Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints Prediction: Saints to eke on the road

The third round of the AFL season progresses on Saturday afternoon as the Bombers play host to the Saints at Marvel Stadium. In their previous encounter, the Saints secured victory and will aim to maintain their winning streak. Can the Bombers demonstrate resilience this time around and alter the storyline?

The Essendon Bombers made a strong start against the Swans in round 2 and held their ground in the first half, trailing by just four points at halftime. However, the Sydney Swans demonstrated their championship quality in the third quarter and pulled away for a 131-101 victory. Despite the loss, the Bombers have surpassed expectations in the opening two rounds, displaying determination to challenge a superior opponent, at least for a portion of the match.

Zach Merrett delivered an outstanding performance for his team with 32 disposals, while Jake Stringer and Jade Gresham each contributed three goals. However, the Bombers will face challenges in the upcoming weeks, with Peter Wright suspended for four matches due to a significant incident during the Sydney Swans game, which halted play in the first quarter. On a positive note, Mason Redman returns from his one-match ban, and Jake Kelly has recovered from illness to make his comeback. Additionally, Darcy Parish, Andrew McGrath, and Will Setterfield will undergo fitness tests later in the week to determine their availability.

The St Kilda Saints rebounded from a Round 1 defeat against the Geelong Cats with a commanding performance against the reigning premiers, the Collingwood Magpies, on Thursday night football last week. The 15-point margin in the end was generous to the Collingwood Magpies, as the St Kilda Saints dominated the game practically from start to finish. However, the victory came with setbacks for the Saints, as key players Mason Wood and Liam Henry both sustained long-term injuries, while spearhead Max King received a one-match suspension for a high bump.

Despite these challenges, the depth of the St Kilda Saints will be showcased on Saturday as Dan Butler and Anthony Caminiti return to the side. Additionally, youngster Angus Hastie will make his debut after an impressive performance in the VFL last week.

The St Kilda Saints' defense has been incredibly strong in the first two games, particularly excelling at Marvel Stadium where they showcase their defensive prowess. Last season, they boasted the best defense in the league, conceding just 65.7 points per game under the dome. While Dougal Howard's absence is notable, players like Nasiah Wanganeen Milera and Josh Battle have stepped up significantly in the early stages of this season.

On the other hand, the Essendon Bombers have adopted an aggressive style of play in the initial weeks. However, this approach might face some resistance from the formidable Saints defense. Moreover, the Saints' running power could capitalize on any turnovers, posing a significant threat to the Bombers on the counterattack.

Hence, in what is expected to be a closely contested match, the St Kilda Saints are overwhelming favorites to emerge victorious in a game that is likely to see high scores.