West Coast v Essendon tips, odds & predictions | AFL Round 6

West Coast vs Essendon best bets

West Coast vs Essendon match preview

Essendon head to Perth to face West Coast on Good Friday in AFL Round 6, with the Bombers chasing their third successive win.

Despite being on the road, leading AFL bookies have the Dons as clear favourites at $1.25. The Eagles are at $4.35, while the line is set at 26.5 points.

In Gather Round last Saturday, the Eagles continued their poor start to the season, losing to Carlton by 71 points. After a competitive first term, Andrew McQualter’s side faded throughout the rest of the game, slumping to their fifth consecutive loss.

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Sitting 18th on the ladder with the worst percentage in the AFL, it looks set to be a long year for the Eagles. Major sports betting companies have them as favourites for the wooden spoon at $2.

Essendon had much more success last Saturday as they beat Melbourne by 39 points at Adelaide Oval. Kicking an accurate 15.6, the Bombers fought off a second-half comeback from the Dees to comfortably secure the four points.

As a result, Brad Scott’s men have moved to an even 2-2. Led by an improving defensive setup, the Bombers have conceded less than 60 points in each of their last two games. However, top Australian bookmakers still have them at long odds of $4.50 to make the top eight.

West Coast vs Essendon team news

The West Coast Eagles made a statement at selection last weekend by dropping star midfielder Tim Kelly, and after an underwhelming performance in the WAFL, he looks set to remain out of the side. In more positive news, key defender Jeremy McGovern is poised to return from an adductor injury alongside young duo Elijah Hewett and Bo Allan.

Essendon will be forced to make at least one change, with ruckman Nick Bryan suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Demons. This could put Todd Goldstein and Peter Wright in line for their first games of the season.

West Coast vs Essendon top betting picks

After losing by over 10 goals in each of their last two games, the Eagles are clearly one of the weakest teams in the AFL. Essendon showed they can win by a margin last Saturday, so back them to get up by at least 40 points at $2.70 with leading online bookmakers.

Despite ranking last in the AFL for disposals as a team, one player who has found plenty of the footy for the Eagles is Ryan Maric. With the boost of taking kick-ins, the versatile tall is averaging over 24 disposals per game across the last four weeks. At $2.55 with Bet365, back Maric to continue accumulating the footy with 25 or more touches.

Leading the Bombers for disposals in 2025, Zach Merrett has been in excellent form. Coming off 37 touches against the Demons, the Essendon captain has now passed the 35-disposal mark in two of his last three games. Facing a weak West Coast midfield, back Merrett to collect 35 or more disposals once again at $2.90 with BetOnline.

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