75 at BoomBet
