Essendon Bombers v Sydney Swans: AFL preview, news and how to watch live

All you need to know in the lead up Saturday’s (2 July) Essendon Bombers v Sydney Swans clash including news updates, past history plus when and how to watch live on Kayo.

David Gavin

3 min read

July 1, 2022 - 3:17PM

Callum Mills had 29 disposals and 21 kicks last time they met during May. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Essendon

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Essendon host the Swans at the MCG in the first of four matches scheduled for Saturday 2 July.

Watch live here on Kayo and scroll down to catch up on the latest news.

Bombers v Swans preview

Just when Bombers’ fans had hopes that something could come of a season to forget, Essendon travelled to Perth and were humbled by the bottom-placed West Coast Eagles 107-97 to remain 16th on the ladder.

This just a week after they had upset St Kilda at Marvel Stadium by 35 points. And a club review is ongoing.

The Bombers had no injury concerns out of last weekend’s loss, just their form.

Sydney is much higher up the ladder but their form is just as haphazard. Going down to a resurgent Port Adelaide in South Australia then returning home to whack the Saints by 51 in the past two weeks. They sit sixth after 14 matches with nine wins.

In what would be a huge boost for Essendon, midfielder Darcy Parish is back from his calf injury sustained three weeks ago. For Sydney, ruckman Peter Ladhams is an emergency following his one-match ban, given Tom Hickey’s performance in ruck last week with 17 hit outs, 22 disposals and 10 kicks against his old club.

Sydney’s Tom Hickey celebrates his goal last week. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

What time is Bombers v Swans?

The game starts at 1.45pm (AEST), 1.15pm (ACST) and 11.45am (AWST) on Saturday 2 July.

Where is it being played?

The Melbourne Cricket Ground.

How do I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast live on Kayo as part of its AFL 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.

How to watch AFL live here and start your Kayo 14-day free trial today.

Parish is set to return from a corked calf on Saturday. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

What AFL news do I need to know before Saturday?

CODESports has the latest news and analysis from around the AFL.

INCLUDING the latest predicted team news, every club’s run home and where they’ll end up plus WILL SCHOFIELD’s feature on the schoolkid who won a flag before his exams.

PLUS an Essendon veteran set to make an inspirational comeback to footy.

History between Bombers and Swans

Whether it be Tony Lockett’s point after the siren in 1996 or Gary Rohan’s mark on the goal line with seconds left to secure victory in 2017 – both at the SCG – these two clubs have a rivalry all their own.

Now Geelong Cat, Gary Rohan celebrates kicking the winning goal in round 14, 2017. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media/Getty Images

Including the days as South Melbourne, Essendon leads the head to head 133 wins to 92 with one draw. The Swans have won the last three fixtures and, earlier in the season, won by nearly 60 in Sydney.