Essendon vs Richmond Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 11

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

“Dreamtime at the G” match between Essendon and Richmond the centrepiece of Doug Nicholls Round

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL

The prediction

The Essendon Bombers were handed a reality check in Round 10 against the Western Bulldogs. Sitting on the fringe of the Top 8 and winning five of their previous six matches the Bombers were optimistic heading into their clash with the Bulldogs however they were given a 127-36 hiding and the realisation that they are unable to matchup effectively against the better teams in the competition. The rumour mill has been in overdrive all week in regard to the coaching situation and the myriad of roster issues at the club that has seemingly been stuck in a “rebuild” for ten years now. The Dreamtime Game at the MCG is the brainchild of former coach Kevin Sheedy and has been a show piece occasion for the AFL since its inception. If the Bombers don’t lift their effort and skill levels for this match the questions on coach Brad Scott will only intensify in the coming weeks, with many believing his time may be up.

For the Richmond Tigers, their rebuild is still in full swing after a 78-74 loss to fellow cellar dweller North Melbourne. Three wins from 10 matches and a rotten percentage of just 69 is a clear indicator of where the club is at as we approach the mid-point of the season.

Essendon has won their past two contests against the Tigers which stopped a 13-match Richmond winning streak in the matchup. This year’s edition of Dreamtime may not turn into a classic with points hard to come by. We think the under total match points could be the way to go in this one.

Essendon vs Richmond tip: Total match points under 165.5