GWS Giants vs Essendon Bombers Tips and Predictions Round 9

The GWS Giants are tipped to respond strongly when they host Essendon at ENGIE Stadium in AFL Round 9 action.

This shapes as an ideal reset opportunity for the Giants after an inconsistent start to the season.

While GWS have alternated wins and losses across recent rounds, the underlying midfield numbers remain elite. The Giants continue to dominate contested possessions, intercepts and inside 50s, and now face an Essendon side struggling badly to contain opposition ball movement.

That combination looks dangerous for the Bombers.

Essendon’s defensive issues have become increasingly concerning over the past fortnight, conceding 137 and 143 points in heavy defeats where their pressure and transition defence completely collapsed.

Against Brisbane last week, the Bombers simply could not stop overlap run once the Lions gained control through midfield.

That is exactly the type of game style GWS can exploit.

Finn Callaghan, Tom Green, Clayton Oliver and Lachie Whitfield should control possession around stoppage and in transition, creating repeat inside 50 opportunities for Jesse Hogan and Aaron Cadman.

The Giants also profile strongly at home, where their fast ball movement and territory dominance become even harder to contain.

The Giants should dominate territory and midfield possession throughout the afternoon against a vulnerable Essendon defence.

Despite expecting GWS to score heavily, Essendon may struggle to contribute consistently against one of the stronger midfield units in the competition.

Hogan has an excellent recent record against Essendon and should see plenty of opportunities if GWS dominate inside 50s.

Whitfield continues to accumulate possessions at an elite rate and should thrive in a game where GWS control territory.

The Giants’ inconsistency remains the only concern. Poor finishing and inefficient ball use have hurt them at times this season, allowing opponents back into games they should control comfortably.