Essendon Bombers v Carlton Blues: AFLW preview and how to watch

Both the Bombers and Blues are not involved in men’s AFL finals, but will renew their rivalry in an early start to a blockbuster Sunday (4 September) of AFLW matches live on Kayo.

Darcy Vescio has escaped suspension and is available to play Essendon. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Darcy Vescio has escaped suspension and is available to play Essendon. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

This article is free to read for a limited time. Want all your sports news – plus deeper sports journalism – in one place? Trial CODE Sports now at a low introductory price. Click here.

Essendon and Carlton at Port Melbourne’s ETU Stadium is the first of five AFLW matches on Father’s Day (4 September). Watch live on Kayo and scroll down for latest news and preview of the Bombers v Blues.

Bombers v Blues preview

Essendon began its inaugural AFLW campaign with a 26-point win over arch-rival Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium and take on another foe this Sunday. Carlton went down to Collingwood by three goals to open the season and a nervous few days ensued waiting on the fate of super star Darcy Vescio.

Vescio’s bump on Collingwood’s Ruby Schleicher was referred to the Match Review Officer but escaped sanction on Monday. The Carlton forward is the AFLW’s all-time leading goalkicker with 52 goals in 50 games, starting her seventh season last Thursday.

Bonnie Toogood kicked two straight in Essendon’s AFLW debut win last Saturday while 21-year-old Maddy Prespakis was outstanding in the midfield with 26 disposals plus 16 kicks and plays her former team for the first time on Sunday.

Prespakis spoke in June of the emotion involved moving from Carlton to the club she has always loved.

Maddy Prespakis on debut for the Bombers last Saturday. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Maddy Prespakis on debut for the Bombers last Saturday. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

What time is the Bombers v Blues?

It’s an early start for the traditional rivals. The game starts at 11.10am (AEST), 10.40am (ACST) and 9.10am (AWST).

Where is it being played?

ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne.

Darcy Vescio will be crucial up forward for the Blues given her record. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Darcy Vescio will be crucial up forward for the Blues given her record. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

How do I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast live on Kayo as part of its AFLW coverage. Not only can you catch the LIVE fixture and also the replay, but if you miss the action, you can catch up with Kayo Minis and Kayo Bites.

Start your Kayo 14-day free trial today.

What other matches can I watch on Kayo this Sunday?

Collingwood v Sydney Swans, live on Kayo from Victoria Park starting at 1.10pm (AEST), 12.40pm (ACST) and 11.10am (AWST).

GWS Giants v Brisbane Lions, live on Kayo from Manuka Oval starting at 3.10pm (AEST), 2.40pm (ACST) and 1.10pm (AWST).

Hawthorn v St Kilda, live on Kayo from Box Hill starting at 4.10pm (AEST), 3.40pm (ACST) and 2.10pm (AWST).

Gold Coast Suns v West Coast Eagles live on Kayo from Metricon Stadium starting at 5.10pm (AEST), 4.40pm (ACST) and 3.10pm (AWST).

What AFL news do I need to know?

Danielle Laidley reveals moments of fear, inspiration as AFL stars helped her find true self writes MARK ROBINSON.

How Swan answered the call after ‘almost’ years writes TILLY WERNER.

PLUS latest news and injury updates ahead of AFLW round two.

‘No doubt’ AFLW is growing with ‘enormous’ support

Team Lists

To be confirmed. Latest team news here.

Where can I read more AFL and AFLW?

CODE Sports is your place for all the latest news, analysis and insight from both the AFL finals and AFLW.