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Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs AFL Tips - Bulldogs to bully undermanned Bombers in Friday night footy

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: Thu. 24 Jul. 2025 09:32

Adam Cusworth 24 Jul. 2025

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Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs expert predictions for Friday’s Round 20 AFL game
The game will be played at Marvel Stadium, with the bounce at 7:20 PM (AEST)
Can the Bulldogs better their 91-point win over Bombers from earlier this season?
Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet

Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs AFL Tips

Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs, Round 20 2025 - Expert Prediction

The Western Bulldogs will cruise to another dominant win on Friday night as they face a struggling Essendon outfit at Marvel Stadium.

The Bombers are in freefall, losing seven straight matches and averaging just 57 points per game across their past five. They are out of finals contention in 14th spot with a win-loss record of 6-11.

In contrast, are 10-8 and sitting within striking distance of the eight in 9th spot. They have been ruthless against teams outside the top eight in 2025, winning nine from nine against lower-ranked opposition by an average of 53 points.

With Essendon severely undermanned due to a brutal injury list and their forward line lacking punch, this one shapes as a mismatch. Aaron Naughton and Rhylee West look set to continue their solid form, while Tom Liberatore can find a stack of the footy.

The Bulldogs defeated Essendon by 91 points earlier this season.
Tom Liberatore has been a disposal machine against the Bombers, averaging 29 over his past four meetings
Rhylee West comes off four goals last weekend and has kicked six in his past two against the Bombers
Essendon’s Peter Wright has kicked eight from his past three against the Bulldogs

Head to Head

The Western Bulldogs have won four of the past five matches between the two sides and were 91-point winners over the Dons in Round 10 this season. Rhylee West booted four goals in that match, while Bailey Dale had leather poisoning with 49 disposals.

Tom Liberatore has averaged 29 disposals in his past four matches against Essendon, while the Bombers Zak Merrett and Mason Redman have averaged 27. Peter Wright has kicked eight goals from his past three matches against the Bulldogs. Rhylee West has kicked six from his past two against Essendon.

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

Last 5 W/L	Last 5 ATS	Last 5 O/U
0-5	0-5	3-2

Essendon have lost their past seven matches. Four of those have been against sides in the top half of the ladder and have all gone over the 39.5 margin. Scoring has been a massive issue for the Bombers, who have averaged just 57 points per game in their past five matches.

They could only manage four goals in the loss to the Tigers a fortnight ago before slotting an inaccurate 7.14 against GWS. Peter Wright and Liam McMahon kicked two goals apiece against GWS. Wright has kicked 2+ goals in five of his past eight.

Essendon rank 16th for inside 50s and scoring in the past five rounds, opting to hold onto the ball in a bid to set up defensively, given their lack of depth on the field from their injuries. They rank 2nd in the competition for disposals in the past five rounds. Zach Merrett had 29 disposals last weekend and had 31 and 40 in his two matches prior to that.

2025 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-39	40+
5-12	6-11	6-4	0-7

Essendon Bombers Team News

Essendon’s lengthy injury list has been well documented. Of the 15 players unavailable for selection for the match against GWS, Nate Caddy and Ben Hobbs are the only ones nearing a return. Jye Menzie and Saad El-Hawli were among the goals at VFL level last weekend and will be considered.

Essendon Bombers Team List

Backs: A.McGrath, J.Laverde, A.Roberts

Half Backs: M.Redman, J.Ridley, A.Clarke

Centres: S.El-Hawli, Z.Merrett - C, L.Lual

Half Forwards: A.Perkins, P.Wright, J.Gresham

Forwards: N.Caddy, L.McMahon, I.Kako

Rucks: T.Goldstein, D.Shiel, S.Durham

Interchange: J.Prior, M.Guelfi, Z.Johnson, L.Blakiston, O.Smartt

EMG: B.Hobbs, J.Menzie, V.Visentini

In: - S.El-Hawli, N.Caddy, T.Goldstein

Out: - X.Duursma (Injured), A.May (Omitted), V.Visentini (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

Last 5 W/L	Last 5 ATS	Last 5 O/U
3-2	1-4	4-1

Much has been made of the Bulldogs' form against sides inside the top eight in comparison to those outside. They are 1-8 against sides in the eight but are 9-0 against those that are out. Those nine wins have been by an average margin of 53 points. Six of the past seven have been by over the 39.5 point margin.

The Bulldogs top the competition for points per game this season and have kicked over 100 points in five of their past seven, while they had 98 against Adelaide a fortnight ago. Against Brisbane in slippery conditions, they booted 12.4.76.

Rhylee West kicked two goals last weekend Aaron Naughton kicked two and has scored 15 from his past five, hitting the 2+ in all of those. five goals last week, while Sam Darcy kicked two. Naughton has kicked 10 in the past two rounds and 17 in his past five. Sam Darcy was held to one goal but has 18 from six since returning from injury.

The Bulldogs top the competition for disposals in the past five rounds. Bailey Dale had 33 last weekend, while Ed Richards had 27. Richards has had 25+ in 10 of his past 11.

2025 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-39	40+
8-10	12-6	4-8	6-0

Western Bulldogs Team News

Latham Vandermeer and James O’Donnell both suffered ankle injuries in the loss to Brisbane and will be assessed during the week. James Harmes is expected to be available to return from injury, while Jed Busslinger and Oskar Baker have some solid form in the VFL.

Western Bulldogs Team List

Backs: L.Bramble, J.Busslinger, J.O’Donnell

Half Backs: L.Cleary, R.Lobb, B.Dale

Centres: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah

Half Forwards: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, M.Kennedy

Forwards: R.Garcia, S.Darcy, R.West

Rucks: T.English, M.Bontempelli - C, T.Liberatore

Interchange: O.Baker, J.Johannisen, L.McNeil, C.Poulter, L.Vandermeer

EMG: S.Davidson, B.Khamis, M.Sellwood

In: - J.Busslinger, O.Baker

Out: - L.Jones (Omitted), S.Davidson (Omitted)

Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs AFL 2025 Round 20 FAQ’s

How to watch Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs AFL 2025 Round 20?

You can watch the Essendon Bombers vs Western Bulldogs AFL 2025 Round 20 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.