Richmond vs Essendon Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 18

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Traditional rivals Richmond and Essendon, meet in a Saturday clash at the MCG.

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

While both teams are out of finals contention, there is always plenty of feeling in this matchup.

Richmond (17th) suffered a heavy 72-point loss to Geelong (52-124) in Round 17.

Essendon (13th) also had a day to forget, going down 115-74 to the Gold Coast despite trailing by less than a goal at three quarter time. Their fourth quarter capitulation is a worrying trend for a team that had finals dreams only a few months back.

In a tough day for Richmond, Rhyan Mansell provided a spark with over 22 disposals and three goals.

Essendon captain Zach Merrett was immense in their loss to the Suns, racking up another 40 disposal game in a losing cause.

Essendon have had the better of Richmond in recent encounters, winning three of their last five meetings, including an 81-58 victory in their Round 11 clash this season.

Both teams will be desperate to respond after poor losses last week. Essendon's superior midfield should give them the edge in what promises to be a scrappy affair.

Richmond vs Essendon tip: Essendon to win & Zach Merrett to have 30+ disposals