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Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Prediction & Preview - AFLW Round 9 2026
A free, data-led AFLW preview built from real results: head-to-head history, recent form and the players to watch on each side.
Our prediction: Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers
Western Bulldogs by 13-24
Model score: Western Bulldogs 49 to 36 Essendon Bombers
Total points: the model's 85-point expected total sits in line with a typical AFLW game (~80 combined points).
How this works: the model averages each side's points scored and conceded across their last 5 completed games, up to the end of 2026, matches attack against defence, and adds a 2-point home-ground adjustment. A data lean, not a certainty: list changes, injuries and team news all move it.
What the numbers say
Across their last 2 meetings it is Western Bulldogs 1, Essendon Bombers 1, averaging 53 combined points per game. Western Bulldogs won 3 of their last 5 on record. Essendon Bombers won 0 of their last 5.
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers head-to-head
Last 2 meetings: Western Bulldogs 1, Essendon Bombers 1, averaging 53 combined points per game.
Form guide: last 5 completed games
Most recent results on record, up to the end of 2026.
- 40 to 30 @ Fremantle Dockers19 Sept 2026
- 30 to 41 @ Hawthorn Hawks12 Sept 2026
- 60 to 33 v Sydney Swans5 Sept 2026
- 23 to 70 @ North Melbourne Kangaroos29 Aug 2026
- 48 to 37 v Richmond Tigers22 Aug 2026
- 10 to 51 v Gold Coast Suns20 Sept 2026
- 22 to 37 @ Fremantle Dockers13 Sept 2026
- 51 to 83 @ Geelong Cats6 Sept 2026
- 33 to 38 v Richmond Tigers30 Aug 2026
- 42 to 66 @ Sydney Swans23 Aug 2026
Players to watch: 2026 averages
Ranked on 2026 GDS fantasy average. Squads change between seasons, so treat this as a guide to who carried each club last time out.
Western Bulldogs
- Isabelle Pritchard
103.2 GDS avg · 24.3 disposals · 0.7 goals · 1.8 marks · 4.8 tackles (6 games)
- Jessica Fitzgerald
96.7 GDS avg · 24.2 disposals · 0.2 goals · 4.0 marks · 2.3 tackles (6 games)
- Alice Edmonds
81.0 GDS avg · 12.5 disposals · 0.0 goals · 2.2 marks · 4.2 tackles (6 games)
- Emma McDonald
70.5 GDS avg · 11.3 disposals · 1.3 goals · 4.2 marks · 2.7 tackles (6 games)
Essendon Bombers
- Madison Prespakis
131.2 GDS avg · 32.0 disposals · 0.3 goals · 2.2 marks · 4.0 tackles (6 games)
- Amy Gaylor
89.2 GDS avg · 19.7 disposals · 0.0 goals · 3.2 marks · 4.8 tackles (6 games)
- Bonnie Toogood
82.5 GDS avg · 15.2 disposals · 1.0 goals · 4.2 marks · 2.8 tackles (6 games)
- Stephanie Wales
82.2 GDS avg · 12.7 disposals · 0.0 goals · 2.5 marks · 4.3 tackles (6 games)
AFLW Round 9 2026 preview questions
Who will win Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers?
Our form model favours Western Bulldogs by 13-24 points from 2026 season results, from a model score of Western Bulldogs 49 to 36 Essendon Bombers.
What is the Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers prediction for AFLW Round 9 2026?
Our form model favours Western Bulldogs by 13-24 points from 2026 season results, from a model score of Western Bulldogs 49 to 36 Essendon Bombers. The model expects about 85 combined points, in line with a typical AFLW game (around 80). It averages each side's points scored and conceded across their last 5 completed games and adds a small home-ground adjustment.
When and where is Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers?
Western Bulldogs host Essendon Bombers in AFLW Round 9, 2026 on Friday 9 Oct 2026, 8:15pm at Whitten Oval. Times are local to the venue.
What is the Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers head-to-head record?
Across their last 2 meetings between 2024 and 2025 it is Western Bulldogs 1, Essendon Bombers 1. Those games averaged 53 combined points.
Which players should I watch in Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers?
On 2026 fantasy averages, Isabelle Pritchard for Western Bulldogs and Madison Prespakis for Essendon Bombers. The preview lists the top four per club with disposals, goals, marks and tackles per game, and every name links to that player's full stats page.
Is this Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers preview free?
Yes. The form lean, head-to-head record and player averages for Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers are free and need no account. Stats Lab members get the deeper fantasy and matchup analysis tools on top.
More this round: every fixture is listed on the AFLW match previews page, with deeper club data on the Western Bulldogs and Essendon Bombers hubs, and full season stats for every player on the AFLW players page.