Essendon and Port Adelaide will clash at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, with both sides looking to end a disappointing 2022 on a high. Expect an entertaining affair under the roof to close out another eventful round of AFL footy. Before the match, be sure to check out these Round 22 AFL betting tips!
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Essendon vs Port Adelaide Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 14th August 4:40pm (AEST)
Essendon
Injuries: Will Snelling (out), James Stewart (out), Jye Caldwell, Nik Cox, Devon Smith, Tex Wanganeen
Essendon’s midfield is set for a huge boost this week with both Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell returning from injury.
Essendon has been one of the form sides of the back half of the season, however last week’s loss to GWS was a reminder of how things have gone wrong in 2022. Perhaps the Bombers overachieved last year, but few would have expected them to be 14th with only seven wins just a fortnight out from the end of this campaign. Injuries have played a part, however there are still glaring holes that list management will need to address over this offseason to propel Essendon back into finals contention. Mason Redman, Nic Martin and Jye Caldwell are just a few of the younger players who have earned their keep this year, but fans will hope that the development of key position players at each end of the field accelerates.
Port Adelaide
Injuries: Tom Clurey, Lachie Jones, Scott Lycett, Jake Pasini
The Power will end the season with a relatively clean bill of health, paving the way for a strong 2023 preseason.
Like Essendon, many can see the potential in Port Adelaide… potential that has not been fulfilled this year. A horror 0-5 start set the tone for a lacklustre campaign, and despite a midseason surge the Power have not had the answers when it has mattered. Despite this, there are plenty of positives to come out of this year – Connor Rozee is now an A-grade midfielder, Todd Marshall has come into his own as a key forward and Port’s list remains strong enough to challenge in coming years. Key objectives for the Port brains trust will be working out the squads best forward mix, keeping the young guns fit and getting the fans excited.
Match Prediction
Port has had the wood over Essendon in recent years, winning the last three encounters between the two teams by an average of 40 points. All of those matches were played in Adelaide though, so the Bombers will feel like they have an advantage playing under their familiar roof. Indeed, Essendon have won their last two matches by a combined total of 96 points. While the Power have lost their last four games, each was against quality opposition, and I think they will be determined to get a deserved win this week against a vulnerable Essendon. As such, I’m predicting Port to win in a close one.
Port Adelaide 1-39
$2.60 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Connor Rozee has thrived as a full-time midfielder this year, racking up touches and kicking goals. He has averaged 84 fantasy points this season but more importantly has hit 90+ in each of his last three games against Essendon.
Connor Rozee 90+ fantasy points ($1.78 at Ladbrokes)
Essendon have been undersized in defence all season and I expect at least one of Port Adelaide’s key forwards to take advantage of that on Sunday. Mitch Georgiades offers the best value, having kicked two or more goals six times this season.
Mitch Georgiades 2+ Goals ($2.35 at Ladbrokes)
