3 minute read
Essendon need to bounce back from two defeats on the spin when they take on West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the back-to-back losses and a bye, the Bombers have still managed to hang on to fourth spot on the ladder, but won't for long if the poor run continues.
They are priced at 3.00 to make the top four, and a win over the Eagles on home soil is a must.
In Sunday's other clash, top-eight hopefuls Fremantle and Gold Coast Suns will clash at Optus Stadium.
The inconsistent Dockers need to respond after a drubbing against the Western Bulldogs last week, and will not get a better chance against Suns, who have yet to win on the road in 2024.
They will also be without gun forward Ben King, so have it all to do.
Bombers wary of Eagles threat
. What: Essendon v West Coast
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 13:00 (AEST), Sunday 23rd June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Essendon 1.13, West Coast 6.00
There will be no complacency from the Bombers when they come up against a West Coast side that sits 16th on the AFL ladder.
Essendon only won by eight points when the two sides met at Optus Stadium in round 8, while just one point separated them at Marvel Stadium last season.
If it is to be that close again, then Essendon are priced at 8.00 to win by 1-12 points.
West Coast will be hoping the bye has done them the world of good after suffering three defeats on the bounce before it.
All three of their wins have been at home, but after losing the last two at Optus, they may welcome a trip over east.
The Eagles are missing Harley Reid through suspension, but do have Jake Waterman, who is in Coleman Medal contention this season with 33 goals.
The forward can be backed at 8.50 to kick the first goal of the game.
Big King blow for Suns
. What: Fremantle v Gold Coast
. Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
. When: 16:00 (AEST), Sunday 23rd June 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Fremantle 1.35, Gold Coast 3.25
Fremantle need to find some consistency to secure a place in the top eight this season, and four points against the Suns is a must.
The best and worst of the Dockers has been on show in recent weeks, but they still sit eighth on the ladder ahead of the Suns clash.
They beat the Suns by 10 points in this fixture last season and can be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 on this occasion.
Josh Treacy continues to be a bright spark when kicking a goal in every game he has played this season.
He booted the first in the draw with Collingwood the last time the Dockers were on home soil, and is 10.00 to do the same against the Suns.
Gold Coast have been rocked by the news that gun forward Ben King will miss the game with a knee injury.
It is the last thing they need as they search for their first away win of the season, and their first win against the Dockers at Optus.
They can be backed at 6.50 to snap the streak and win the game by 1-12 points.
