Sydney vs Essendon Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 21

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Two traditional rivals, Sydney and Essendon, face off at the SCG with their finals chances on life support. 

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 Sydney Swans (10th) are reeling from a devastating 102-58 loss to the GWS Giants. After dominating the first half, they completely capitulated, kicking just one goal to the Giants' 12 in the second half. 

Essendon (15th) suffered another humiliating defeat. This time at the hands of the Western Bulldogs, 143-50. It was another non-competitive performance that has put the club and especially the senior coach under intense scrutiny. It was their eighth loss in a row. 

Sydney's ruckman Brodie Grundy fought hard against GWS, providing a strong presence around the ground. He finished with 24 disposals, five clearances, 29 hit outs and a goal. 

For Essendon, captain Zach Merrett deserves better, gathering 30 disposals and laying seven tackles, showing his teammates how it should be done. 

Essendon won the most recent clash in Round 9 of this season, securing a narrow 8-point victory. Sydney has won three of the last five encounters. Both sides sit outside the top eight and only the Swans cling to a faint finals hope, setting the stage for a desperate and hard-fought contest. 

These matches have traditionally been very close however this one has the look of a lopsided Sydney victory.

Sydney vs Essendon tip: Sydney to win by 40+ points