Round 3 of the AFL season continues on Saturday afternoon as the Bombers host the Saints at Marvel Stadium from 4.20pm. As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2024 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
2024 AFL Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Essendon vs St Kilda
Saturday 4.20pm (AEDT), March 30th, Marvel Stadium
The Saints bounced back from a Round 1 loss to the Cats with a dominant performance over the reigning premier Magpies on Thursday night football last week. The 15 point margin in the end was flattering for the Pies, as the Saints controlled the game practically from start to finish.
The win came with setbacks for the Saints, however, as key players Mason Wood and Liam Henry both went down with long term injuries while spearhead Max King was served with a one match suspension for a high bump.
The Saints depth will be on display on Saturday as Dan Butler and Anthony Caminiti return to the side, while youngster Angus Hastie will make his debut after playing well in the VFL last week.
The Bombers are 1-1 on the season, having beaten the Hawks in Round 1 before going down to the Swans in Round 2. Contrary to the above, the 30 point margin in favour of the Swans probably didn’t do the Bombers justice in that game, as they were very competitive for the majority of the contest and at times looked like they could have pinched the win over an in-form Swans side.
The Bombers will also make three changes heading into this game, but only one out of necessity as key forward Peter Wright was served with a four match suspension for a high hit on Harry Cunningham. Elijah Tsatas and Alwyn Davey Jr were omitted, making way for some valuable inclusions in Mason Redman, Darcy Parish and Jake Kelly.
Match Prediction
I’m keen to see the Saints under the roof at Marvel Stadium for the first time this season. Their defence has been near impenetrable over the first two games but it’s at Marvel where they do their best work defensively.
They were the best defence in the league last season and allowed a measly 65.7 points per game under the dome. Their back six is largely intact with the notable exception of Dougal Howard, but the likes of Nasiah Wanganeen Milera and Josh Battle seem to have gone to another level through the early parts of this season.
The Bombers have looked to play an aggressive style of football over the first few weeks but I think that could be stifled a touch by this Saints defence, and the running power of the Saints could punish them going the other way.
Back the Saints to cover here.
St Kilda -6.5
$1.90 (3 Units)
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Jack Steele 25+ Disposals - The Saints skipper has started the season in solid form with games of 25 and 26 disposals so far. Has interestingly missed the games against the Dons for the past two seasons, but he had 35 touches against them the last time he faced them back in 2021.
Cooper Sharman 2+ Goals - Sharman has been used as a bit of a swingman over the first few weeks but I think he’ll be required slightly more forward this week with the absence of Max King. Has only kicked one in each game so far but has had four total shots on goal and has looked lively flying for big pack marks in the forward line.
SGM Odds: $3.80 at BoomBet
