The four game Saturday slate in Round 16 of the AFL gets underway at 1.45pm as the Bombers host the Swans from the MCG. As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember to head to our AFL Tips page for dedicated previews on all of the Round 16 action this weekend.
Essendon vs Sydney Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 2nd July, 1.45pm (AEST)
Essendon
Injuries: Nix Cox, Tom Cutler, Michael Hurley, Andrew McGrath, Devon Smith, James Stewart, Tex Wanganeen (Out)
The Bombers will get star midfielder Darcy Parish back from injury this week, although his running mate Andrew McGrath is set to miss at least one more week with an adductor injury.
Essendon claimed a fantastic win over the Saints in Round 14 but looks like they were back to their old ways as they traveled to Perth and went down to the Eagles on the weekend. Granted, the Eagles are starting to get a bunch of their cavalry back in the line-up, but it was a game that Essendon would have expected to win after finding form the week before.
The Bombers sit in 16th place on the ladder having won just three games this season but they do have some winnable games in the run home, including back to back fixtures against North Melbourne and GWS in Round 20 and 21.
Sydney
Injuries: Josh Kennedy, Sam Naismith (Out)
The Swans are probably the healthiest team in the league at the moment. Outside of the season long knee injury to Sam Naismith, the only absence they will have this weekend is Josh Kennedy, who will be on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks with a hamstring.
Sydney were far too good for the Saints at home last weekend, recording a 51 point win on the back of dominant games from defender Jake Lloyd and Nick Blakey. Lance Franklin also wound back the clock in the win with a few special moments, and the Swans look to be building momentum at the right time of the season.
They currently sit in 6th place on the AFL ladder and have arguably the most favourable run home of any of the top eight teams with games against the Bombers, Crows, Giants, Kangaroos and another clash against the Saints still to come.
Match Prediction
The Swans should continue to roll here. Their depth at the moment is their biggest asset and all of their big stars are fit and firing. However, the one thing about these two teams is that over the past few years they have consistently played in absolute thrillers.
Sydney recorded a 58 point win at the SCG when the two teams faced earlier this season, however, the winning margins of the five previous games between the Swans and Bombers were 5, 10, 6, 3 and 7. I think the Swans win this one but expect the semi-rejuvenated Dons to keep it relatively close.
Sydney 1-39
$2.10 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Nick Blakey had his best game of the season on the weekend, recording 31 touches as well as five inside 50s. He has snatched the kcikout responsibilities away from Jake Lloyd so he is seeing much more of the footy this season, racking up 20+ touches in 8/13 games so far. Liek the odds of him to have 25+ again this week, especially given the Bombers average the 5th most behinds in the league despite ranking 16th for total points scored per game.
Blakey 25+ Disposals ($2.45 at Ladbrokes)
Sam Reid represents the best value for money in terms of goalscorers in the Sydney forward line this weekend in my opinion. He has been held goalless in his last two games but was coming off six in his previous two games. Has kicked 6 goals in his last 4 games against Essendon.
Sam Reid 2+ Goals ($2.55 at Ladbrokes)
