Essendon and Port Adelaide will meet at Marvel Stadium on Sunday to close out two extremely forgettable 2026 campaigns.

The Bombers went down 112-76 to the Swans at the MCG last Sunday, though the scoreline flattered the visitors more than it should. Essendon were blown off the park early before producing a gritty, high-pressure response.

Tanking would be tempting for the folks at Essendon too, a win would likely lift the Bombers out of 18th and hand Richmond the No. 1 pick at November's National Draft.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide arrive after yet another forgettable afternoon in a 132-56 loss to Melbourne at Adelaide Oval. They'll be without Aliir Aliir, who was concussed in that game. This may also be the final opportunity to see in-demand superstar Zak Butters in Power colours, though his availability remains unclear as he works back from injury.

The last meeting between these two was a lopsided one. Port won 133-70 at Adelaide Oval in Round 2, back when both clubs still had ambitions worth talking about.

Only the die hard fans will be showing up for this one, as both clubs eye off the inevitable Balinese vacation that will follow the last match of the season. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Essendon Bombers vs Port Adelaide Power Round 24 prediction and preview below.

Essendon Bombers vs Port Adelaide Power Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Bombers were blown away by a rampant Sydney in the first quarter last week before playing really strong footy for two quarters against a powerful unit.

They conceded nine goals in the opening term and still found a way to claw themselves back into the fight, which says something about where the group's head is at even in a lost season.

Former skipper and one of their recent greats, Zach Merrett, likely plays his last game in the red and black on Sunday, and a few others might be pulling on the sash for the final time as well.

Port's season, meanwhile, has plummeted at the back end. A 76-point home loss to the Dees followed a 97-point defeat to the Swans the week prior.

At 15th with a 6-16 record and their best player heading out the door, the immediate future looks tricky for the Power both on and off the field.

Emotion counts for something on a day like this, and Essendon have more of it.

Head-to-head prediction: Essendon Bombers by 11 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Mitch Georgiades remains Port Adelaide's most reliable option inside 50, and that hasn't changed no matter how ugly things have got around him.

When the Power go forward with any intent, he's the first look. That's been the pattern all year, and with a depleted list around him there's no reason for it to change on Sunday.

Essendon's defence has been generous for most of the season, particularly early in games. Georgiades should find enough space to lead and mark in the opening exchanges.

Betting tip: Mitch Georgiades.

Most Disposals Prediction

If this is Zach Merrett's last game in red and black, he's going to want the football in his hands.

He's been the constant through a difficult year, and he was central to the Bombers dragging themselves back into the contest against Sydney after a disastrous opening term. That's the version of Merrett we expect on Sunday, in front of a crowd that will want to send him off properly.

Port's midfield is missing its best player and has been comprehensively beaten in each of the past two weeks. There's not much standing in his way.

Betting tip: Zach Merrett.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Zach Merrett 30+ disposals, Essendon Bombers by 1-39, Sam Durham anytime goal scorer, Under total match points.

Odds are subject to change.*

Essendon Bombers vs Port Adelaide Power Predicted Teams

Essendon Bombers Predicted Team List

FB: Andrew McGrath, Zach Reid, Mason Redman

HB: Jaxon Prior, Archie Roberts, Jaxon Artemis

C: Archie Perkins, Will Setterfield, Angus Clarke

HF: Jacob Farrow, Nate Caddy, Archer Day-Wicks

FF: Rhys Unwin, Peter Wright, Kyle Langford

FOLL: Vigo Visentini, Zach Merrett, Dyson Sharp

I/C: Jye Caldwell, Max Kondogiannis, Harrison Jones, Nick Bryan, Isaac Kako

Port Adelaide Power Predicted Team List

FB: Josh Lai, Dante Visentini, Miles Bergman

HB: Balyn O'Brien, Esava Ratugolea, Lachie Jones

C: Jacob Wehr, Jason Horne-Francis, Joe Berry

HF: Xavier Bamert, Todd Marshall, Mitch Zadow

FF: Corey Durdin, Mitch Georgiades, Jack Whitlock

FOLL: Jordon Sweet, Joe Richards, Willem Drew

I/C: Tom Anastasopoulos, Ollie Wines, Harrison Ramm, Jase Burgoyne, Alex Van Wyk

Essendon Bombers vs Port Adelaide Power Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026.

First Bounce: 12:20pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports