Essendon v GWS AFL R9 betting tips & top odds | May 11, 2024

Essendon Bombers vs GWS Giants AFL Rd 9 best bets

Round 9: Essendon vs GWS match preview

The Essendon Bombers are looking to extend their four-match unbeaten streak on Saturday afternoon as they host the GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium in round nine of the AFL Premiership season.

Coming in as slight underdogs, the hosts are paying +130 with PlayUp, while the Giants are -161.29 with Neds. The handicap is set at 8.5 points.

In round eight, the Essendon Bombers continued their solid start to the season as they beat the West Coast Eagles by six points in Perth. In a low-scoring contest, the Eagles were always within reach, but Essendon’s class shone through as Darcy Parish (36 disposals), Nic Martin (32 disposals) and Zach Merrett (29 disposals, 3 goals) all starred.

Flying under the radar, the Bombers have worked their way up to fifth on the ladder. While their percentage is a concern, they have consistently found a way to win close games.

The injury news is not so promising for the Dons. In-form wingman Xavier Duursma will miss at least four weeks with a quad strain, while ruckman Sam Draper failed to get through training during the week after missing the West Coast game with knee soreness. Midfielder Jye Caldwell is in doubt after being subbed out against the Eagles with a calf injury, opening the door for Dylan Shiel to play his first senior game for the season.

Last Saturday, the Greater Western Sydney Giants suffered their second loss of the season as they went down to the Sydney Swans by 29 points. After taking a 15-point lead into quarter-time, it was all downhill from there for Adam Kingsley’s men as they struggled in the wet conditions.

Despite losing two of their past three matches, the Giants still sit in third on the ladder. But there are minor concerns as they are yet to beat a top-eight side.

GWS midfielder Tom Green was subbed out early against the Swans but has been cleared to play this weekend, while former captain Stephen Coniglio is set to return from a knee injury. However, the Giants will be without forward Callum Brown, who was given a three-week suspension for a high bump on Sydney defender Tom McCartin.

Essendon Bombers vs GWS Giants R9 betting strategy

When these sides last met, it was a Giants demolition job as they won by 126 points at home — thanks in large part to Jesse Hogan’s nine-goal haul. While you wouldn’t expect another performance of that nature, the Giants should still be too good for the Bombers. Back the visitors to cover the line of -8.5 at -109.89 with top online bookmakers.

Playing as the third tall in the Essendon forward line, Kyle Langford has kicked multiple goals in all but one game so far. Seventh in the Coleman Medal race, Langford is a nightmare to matchup at 192cm as he is excellent both in the air and on the ground. Similar players such as Will Hayward, Brody Mihocek and Mitch Owens have all had success against the Giants this season, so expect him to kick three or more goals at +140 with Unibet.

With a goal in every game this season, GWS forward Aaron Cadman has improved drastically after a disappointing first season. With Brown missing, there will be a greater responsibility on the top draft pick from 2022, who should still face an easier matchup as the third tall. He makes the most of minimal opportunities and is an accurate kick, so back the 20-year-old to kick two or more goals at +110 with Dabble.

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