AFL: Bulldogs and Bombers out to bounce back

Western Bulldogs and Essendon will both be targeting a third win of the season when they clash at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Both sides have a 2-2 win-loss record heading into the clash, so there is plenty at stake as they target a place in the top eight at the end of the campaign.

The Bulldogs can be backed at 2.05 to play finals in 2024, while the Bombers are available at 3.50.

Gather Round was disappointing for both sides, with the Bulldogs losing a close one against Geelong, while Essendon were thrashed by Port Adelaide.

Neither will want to slip to 2-3 for the season and it could be an intense battle under the lights at Marvel.

. What: Western Bulldogs v Essendon
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Friday 12th April 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Western Bulldogs 1.44, Essendon 2.80

Liberatore shines for Bulldogs

It was a case of so close, yet so far, when the Bulldogs slipped to a five-point defeat against Geelong in Gather Round.

Luke Beveridge’s side caught the eye in several areas, but could not get the job done, and will be keen to bounce back.

They do have a great record against the Bombers, winning nine of the last 10 meetings between the two sides.

The last three games have seen the Bulldogs beat the Bombers by 41, 32 and 49 points respectively.

It could be a closer encounter on this occasion however and the Bulldogs are priced at 5.50 to win by 13-24 points.

Tom Liberatore has been in good form for the Bulldogs and produced an impressive 36 disposals in the loss to the Cats.

The midfielder could be just as influential against Essendon and can be backed at 6.50 to deliver 35+ again.

Sam Darcy boosted three goals against Geelong and is priced at 13.00 to grab the first on Friday night.

Essendon need to respond

The Bombers have come in for some heavy criticism following a perceived lack of effort in the 69-point loss against Port Adelaide.

Head coach Brad Scott has been forced to defend his side, saying a lack of effort was not the issue, but all eyes will be on them to see how they bounce back.

Essendon have shown what they can do this season when beating St Kilda and Hawthorn, and were in the game against Port up until half-time.

Jade Gresham was a positive when booting three goals, and he is priced at 15.00 to grab the first on Friday night.

Darcy Parish is also starting to find his form after returning to the side and can be backed at 2.15 to produce 30+ disposals.

The Bombers have been hit by some bad news however, as they will be missing Archie Perkins with a hamstring injury.