AFL DFS TOP PLAYS – ROUND 3
Essendon v Port Adelaide 27/03/25
Essendon will take on Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
The Power are currently -6.5 favourites (09:00am AEDT 27/03/25).
Essendon have conceded an average of 18.0 marks inside D50 from their opening two games of the season.
Port Adelaide recorded 127 uncontested marks last week against Richmond (Season Ave : 104.5, Rank 1).
Saad El-Hawli will debut for the Bombers, he trained mostly in a wing position over pre-season and can play across half-back putting speed on the ball.
Tom Cochrane will debut for Port Adelaide, he’s set to play mostly as a small forward and can play up the ground if required.
Archie Perkins and Elijah Tsatas will miss through injury for the Bombers, there will midfield opportunities available for the Bombers which includes centre bounces.
Dylan Shiel could see a role adjustment and can play through the midfield, Ben Hobbs could also see an increase in midfield usage this week.
Ivan Soldo returns to the team setting up a dual ruck situation at Port Adelaide, Jack Lukosius has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Jason Horne-Francis spent plenty of time forward last week, the short turnaround between games was likely a factor along with the early injury to Lukosius.
Essendon
Jye Caldwell has started the season well coming off a limited preparation throughout pre-season, he’ll be used at a strong rate through the midfield which includes centre bounces on Thursday night. Caldwell can tap into a high-ceiling game in optimal conditions, the matchup against the Power midfield should be decent.
Port Adelaide
There’s no disputing the hot start to the season for Connor Rozee through the midfield for Port Adelaide, he’ll once again be played at a strong rate through the middle of the ground which includes centre bounces on Thursday night. Rozee’s speed and endurance along with his ability to float around the ground makes it a tough task for the Bombers to clamp down on his output.
AFL NEWS
Follow @aflratings
AFLRATINGS PLAYER NEWS
Follow @aflratings_Live
AFLRATINGS PREMIUM
Follow @aflratingsVIP
