Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 AFL Round 15 Match Preview

⏰ 24 June 2023 - 19:25 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Optus Stadium

The Fremantle Dockers have included Sean Darcy and Michael Frederick in their lineup for the upcoming weekend, while James Aish remains sidelined. The Essendon Bombers, on the other hand, simply need to replicate their previous form on away matches, as they emerged victorious in their last encounter against Fremantle at Optus Stadium back in 2019.

Brad Scott's team enjoyed a bye in Round 14 and secured a victory against Carlton before the break on the Kings Birthday long weekend, prevailing over the Blues by a margin of 34 points. Peter Wright will provide a strong presence in the forward line, having scored five goals in the triumph over Carlton, while Nic Martin showcased an outstanding performance with 30 disposals.

Fremantle will be determined to make amends for their disappointing showing in Round 14, where they only managed to score five goals and suffered a 70-point defeat against the GWS Giants. Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong both recorded over 25 disposals in that match, while Sam Sturt contributed two goals.

However, the Dockers faced numerous difficulties and emerged with few winners due to their poor performance, causing them to slide down to 13th place on the ladder, one game and a percentage outside of the top eight. In contrast, the situation is much brighter for Essendon, as they have secured victory in their past four matches. Currently occupying 6th position on the ladder, the Bombers are determined to qualify for the September finals and secure their first playoff win in almost two decades.

Fremantle Dockers Performance

The Fremantle Dockers endured a humiliating defeat in their previous match against the GWS Giants, with a disappointing 106-36 scoreline, which came as a surprise to many who expected the Dockers to emerge victorious.

This loss extends their current streak of two consecutive defeats, following their 85-70 loss to the Richmond Tigers in the preceding game. Despite displaying a decent performance in front of their home fans, securing four wins out of seven home games this season, the Dockers have slipped down to 13th place on the ladder with six victories out of 13 attempts.

Essendon Bombers Performance

The Essendon Bombers have successfully halted their four-game losing streak by embarking on a four-game winning streak, defeating the Richmond Tigers, West Coast Eagles, North Melbourne Kangaroos, and the Carlton Blues.

Their recent impressive run has propelled the Bombers to the sixth position on the ladder, positioning them as strong contenders to secure a top-eight finish this season.

In their away fixtures, the Bombers have achieved back-to-back victories, delivering convincing performances against the Eagles and the Blues.

📋 Players to watch:

• Dyson Heppell has consistently recorded 20 or more disposals in his last five matches. In his previous three games against the Dockers, he has maintained an average of 27 disposals.
• Jaeger O'Meara has been highly productive against Essendon, accumulating a total of 89 disposals in his last three encounters with the team.
• Caleb Serong has showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season, achieving 25 or more disposals in every game except one, in which he had 24 disposals.
• Andrew Brayshaw has been in exceptional form, surpassing 25 disposals in his past seven matches.
• Jye Menzie has been a reliable contributor in front of goal, scoring at least one goal in his last seven matches.
• Peter Wright has proven his scoring prowess, kicking 2 or more goals in 10 out of his last 11 matches.

⚡ Match Facts:

• In terms of average disposals, the Bombers hold the 5th rank, while Fremantle sits in the 9th position.
• When it comes to average goals scored this season, Essendon occupies the 7th spot, whereas the Dockers are positioned at 10th.
• Regarding their win-loss records, Fremantle has achieved a 6-7 record, while Essendon holds an 8-5 record.

💡 Match Prediction

Fremantle endured a woeful performance in their recent match against the GWS Giants, suffering a significant defeat with a scoreline of 106-36. This marked their second consecutive loss, and they face a challenging task in bouncing back as they go up against Essendon. The visiting team, currently on a four-game winning streak, including a victory over Carlton, enters the matchup as the favoured side to secure their fifth consecutive triumph.