Geelong v Essendon betting tips & predictions | AFL Rd 16

Geelong v Essendon best bets

Geelong v Essendon match preview

Essendon will be looking to solidify their spot in the top eight when they clash with fellow finals contenders Geelong in round 16 of the AFL season on Saturday night at the MCG.

The Bombers are slight favourites at $1.85 with PlayUp, while the Cats are paying $1.97 with Bet365. The Cats-Bombers handicap is set at 1.5 points.

Last Friday, Geelong suffered their heaviest defeat of the season as they went down to Carlton by 63 points. Despite the Blues’ dominance for the first three quarters, the Cats managed to keep within touching distance up until the last break. However, they conceded nine goals in the final quarter, blowing out the margin and costing them essential percentage.

With just one win from their last seven matches, it seems like the 7-0 start wasn’t a clear indication of Geelong’s prospects this season. Despite their slide down the ladder, AFL bookmakers are giving them odds of $1.40 to make the top eight.

After suffering a foot injury against the Blues, veteran forward Tom Hawkins is one forced omission for Geelong. Shannon Neale is the expected replacement, while ruckman Toby Conway is also a chance of a recall.

Essendon were able to break a two-match losing streak in round 15 as they beat West Coast by 30 points at Marvel Stadium. The Bombers struggled to shake the Eagles for most of the match, but a late flurry of goals blew out the margin.

While Essendon sit third on the AFL ladder, they have managed just one win over a top-eight side this year. Australian bookies still have their doubts about the Bombers, giving them odds of $2.75 for a top-four finish.

Essendon face a selection squeeze this week, as key off-season recruits Todd Goldstein and Jade Gresham are both available to return. Possible omissions include young forward Nate Caddy and last week’s substitute, Jye Menzie.

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Geelong v Essendon betting strategy & tips

Although Geelong are listed as the home team for this clash, playing at the MCG should give Essendon a slight advantage. The Bombers are in much better form, and with a couple of key inclusions, they should be too strong. Back the Bombers to cover the line of 1.5 points at $1.91 with Bet365.

With Hawkins out, there is even greater pressure on Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron to perform. After kicking 3.3 against Carlton, the former Giant has now slotted multiple goals in eight out of his 11 matches. On the MCG he averages 2.5 goals per game this year, so back Cameron to continue his good form with three or more at $2.20.

Coming off a five-goal performance against the Eagles, Essendon forward Jake Stringer has surged into the top 10 for the Coleman Medal. One of the most explosive players in the AFL, the 30-year-old has kicked over three goals on five occasions this year. He has also kicked eight goals across his last three matches against the Cats, so back Stringer to boot three or more at $4.

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