Essendon vs Richmond: 2025 AFL Round 11 Tips & Prediction

AFL Round 11: Anticipating the Clash of Titans – Essendon vs. Richmond

The excitement continues in AFL Round 11 this Friday night as the legendary Dreamtime at the ‘G match unfolds between fierce rivals Essendon and Richmond. As it stands, the Bombers are perched at 10th with five wins, while the Tigers trail in 16th with only three victories. However, when these two teams meet, ladder positions play second fiddle to fierce competition. This encounter promises to be exhilarating!

The hallowed turf of the MCG is set for one of the AFL’s most pivotal cultural events this Friday night as Essendon and Richmond gear up for a spectacular showdown. While the festivities transcend mere football, the on-field clash boasts significant stakes, especially for the Bombers, who are eager to rebound from a disheartening loss.

Essendon steps onto the field with a clear mission: to reclaim their dignity after a staggering 91-point defeat against the Western Bulldogs last week. While they earlier showcased impressive defensive gameplay, that façade cracked under pressure. Coach Brad Scott will demand tenacity and grit from his players, especially given the passionate atmosphere of Dreamtime. Fans can expect a revitalized Bombers midfield, spearheaded by Zach Merrett, eager to correct their recent shortcomings and prove that last week’s performance was merely a fleeting anomaly.

Richmond has faced hurdles throughout the season, particularly as they undergo a vital rebuilding phase. The absence of key players like forward Tom Lynch and defender Jayden Short reshapes their line-up, affecting their attacking depth. Nevertheless, this adversity has fostered resilience within the squad. Under the leadership of Adem Yze, the Tigers have showcased a gritty style of play, emphasizing disciplined defense and strategic ball movement. They might not emerge victorious, but their commitment could keep the margins tight.

In high-stakes encounters, relentless pressure is crucial. Unfortunately for the Bombers, trend statistics indicate they have struggled in this area significantly this season. Their performance against the Bulldogs was particularly alarming, showcasing one of the lowest pressure ratings recorded. Conversely, Richmond thrives on maintaining high pressure, evident in their three wins this season. This clash will likely hinge on clearances, an area where Essendon typically excels, especially with Toby Nankervis sidelined.

Interestingly, both teams share similar weaknesses, ranking at the lower end for scores originating from turnovers. This game could very well come down to whom can tighten their strategies and maximize scoring opportunities.

While the Bombers may hold a slight edge in class and motivation, they face critical challenges in consistent scoring capabilities against a tenacious Richmond side. Betting odds suggest a significant hurdle for Essendon at +22.5. Expect the Tigers to dig deep and aim for a competitive performance, potentially allowing fans to witness yet another classic showdown.

Seth Campbell (Richmond) has emerged as one of the premier young forwards in the league, consistently delivering impressive performances despite his team’s struggles. With 17 goals to his name from 10 matches, he is set to thrive against an Essendon defense that recently faltered, allowing 127 points last weekend. Expect him to find plenty of scoring opportunities, aiming for his seventh instance of 2+ goals this season.

Seth Campbell 2+ Goals: A valued pick thanks to Campbell’s exceptional scoring form this season.

Nic Martin 25+ Disposals: Martin is averaging just under 25 disposals per game, with a recent combined tally of 63 across his last two games, including exceptional outings against the Tigers.

Zach Reid 15+ Disposals: Reid has notably improved, consistently registering 15+ disposals in recent matches and showing great promise.

Date: Friday, 23rd May
Time: 7:40 PM AEST
Location: MCG

Weather: Partly cloudy, 16 degrees

Odds: Essendon ($1.33) vs Richmond ($3.30)
Line: Essendon -22.5
Points: 160.5

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You can catch the Essendon vs Richmond match live and free on Channel 7 across the country. Alternatively, all AFL matches are available to stream live via Kayo Sports.

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