AFL Round 3: Essendon v Port Adelaide betting tips | 27/3/25

Essendon vs Port Adelaide best bets

Essendon Bombers vs Port Adelaide Power match preview

Round 3 of the 2025 AFL Premiership season kicks off this Thursday night, as Essendon host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

Port enter this clash as slight favourites on the road at $1.65 with leading bookmakers. The Bombers have top AFL odds of $2.30, while the line is set at 8.5 points.

Essendon moved to 0-2 last Saturday as they fell convincingly to the Adelaide Crows by 61 points. In a disappointing performance, the Bombers conceded 161 points, the highest score of the AFL season so far.

Lacking size at both ends of the field, it looks set to be a long season for the Dons, who have the third longest odds for the premiership at $101 with major sports betting apps.

Port Adelaide secured their first win of the season last Saturday, with a dominant 72-point win over Richmond. Playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this year, the Power piled on 140 points, while also looking impressive in defence.

After losing their Round 1 clash to Collingwood by 91 points, Port Adelaide are one of the toughest teams to gauge this season. They have a very strong midfield, but there are concerns around both their attack and defence. Returning to the venue this week, they will be out to prove that they can play on the road.

Essendon vs Port Adelaide team news

Essendon are set to regain defender Jordan Ridley for this clash after he clears concussion protocol this week. However, they have lost young duo Archie Perkins (quad) and Elijah Tsatas (hand), with midfielder Will Setterfield a likely inclusion after recovering from a groin complaint.

The Port Adelaide side took a hit against the Tigers, with Lachie Jones (adductor), Ryan Burton (hip) and Jack Lukosius (knee) all suffering injuries. Jeremy Finlayson and Esava Ratugolea are in the mix down back, while Ollie Lord is a chance to return from a shoulder injury.

Essendon vs Port Adelaide betting predictions

After watching the Bombers performances over the last two weeks, it is clear they have plenty of issues both with and without the footy. Port Adelaide should be too strong in this clash, with their set of strong ball users set to play a major role. At $1.91 with BetOnline, back the Power to cover the line of -8.5 points in this clash.

Despite the slow start to the season, captain Zach Merrett has been a standout. While he has always collected plenty of the football, the move to play more time across half forward has seen him hit the scoreboard, with six goals already in just two matches. At $2 with BetOnline, Merrett offers excellent value to kick a goal once again.

Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee has also started the season in excellent form, with tallies of 35 and 39 disposals in each of his matches so far. Without Zak Butters in the midfield, a lot of pressure falls on the 25-year-old to do most of the heavy lifting in the middle. Attending more centre bounces than any other Port Adelaide midfielder, back Rozee to continue his strong form with 35 or more disposals at $3.20 with BetOnline.

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