<p>Thanks for at least trying to keep things interesting for as long as you could, Sydney.</p> <p>The Swans' season officially came to an end last Friday after they let a 35-point lead slip against their crosstown rivals. What followed was a massive 75-point turnaround as they got completely overrun by the Giants and blown off the park — ending any hopes of a late finals charge.</p> <p>But hey, that’s kind of what happens when you’re still settling under a new coach early in the year and get hit with a brutal run of injuries to key players who are crucial to your structure.</p> <p>The good news? The Swans now have a chance to vent some frustration this week against an equally banged-up Essendon side.</p> <p>The Bombers were once again dismantled — this time by the Western Bulldogs — going down by 93 points on Friday night. Somehow, that was only the third-biggest loss of the round. They’re clearly counting down the days until they can draw a line under this season and reset.</p> <p>As their patched-up squad heads north to face Sydney, they might see an opportunity to catch the Swans still reeling after last week’s disappointment. This one’s definitely for the diehards — but these kinds of matchups have a habit of throwing up plenty of drama and talking points. Fingers crossed we get more of that.</p> <p>Sydney’s tall stocks have taken another hit, with both Hayden McLean and Joel Hamling needing to be replaced from last week’s side. Aaron Francis should come in after being the sub, while Tom McCartin is in the mix to return from concussion protocols.</p> <p>First-round pick Jesse Dattoli keeps pushing for a debut after another three-goal haul in the VFL, and both Caiden Cleary and Corey Warner have been impressing in the reserves lately.</p> <p>As for the Bombers, they’ve copped yet another injury to a key player, with Jordan Ridley re-injuring his hamstring. That could open the door for yet another debutant — first-year ruck/forward Kayle Gerreyen played in the VFL last week and could be next in line.</p> <p>Ben Hobbs and Archie May didn’t play at any level last week and are both chances to come back into the senior side.</p> <p>For the latest team updates, analysis, odds, and tips, check out our full Swans vs Dons preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Essendon Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican, Nick Blakey</p> <p>HB: Callum Mills, Tom McCartin, Harry Cunningham</p> <p>C: Matt Roberts, Chad Warner, Jake Lloyd</p> <p>HF: James Rowbottom, Aaron Francis, James Jordon</p> <p>F: Tom Papley, Will Hayward, Justin McInerney</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden</p> <p>Int: Angus Sheldrick, Peter Ladhams, Braeden Campbell, Jack Buller, Jesse Dattoli</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Andy McGrath, Jayden Laverde, Archie Roberts</p> <p>HB: Mason Redman, Kayle Gerreyn, Angus Clarke</p> <p>C: Saad El-Hawli, Zach Merrett, Luamon Lual</p> <p>HF: Archie Perkins, Peter Wright, Jade Gresham</p> <p>F: Nate Caddy, Liam McMahon, Isaac Kako</p> <p>Foll: Todd Goldstein, Dylan Sheil, Sam Durham</p> <p>Int: Jaxon Prior, Matt Guelfi, Zak Johnson, Lachie Balkiston, Oskar Smartt</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Essendon Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Swans hold sway in the head-to-head, winning three of the past five matches against Essendon.</p> <p>The Bombers have only won in Sydney twice in the past 20 years, with the most recent win coming in the COVID year of 2020.&nbsp;</p> <p>As flagged earlier, there’s not much aside from ladder positions and draft picks to be gained for either team at this point, as neither can make finals, although we sense the Swans will be sniffing blood in the water and sensing a live kill.&nbsp;</p> <p>How ruthless they want to be against one of their big interstate rivals remains to be seen, but we think it will be another difficult afternoon if you’re an Essendon fan.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-essendon-9433215">Swans</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Can the Dons at least land the first blow? Can they give us some reason to think they can do the impossible?</p> <p>A spark from their future, maybe? How resilient has Isaac Kako been in his first year to get every game out to this point?</p> <p>11 goals so far in his debut season, we’re picking him for the first one here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-essendon-9433215"> Isaac Kako</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>From one Issac who is going to be a star, to another Isaac who is a star and a poster boy.</p> <p>Isaac Heeney has given his all to the Swans and their unlikely pursuit of finals footy. But Heeney has gone MASSIVE against some struggling Victorian clubs already this year (Blues, Roos), and we think he’s going to go big again.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-essendon-9433215">Issac Heeney 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Swans vs Essendon Bombers Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, August 2, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 4:15pm - AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> SCG, Sydney</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>