Essendon v Adelaide betting tips & predictions | AFL Rd 17 Preview

Bombers v Crows prediction & tips

Essendon v Adelaide AFL preview

Essendon will host the Adelaide Crows in a season-shaping AFL contest at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Both of these sides are trying to hold their spot in the top eight and this clash shapes as one of the games of AFL round 17.

The Bombers lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Port Adelaide Power on Saturday, with a goal after the siren consigning them to a four-point loss. A back-and-forth game throughout, the Bombers kicked three late goals to put them in the lead with a couple of minutes to go before a 55-metre set shot after the siren won the Power the game.

Adelaide hosted North Melbourne on Saturday, comfortably winning by 66 points to give the Crows a much-needed percentage boost. Led by a five goal effort from small forward Izak Rankine, the Crows led all day, winning every quarter.

As a result, the Crows now sit seventh on the ladder, with the eighth-placed Bombers, just percentage behind them. The winner of this one creates a gap from the chasing pack, while the loser may find themselves out of the finals positions.

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Essendon Bombers v Adelaide Crows betting strategy

Major improvers this season, the Crows still have a major problem playing teams on the road. With a record of 2-5 away from Adelaide Oval, their excellent home form has not carried over to the rest of the country.

On the other hand, the Bombers have won all three of their games at Marvel Stadium so far this season.

The loss of key defender Jordon Butts due to concussion for the Crows may leave them stretched down back, as another defender will now be forced to match up on the imposing Peter Wright.

Despite their narrow loss to the Power last week, the Bombers were still impressive against one of the form teams of the competition. Playing in Melbourne once again, we like the Bombers in this one who come in as favourites at $1.81 with Palmerbet.

Following a four-goal effort last week, Adelaide key forward Darcy Fogarty is coming into this one in good form. Playing as the second forward behind Coleman Medal leader Taylor Walker, Fogarty takes advantage of playing on the second defender. With a powerful right foot kick, he is one of the most accurate kicks in the competition, making his opportunities count. We like the value for Fogarty to kick two or more goals at $1.78 with Palmerbet.

The form of Zach Merrett for the Bombers has been one of the key reasons for their position inside the eight. The Essendon captain has led from the front this season, averaging 28.6 disposals a game. The return of fellow midfielders from injury has not impacted his form either, collecting 31 disposals last week and attending the most centre bounces for a midfielder. We like him for 30 or more disposals this week at $2.10 with Palmerbet.

Bombers v Crows key matchup: Andrew Phillips v Reilly O’Brien

Phillips vs O’Brien

Playing as a solo ruck in the absence of Sam Draper, Andrew Phillips has held his own over the last couple of weeks. The 32-year-old has been used as a ruck-forward so far this year but looks much more comfortable in the full time role. Facing a challenge this week, Phillips will be looking to neutralise the impact of his opponent and give his midfielders a chance at the ball.

The top hitout ruckman in the competition, Reilly O’Brien has been in great form for the Crows this season. Regularly giving his midfielders first access to the footy, he is a major factor in the Crows being one of the top clearance teams in the AFL. Coming off 52 hitouts last weekend against the Roos, expect O’Brien to keep his form going and have a big impact on this one.

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