3 minute read
Fremantle will continue the push for a spot in the top two when they take on Essendon at the MCG on Sunday.
The Dockers continue to fly after winning four of their last five games, to move to third place on the ladder.
Justin Longmuir's side are starting to look like a genuine premiership contender, and can be backed at 9.00 to go on and win the 2024 grand final.
Victory over the Bombers will boost their chances of an all-important spot in the top two, and they should hold no fear heading to the MCG.
Essendon on the other hand are a team on the slide, and now find themselves outside of the top eight.
That is down to the fact they have lost six games in the last eight, and they are in desperate need of a lift against the Dockers.
The Bombers are 5.00 to make the top eight and have it all to do with the games fast running out.
. What: Essendon v Fremantle
. Where: MCG, Melbourne
. When: 15:20 (AEST), Sunday 4th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Essendon 2.40, Fremantle 1.58
Bombers in need of a boost
As well as facing Fremantle, the Bombers also have to play Sydney and Brisbane Lions in the coming weeks, so it will take something special to make the top eight.
A win over the Dockers would be a good place to start, and they can be backed at 5.50 to do it by 1-12 points.
Confidence will be low however after losing the last three on the bounce, including a 53-point defeat against St Kilda last week.
They lost by 32 points in Perth back in Round 15 and would love to gain revenge back in Melbourne.
If they are to do it, Kyle Langford will have a key role to play and the forward is 12.00 to kick the first goal of the game.
MCG no concern for the Dockers
Travelling to Melbourne and the iconic MCG may hold some fear for some teams, but that should not be the case for Fremantle.
Indeed the men from the west have won three of their last four visits to the venue and can go there with confidence.
The Dockers have bounced back from a defeat against Hawthorn, to win their last two games at Optus Stadium, and will be keen to back it up on the road.
They are earning plenty of plaudits for their brand of footy this season, and two of the stars of the show are Josh Treacy and Caleb Serong.
Treacy, who has booted 42 goals this season, has just penned a contract extension to keep him in purple until 2030.
He can be backed at 10.00 to celebrate the deal by booting the first goal of the game.
Serong meanwhile is averaging 30.5 disposals a game and can be backed at 1.87 to collect 30+ on Sunday. The same price as fellow midfielder Andy Brayshaw.
Fremantle can be backed at 5.50 to beat Essendon by 13-24 points.