The AFL has been in shambles this week but what a clash it this shaping up to be as two of the most dynamic offences in the league square off in the Bombers and Swans! PuntingInDanger has his full preview, best bets and same game multi for the clash below.
AFL Essendon vs Sydney Betting Tips
MCG, Sunday 1st August, 3.10pm (AEST)
Outside of the Dogs and Lions, these two teams have been two of the highest scoring in the competition this season, and in general they have both played a very attacking style that has been fun to watch in 2021.
Match Preview
The Swans have won their last four games on the trot and now comfortably sit two games clear inside the top six. They'll have their eyes set on a spot inside the top four and the double chance that comes with it though, as they have winnable games against the Bombers, Saints, Roos and Suns in their last four games. They could easily go 4-0 in those games, and the current four-point deficit to Port Adelaide in fourth place could evaporate quickly.
The Swans are far and away the healthiest team in the league at the moment. With Chad Warner potentially coming back into the side this week from a shin injury, he leaves Sam Naismith as the only player on the injury list, which is unbelievable given the carnage going on at other clubs at the moment.
The Bombers lost what could have been a season defining game on the weekend against the Giants. The loss pushed them back out of the top eight, although they still sit just two points adrift. The issue facing the Bombers is tough games against the Swans and Bulldogs over the next two weeks. If they are to play finals in 2021, you’d think they need to win at least one of those games.
As impressive as the Bombers have been given their young list and extensive injury list this season, they really haven't captured a big scalp. Their only win against a top eight side came back in Round 11 against what was an extremely underperforming West Coast side. They were competitive against the Swans back in Round 4, going down by just three points at the SCG.
These two teams have played in some absolute thrillers over the past few seasons. Their last four games have had an average margin of just 6.0 points, however, it’s the high scoring nature of these games that I’m more interested in heading into this clash. Across their last eight games, they have an average total point line of 164.75 including the 2020 game in shortened quarters.
They have been two of the most attacking teams in the competition this season, with the Swans in particular putting up 98.25 points across their last four games. The conditions on Sunday in Melbourne look great for footy, back this to be high scoring.
Over 163.5 (1.5 Units)
$1.90
Same Game Multi
I think Sydney win this game, I don’t know if it will be as close as the matches we have seen these two sides play lately either. The Swans just have such a strong side in at the moment, it allows them to play exactly the way they want to.
With all of their midfielders fit and firing, it allows the excitement machine in Isaac Heeney to play much closer to goal. We saw him towel up the Dockers with five goals last week and I think he plays a really similar role against the Bombers on the weekend.
Jake Lloyd 25+ is just one of those legs you add and forget about. The defender has missed the mark on just one occasion this season, all the way back in Round 1 and again in Round 15. The Bombers rank in the top six for behinds kicked this season, so there should be plenty of kickout opportunities for Lloyd.
Swans H2H
Heeney 2+ Goals
Lloyd 25+ Disp.
ESS vs SYD Same Game Multi
$2.87
