Essendon v Adelaide AFL tips & predictions | Round 2 preview

Essendon v Adelaide best bets

Essendon v Adelaide Round 2 match preview

The Adelaide Crows face a tricky clash against Essendon at the MCG as they look to continue their hot start to the 2025 AFL season this Saturday.

Despite playing on the road, the Crows are slight favourites at $1.68 with major sports betting sites, while the Bombers are at $2.25. With a close contest expected, the line is set at 6.5 points.

Essendon started their season last Friday night with a 26-point loss to Hawthorn. Despite having more disposals, clearances and inside 50s, poor kicking consistently let them down in a somewhat rusty-looking display.

The midfield is a clear strength for the Bombers, but their lack of key-position players at both ends of the field is the obvious weakness. Top AFL bookies are expecting it to be a long season for the Dons, who are paying $5.50 to make the top eight.

On the other hand, Adelaide had a stellar start to their season last Sunday as they beat St Kilda by 63 points at home. Set up by a seven-goal opening term, the Crows never looked back as they extended the margin at each break. Captain Jordan Dawson led the way with 27 disposals and two goals, while key forward Darcy Fogarty also added four goals.

After failing to make the finals since 2017, expectations are much higher for the South Australian side this year, with leading online bookmakers giving them odds of $1.55 to make the AFL finals.

The Crows have an exciting forward line with a strong mix of talls and smalls. But there are worries around their midfield and defence that will be tested throughout the year.

Essendon v Adelaide R2 team news

The Bombers have been dealt two key injuries for this clash, with defender Jordan Ridley (concussion) and forward Kyle Langford (hamstring) both ruled out.

Mature-aged recruit Tom Edwards has been confirmed to make his debut in the forward line, while midfielder Will Setterfield looks set to return from a groin injury. Jade Gresham was impactful was the substitute last week and could also be brought into the 22.

Adelaide have a completely clear injury list, so don’t expect too many changes after such a dominant performance. That said, utility Chayce Jones is a chance to return after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Hawthorn v Essendon prediction – AFL Round 2

Coming off such a dominant performance in Round 1 and having a fully healthy list, Adelaide are rightful favourites for this clash. Essendon are undermanned at both ends of the field, while their ball-use will need to improve drastically if they are to be competitive. With Adelaide’s forward line looking sharp last week, the Crows look a good bet to cover the line of -6.5 points at $1.91 with BetOnline.

Despite Essendon’s loss in Round 1, midfielder Jye Caldwell was a standout with 36 disposals, 11 tackles and 10 clearances. Attending more centre bounces than any other Bomber, the former Giant had no trouble finding the football in both contested and uncontested situations. Caldwell has now collected over 30 disposals in three of his last five games, so back him to reach that number once again at $2.15 with BetOnline.

Adelaide key forward Riley Thilthorpe is one to watch after kicking three goals against the Saints last Sunday. As arguably the third tall option alongside Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker, Thilthorpe often gets an easier matchup, which has helped him kick multiple goals in seven of his last eight games. Essendon are missing Jayden Laverde and Jordan Ridley in defence, so back Thilthorpe to continue his good form with three or more goals at $4 with BetOnline.

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