Essendon host the Sydney Swans on Sunday afternoon to close out the Round 23 action.

Surely these Bombers players and club just want to move on from what has been a dismal 2026 campaign in which they’ve spent the entire year getting absolutely pounded almost every week.

With three weeks left in the season, they sit last on the ladder with just two wins from 21 starts. These Bombers may just have one eye on Mad Monday honestly, we wouldn’t blame them.

But the Swans will have no such sympathy. Particularly coming off a 167-70 annihilation of Port Adelaide, where Sydney fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition ahead of finals.

Sydney all but have a top-two finish locked down; a vital position to ensure multiple bites of the cherry come finals time.

As per program, Bombers went down 117-50 to Geelong last Saturday and failed to register a major until the 27-minute mark of the second term, though there was more fight after half-time.

Bombers fans and players alike may be treated to another dose of the Sunday scaries this weekend.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Round 23 prediction and preview below.

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Essendon looked certain to go through last week's clash with Geelong without a goal before pinching two before the break.

Their third term was strong, but they were no match for Geelong in the rain.

Here, a similar fate awaits, as does the prospect of Charlie Curnow securing his third Coleman Medal.

The Swans went into overdrive after quarter time last week, banging through 23 goals in an epic display of dominance over Port Adelaide.

Should the Bombers bring inferior pressure, these Swans will pour on 150 or more again.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 81 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Who else but Charles?

Curnow has pretty much romped his way to another Coleman Medal, sitting on 62 for the season and seven clear of second-placed Ben King.

He's named at full forward with James Jordon and Tom Papley either side of him, which is about as much support as the big kid could ask for.

We expect him to score early and often against the hapless Bombers.

Betting tip: Charlie Curnow.

Most Disposals Prediction

Errol Gulden, without breaking a sweat.

The man has notched 41, 34 and 39 in his last three matches and he starts in the centre square again here.

These Swans are absolutely a contender in 2026 and Gulden being fit and in form is a big part of that success.

If he isn't taken off for a spell halfway through a match Sydney should have well and truly wrapped up by then, he'll top the list.

Betting tip: Errol Gulden.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Charlie Curnow 5+ goals, Tom Papley 3+ goals, Errol Gulden 32+ disposals, Brodie Grundy 20+ disposals, Sydney Swans to win by 40+.

*Odds are subject to change.

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Confirmed Teams

Essendon Bombers Team List

FB: Andrew McGrath, Zach Reid, Mason Redman

HB: Jaxon Prior, Archie Roberts, Jaxon Artemis

C: Max Kondogiannis, Will Setterfield, Angus Clarke

HF: Jye Caldwell, Nate Caddy, Archer Day-Wicks

FF: Isaac Kako, Peter Wright, Kyle Langford

FOLL: Vigo Visentini, Zach Merrett, Dyson Sharp

I/C: Jacob Farrow, Elijah Tsatas, Archie Perkins, Harrison Jones, Nick Bryan, Hussien El Achkar, Rhys Unwin, Lachlan Blakiston

Sydney Swans Team List

FB: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Callum Mills

HB: Joel Hamling, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey

C: Jai Serong, Errol Gulden, Matt Roberts

HF: Braeden Campbell, Logan McDonald, Jake Lloyd

FF: James Jordon, Charlie Curnow, Tom Papley

FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner

I/C: Harry Kyle, Sam Wicks, Billy Cootee, Hayden McLean, Jesse Dattoli, William Green, Caiden Cleary, Angus Sheldrick

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026.

First Bounce: 4:40pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports