Fremantle v Essendon AFL tips & multi picks – Round 15, 2023

Fremantle v Essendon predictions & best bets

Fremantle v Essendon AFL R15 preview

On Saturday night, the Fremantle Dockers host the in-form Essendon Bombers in round 15 of the 2023 AFL Premiership. Two teams vying for a spot in the top eight, this should be a tough contest with a lot on the line.

Last weekend the Dockers were humiliated by the GWS Giants in Sydney, going down by 70 points. A match where the Giants led from start to finish, the Dockers lost every quarter and showed little resistance to the GWS attack.

Fremantle have now lost their last two games in a row and are losing touch with the finals spots. With nine weeks left in the home-and-away season, they sit two games outside the top eight in 13th place.

All season the Dockers have faced trouble on the offensive end, struggling to kick a winning score with an inexperienced forward line. As they come up against one of the best defensive teams in the AFL this weekend, a collective effort across the board will be needed.

The Bombers had the bye last week, but in round 13 they faced off against Carlton and ran out comfortable 34-point winners. It was an excellent defensive showing from Essendon, as they held Carlton to only six goals.

The return of Peter Wright was another positive for the Bombers, with the tall forward kicking five goals. The Dons have played undersized up forward for most of the season, but Wright appears the missing link for a side trying to establish its position inside the eight.

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Fremantle v Essendon betting strategy

While the Essendon Bombers have won four games in a row, they haven’t faced a side inside the top eight in that stretch. This weekend is a different challenge for the Dons, who face their second trip to Perth this season. Despite their place at 13th on the ladder, Fremantle are a much tougher opponent at home.

With a more confident forward structure and the expected return of star midfielder Darcy Parish, the Bombers look too strong for the Dockers. Underdogs coming into this one, there is good value in Essendon at $2.14 with BetOnline.

The Dockers midfield has been one of their major positives this season as they continue to get good performances out of developing players. Leading the engine room so far this season has been Andrew Brayshaw. Averaging 28.5 disposals a game, Brayshaw works around the ground from contest to contest. Look for him to continue his good form and collect 30 or more disposals, paying $1.90 with the best AFL bookmakers.

Following his five-goal return, Peter Wright looks ready to be a threat to defences each week. Using his tall frame, Wright outreaches his opponents in the contest and makes his opportunities count. For two or more goals he is paying $1.61, which appears great value.

Key matchup: Caleb Serong v Darcy Parish

Caleb Serong vs Darcy Parish

Leading the club for disposals and clearances, Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong regularly wins the tough footy. When the game is up for grabs, Serong will be amongst the contest and looking to get the ball forward.

One of the elite ball-winners in the AFL, Essendon’s Darcy Parish returns from injury this week and will be thrown straight into what should be a willing midfield contest. While averaging better than 33 disposals per game, questions about his influence with ball in hand remain – so Parish will be keen to make a big impact this weekend.

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