AFL R4: Port Adelaide v Essendon tips, odds & predictions

Power v Bombers AFL R4 best bets

Round 4: Port Adelaide v Essendon match preview

Port Adelaide will be hoping to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss when they host Essendon at Adelaide Oval this Friday night in round four of the 2024 AFL season.

The Port Adelaide Power let the points slip in round three after conceding five goals in the final quarter to lose to Melbourne by seven points. Errant goalkicking proved costly, but the match was played at a high standard between sides that should see September action. Ivan Soldo was monstered in the square by Max Gawn, but there were pleasing signs for a Port midfield group that fought hard and emerged with superior clearance numbers.

Port are hopeful midfielder Jason Horne-Francis will be ready to return from a hamstring injury after he completed a full training session on Tuesday. Defender Lachie Jones is also pushing for inclusion following a slight calf strain. Star midfielder Ollie Wines looks unlikely to play with a minor hamstring strain, but Port should field a similar side with only a handful of their main playing group on the sidelines.

After trailing for three and half quarters, the Essendon Bombers pounced on Saint Kilda in round three to steal the premiership points by less than a goal. The stats for the game were evenly spread with the Bombers taking more marks, winning the tackle count, and opting to kick more often. Essendon are ticking along nicely at this stage with two wins and a single loss to the Swans to show for their early efforts in the 2024 AFL season.

Essendon have lost Sam Durham due to concussion protocols, but Will Setterfield is a chance to rejoin the midfield after he was a late out last Saturday. Big forward Peter Wright remains on the sidelines due to suspension, while star defender Jordan Ridley (quad) and midfielder Dylan Shiel (oblique) are still at least a week away. Elijah Tsatas is pushing for a recall after a big effort in the VFL.

Port Adelaide Power v Essendon Bombers betting strategy

Despite their home-ground advantage, don’t expect Port to run away with this contest. The Bombers have been flying under the radar somewhat, and AFL betting markets might be selling them short. This could be a competitive matchup that swings in Port’s direction in the latter stages, so take the Power to win by 1-39 points at +110 with Neds.

A high-scoring affair is expected, and Essendon forward Kyle Langford looks like the man who will do the heavy lifting for his side. He is averaging just under three goals per game this season, slotted three against the Saints, and should be the main target up front. We are hoping he can continue this form and boot at least three for a +125 return with the best AFL bookmakers.

Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett has been in red-hot form this season with over 30 disposals in all three games. He had a night out against the Swans in round two, grabbing 32 disposals and booting a pair of handy goals. Merrett has found plenty of ball in the forward half early in the season, so there is value in backing him to boot a goal or two at +225 with PlayUp.

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