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Port Adelaide vs Essendon Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 2

by Trystan Pugh · March 20 2026, 18:45
Port Adelaide vs Essendon Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 2

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Port Adelaide and Essendon each seek their first win of the 2026 AFL season, with the two sides set to battle it out at the Adelaide Oval.

Kick-off date/time:

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

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

The prediction

Josh Carr's first match in charge of Port Adelaide did not exactly go to plan last week, with the Power suffering a 46-point defeat at the hands of North Melbourne.

Carr admitted in the aftermath that he got a few things wrong tactically, and he will be determined to inspire his new side to an improved display against Essendon.

The injury-hit visitors suffered a bruising loss themselves though, with Hawthorn largely dominating last week's contest at the MCG.

Very much in a rebuilding process, Essendon will likely find wins hard to come by this year, and they come up against a wounded animal in Port Adelaide here.

The Adelaide Oval is expected to be in fine voice as Carr searches for his first win, and this looks like a favourable matchup for the Power.

Port Adelaide vs Essendon tip: Port Adelaide to win

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