AFL Round 11 continues on Friday night with the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Essendon and Richmond. The Bombers are currently 10th with five wins, while the Tigers sit in 16th spot with three victories. Regardless of ladder positioning, these are always highly entertaining games and this Friday’s edition should be no exception.
Below, we bring you our full preview and betting tips for the Dreamtime at the ‘G fixture between the Bombers and the Tigers and if you’re keen to follow our tips, consider joining Dabble - One of Australia’s most trusted and innovative sportsbooks!
Essendon vs Richmond Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 11
Stars Set to Shine in Dreamtime at the ‘G!
The hallowed turf of the MCG plays host to one of the AFL's most significant cultural showcases this Friday night, as Essendon and Richmond clash in Dreamtime at the 'G. While the occasion transcends football, the on-field battle is set to be a fascinating one, with the Bombers keen to atone for a recent thrashing and the Tigers looking to continue their gritty fight.
Essendon's Quest for Redemption
Essendon enters this monumental game needing a significant response after a humiliating 91-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs last week. What was a promising season, built on newfound defensive solidity and a disciplined approach, was exposed in brutal fashion. The Bombers were outworked, outmanoeuvred, and at times, appeared to lack the fight that had defined their earlier wins. Coach Brad Scott will be demanding a fierce, uncompromising effort from his charges. A repeat performance is unthinkable on a stage like Dreamtime, where passion and effort are paramount. Expect a fired-up Essendon midfield, led by Zach Merrett, to attack the contest with renewed vigour and aim to demonstrate that their recent loss was an anomaly and not a true reflection of their capabilities.
Richmond’s Resiliant Roar
Richmond's season has been undeniably tough, and that was always going to be the case considering they’re in the early stages of a major rebuild. The absence of forward Tom Lynch, rebuilding defender and ball-mover Jayden Short, and the versatile Noah Balta undeniably reshapes their structure and limits their outright firepower. However, adversity often breeds resilience. The Tigers, under Adem Yze, have shown a capacity for gritty, determined football, even when the odds are stacked against them. Their focus will likely be on disciplined defensive structures, slowing Essendon's ball movement, and making it a contested, scrappy affair. For Richmond, success in this encounter might not be measured by a win, but by their ability to stay in the fight and prevent the Bombers from opening up a significant lead, a characteristic they've shown in recent close losses to Essendon.
Key Stats to Consider
In big occasions such as a Dreamtime clash, applying relentless pressure is paramount. Unfortunately for the Bombers, they’ve been one of the poorer pressure sides this season and last weekend against the Bulldogs they recorded one of the lowest pressure numbers ever according to Champion Data. On the flip side, the three wins the Tigers have secured this season have all been on the back of high, relentless pressure. One area the Bombers will be confident in winning is the clearances, particularly with Toby Nankervis out. The Bombers rank in the top half of the AFL for clearance differential, while the Tigers are currently 17th. Interestingly, both clubs rank in the bottom 4 for scores off turnover differential, and both are in the bottom half in scores from stoppages. Overall, all key statistics between these clubs are very similar so far in 2025.
Bombers or Tigers? Here's our Essendon vs Richmond Tip
While Essendon should possess enough class and motivation to secure the four points, their recent offensive inconsistencies and Richmond's likely gritty determination make the +22.5 a significant hurdle for the Bombers to clear. Expect the Tigers, despite their challenges, to fight tooth and nail, focusing on defensive pressure and making Essendon work for every score. The yellow and black may not roar to victory, but they can certainly roar loud enough to stay within the spread.
Richmond +22.5
$1.80 (1 Unit)
Essendon vs Richmond Player Prop Bet: Seth Campbell, A Star on the Rise
Our Best Player Prop: Seth Campbell 2+ Goals
Seth Campbell (Richmond) has quickly become one of the best young small forwards in the competition on the back of his superb form this season. Despite playing for a team third last on the ladder, Campbell has been able to hit the scoreboard with regularity, and he enters Round 11 with 17 goals from 10 matches. He kicked three against the Kangaroos last week and two against the Eagles the week prior and has now jagged 2+ goals on seven occasions this season. Campbell should get plenty of looks in front of goal against a Bombers defence that gave up 127 points against the Bulldogs last weekend.
Seth Campbell 2+ Goals
$2.10 (1.5 Units)
Essendon vs Richmond: Same Game Multi
Seth Campbell 2+ Goals: As mentioned above, Campbell has been fantastic this season and is great value. Happy to include here.
Nic Martin 25+ Disposals: Averaging a tick under 25 per game this season but has had 63 combined across the past two weeks. He’s also had 26 and 29 disposals in his last two games against the Tigers.
Zach Reid 15+ Disposals: After a shaky start to the season, Reid has turned the corner and has been one of the Bombers best in recent weeks. 15+ disposals in four straight games and reminds solid value.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Essendon vs Richmond Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday, 23rd May
Time: 7:40pm AEST
Location: MCG
Weather: Partly cloudy, 16 degrees
Odds: Essendon ($1.33) vs Richmond ($3.30)
Line: Essendon -22.5
Points: 160.5
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Where To Watch Essendon vs Richmond?
You can watch Essendon vs Richmond live and free on Channel 7 around the country.
Alternatively, all AFL matches can be streamed live or watched in reply with a subscription to Kayo Sports.
Tail our Essendon vs Richmond Tips at Dabble!
