The 4 certainties for Essendon versus Sydney

Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.

But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.

Here is what we consider certainties for the Round 23 Friday night clash between Essendon and Sydney.

Essendon

Merrett 25+ disposals

The Dons skipper has been immense in 2024 so far, averaging 28 disposals a game as he looks set to earn a fourth All-Australian blazer.

Merrett has tallied 25+ disposals in five of his last six games, in the one that he didn’t, he had 24 to go with a goal.

He also clearly likes the matchup against the Swans as he helped himself to 32 touches to go with two goals and five clearances when the teams faced off in Round 2.

25+ shouldn’t be a problem for the superstar in this one.

Stringer to kick a goal

With Peter Wright out of the side, Jake Stringer has been named to play at full-forward for Friday’s clash.

The 30-year-old has kicked 39 majors so far in 2024 and has goaled in eight of his last nine games.

Presented with a deeper role under the roof, the Dons will no doubt look towards Stringer coming out of the midfield and he should finish at least one of his chances.

Lachlan Geleit

Sydney

Parker to have 20+ disposals

This one is a bit of a risk considering Luke Parker has not hit the 20-disposal mark in five outings in 2024.

But with Chad Warner out of the side, the Swans are going to need others to step up and one of those should be the veteran and former co-captain Parker.

He was enormous in the last quarter against Collingwood last weekend, picking up seven disposals, four clearances and three score involvements as the Swans came from the clouds to win.

While Parker is nowhere near as prolific as he has been in the past, we feel he’ll have a say on Friday night as the Swans look to tune up their game for finals.

Hayward and Heeney to combine for 3+ goals

Will Hayward was back to his goal kicking best with three majors against the Pies last weekend.

He has now booted 35 goals for the season which is a new career best and has him equal on top of Sydney’s charts alongside Joel Amartey.

Hayward has kicked at least a goal in his last four outings while teammate Issac Heeney has also been hitting the scoreboard of late.

He kicked 1.3 last week and we expect him to get amongst it on Friday night to help counter the absence of Warner.

Andrew Slevison

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