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Essendon face a season-defining clash against Adelaide in a match that looms as decisive for both teams’ finals hopes. Join The Roar for live scores from 3:20pm (AEST).
Brad Scott’s Bombers continue to punch away in the middle of the pack, seeking a finals appearance to boost the hopes of a supporter base that can now see light at the end of the tunnel.
The Bombers did all but beat the Power last time out, and despite two losses on the trot leading into this clash, have the runs on the board in 2023 to suggest that a win is possible.
Adelaide pumped the Kangaroos last week and outside off the bad loss to the Suns in early June, have played well against the Pies and West Coast in recent weeks, with Tex Walker enjoying something of a renaissance.
The Crows have a decent run home and a win here would set them up nicely for September action, with the scalp of the Bombers a crucial one considering how close the teams are to each other on the ladder.
Prediction
Good luck tipping the winner in this one, with both teams desperate to remain in the eight and still hopeful of a late charge that threatens the top four. The Bombers will enjoy the home track, yet do need to tighten up defensively in the centre of the field.
When the Crows play with passion and intent, they can challenge any team and despite being on the road, they might just get over the line in what should be a ripping affair.
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Adelaide by 11 points
Game information
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne First bounce: 3:20pm (AEST) TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy Streaming:Kayo Sports Betting: Bombers $1.81, Crows $2.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Essendon
B: A. McGrath, B. Zerk-Thatcher, J. Laverde
HB: K. Langford, J. Ridley, M. Redman
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C: N. Martin, Z. Merrett (c), D. Heppell
HF: S. Durham, S. Weideman, J. Caldwell
F: M. Guelfi, P. Wright, J. Stringer
R: A. Phillips, D. Parish, A. Perkins
I/C: B. Hobbs, W. Snelling, J. Kelly, J. Menzie
EMG: D. Shiel, N. Cox, N. Hind, N. Bryan
NO CHANGE
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Adelaide
B: M. Michalanney, N. Murray, B. Smith
HB: W. Milera, J. Worrell, M. Hinge
C: N. McHenry, J. Dawson (c), R. Sloane
HF: J. Rachele, D. Fogarty, R. Thilthorpe
F: L. Murphy, T. Walker, I. Rankine
R: R. O’Brien, R. Laird, B. Keays
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I/C: C. Jones, L. Pedlar, J. Soligo, L. Sholl
EMG: H. Schoenberg, E. Himmelberg, J. Borlase, P. Parnell
