The first game today is between Essendon Bombers and Brisbane Lions. The match is being played at Etihad Stadium with the opening bounce commencing at 1:40pm local time. Last time these two teams met Essendon beat Brisbane by thirty six points in Round 8 last year.

Both teams are coming off Round 5 loses with Essendon going down by one point to Collingwood in the ANZAC day clash whilst Brisbane were disappointing at home against Geelong where they lost be thirty eight points in a game that was played in appalling weather conditions.

Essendon’s team will be greatly boosted this week with the inclusions of Courtenay Dempsey and Nathan Lovett-Murray.

Brisbane will regain James Polkinghorne, Ryan Harwood and Billy Longer for the game.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday May 5, 1.40pm
LAST TIME: Brisbane Lions 9.12 (66) def by Essendon 15.12 (102), round eight, 2011 at the Gabba

Odds:

Brisbane Lions $6.75 vs Essendon Bombers $1.12 at Sportsbet Australia

Brisbane Lions $5.90 vs Essendon Bombers $1.14 at Luxbet Australia

ESSENDON BOMBERS 

• B: Cale Hooker, Dustin Fletcher, Dyson Heppell
• HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Jake Melksham, Kyle Hardingham
• C: Sam Lonergan, Heath Hocking, Angus Monfries
• HF: Patrick Ryder, Jake Carlisle, Brent Stanton
• F: Alwyn Davey, Stewart Crameri, Leroy Jetta
• Foll: Tom Bellchambers, David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson
• I/C: Ricky Dyson, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Ben Howlett
• Sub: Travis Colyer

• In: Courtenay Dempsey, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Travis Colyer
• Out: Tayte Pears, Michael Hibberd, Cory Dell’Olio