West Coast v Essendon: AFL Friday Preview

West Coast are still searching for their first win of the 2025 AFL season when they face Essendon at Optus Stadium on Friday.

The Eagles are just one of two teams to have started the campaign with a 0-5 record and they will be desperate to break the streak against the Bombers.

It is easier said than done however after suffering heavy defeats in their last two clashes heading into the Good Friday game.

Essendon have recovered from losing their opening two games of the season, to win the last two, and will be expecting number three.

However they cannot afford to be complacent as they have had a couple of close calls with the Eagles in the past.

Brad Scott’s side will not be taking anything for granted at Optus.

West Coast v Essendon betting preview

Eagles in need of a lift

West Coast have lost their opening five games, and four of them have been heavy defeats.

Gold Coast Suns, Carlton, Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle have also scored over 100 points against them.

They did show some promising signs when losing by just 19 points against Brisbane, but need to show more to get their first win.

Getting off to a strong start will be crucial and the Eagles can be backed at 3.25 to win the first quarter by 1-18 points.

That would be a great place to start, and if they are to go on and win, they can be backed at 8.00 to win by 1-12 points.

Liam Baker will be key to their chances and he is priced at 2.15 to collect 25+ disposals in the game.

Bombers on their guard

Essendon have won their last two games against Melbourne and Port Adelaide, and are the hot fancies to make it three in the west.

Bombers head coach Brad Scott has warned against complacency however and says there is never an easy game in Perth.

Indeed the last time they took on the Eagles at Optus in Round 8, 2024, they won by just six points in a hard-fought battle.

They will be hoping for a more convincing win on this occasion, and are priced at 5.50 to win by 13-24 points.

Essendon did win with ease against another struggling side, Melbourne, in their last game, and put on 96 points.

Jye Menzie booted four goals in that win and can be backed at 13.00 to kick the first goal of the game or 1.15 to score at anytime.

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West Coast v Essendon odds

West Coast - 4.35
Essendon - 1.22

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.