AFL TIPS: Essendon v St Kilda

Friday, August 15 – 7.20 PM AEST – Venue: Marvel Stadium

St Kilda and Essendon will be playing for pride and for their fans. Both have had seasons to forget. The Bombers were much better against the Cats and never gave in. The Saints had another hard fought win against the Tigers last week and if they bring their best for the whole game this week, they are set to notch up four wins in a row.

Zach Merrett maintained his strong form against the Cats, but will miss the game against the Saints due to a hand injury. Shiel is out suspended and Archie May has injured his ankle and may not play again this season. Zak Johnson, Saad El-Hawli, Kayle Gerreyn, a first year forward/ruck who has been in good form in defence in the VFL, and Alwyn Davey Jnr were busy at VFL level and will get their opportunity. 

Callum Wilkie, Marcus Windhager and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera got the Saints over the line against the Tigers last week. They will need to be at their best again to ensure another win over the Bombers.

Alex Dodson starred in the VFL with 41 hitouts, 35 disposals and seven clearances and surely he must get to debut this week.

Hopefully we get a great contest and they both kick more than the ten goals they have been averaging this year.

Saints by 21 points

It’s shaping up to be another classic showdown between Essendon and St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, and for anyone checking out AFL Betting Tips, form’s got plenty to unpack. The Saints are riding a solid three-game winning run after grinding out another tight win, while Essendon is still hunting that elusive spark, their confidence dented by several narrow losses.

In the last match-up, the Bombers showed fight against the Cats, hung in there hard, but just couldn’t get over the line. Meanwhile, the Saints edged the Tigers in a gritty contest if their midfield stays sharp, especially with match-winners like Nasiah and Sinclair cooking, they’ll be tough to stop. That’s why anyone compiling AFL Tips shouldn’t ignore the momentum of those key contributors and how they’re firing at crucial junctures.

As we chew over this clash, an AFL Prediction feels cautious but clear: a spirited game, but one likely swinging toward St Kilda. The Bombers’ resilience keeps it competitive, but without a few key bodies back firing at full capacity, their scoring punch might fall short again.