GWS will be looking to stay in touch with the Wildcard race when they host Essendon on Saturday afternoon for AFL Round 9 action. Can the Bombers show some life or will the Giants get back on the winners list at home?
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Giants vs Bombers below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
GWS vs Essendon Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 9
Can’t Get Going
It’s been a tough start to the year for Giants, who sit in 14th place with a 3-5 record. GWS have gone loss, win, loss, win, loss over their last five weeks, failing to build any momentum in a season that is quickly slipping away. The Giants are only a game out of the Wildcard positions, and if they can hang around the mark whilst they regain some players, they’re capable of getting something out of this season. However the injury issues continue to grow with Leek Aleer, Xavier O’Halloran and Ryan Angwin already ruled out, while Jesse Hogan is expected to miss with a hip issue.
Regular Programming Resumed
After some improved performances in Rounds 5 and 6, Essendon have followed up with 77 and 64 point defeats against Collingwood and Brisbane. The Bombers have conceded scores of 119, 137 and 143 over their last three games, and they come up against the Giants who have put up some big scores on the Bombers in recent seasons. Essendon have been absolutely torched on turnover across the last fortnight, conceding a combined 173 points from turnover across their last two games. If they don’t fix this up, they’ll be on the end of another hiding this weekend.
Recent Head to Head History
GWS have won six of the last nine games between the two clubs, however the ledger over the last four games between GWS and Essendon sits at 2-2. Two of the last three games have been big wins to the Giants, with margins of 48 and 126 points for the orange team.
Giants or Bombers? Here’s our GWS vs Essendon Tip
Essendon are well and truly off the pace in nearly all facets of the game, and coming up against a team that possess some potent attacking weapons, they will be in for another long day. Essendon have conceded the second most points in the competition (115), conceding above 118 points in five of their eight games in 2026. The Giants rank second in the competition for disposals, while Essendon concede the most disposals and marks per game in the competition. Their inability to win the ball at the source and apply adequate pressure will be the key factor in another big loss.
GWS vs Essendon Prop Bet
Jake Stringer will no doubt be eager to put up a big performance against his former club, and with Jesse Hogan likely out, he’ll get plenty of looks inside forward 50. In 4 games against Essendon, Jake Stringer has kicked 13 goals, including 3 goals when these two sides last met.
Jake Stringer 3+ Goals
$2.40
GWS vs Essendon Same Game Multi
Jake Stringer 3+ Goals: As highlighted above, Stringer loves playing against the Bombers, who have conceded big scores this season.
Nate Caddy 2+ Goals: Nate Caddy is continuing on an excellent trajectory despite the Bombers struggles this season. Caddy has kicked 3, 3, 1 and 2 goals across his last four games and is averaging 2 goals per game across this season.
Archie Roberst 30+ Disposals: With the ball living in Essendon’s defence, Archie Roberts is becoming a ball magnet, averaging 31.5 disposals per game. Roberts has hit the 30+ disposal mark in four of his last five games.
SGM odds: $5.75 at Dabble
GWS vs Essendon Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 9th May
Time: 4:15pm AEST
Location: Engie Stadium, Sydney
Odds: GWS $1.10 vs Essendon $7
Line: GWS -44.5
Points: 191.5
Where to Watch GWS vs Essendon
You can watch the Giants vs Bombers live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at Dabble!
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