Take a look at Essendon’s six interstate games for 2019 as the Bombers look to continue their impressive travelling form from this year.
ROUND ONE VS GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Sydney Showground Stadium
Sunday, March 24
3.20pm
The eyes of all AFL fans will be on this contest as Essendon’s boom recruit Dylan Shiel takes on his old side for the first time.
The corresponding fixture between the sides at the Giants’ home this year proved fruitful for the Bombers, who ran away in the final term with a six-goal burst to pull away for a brilliant 35-point victory.
Shiel joins Devon Smith and James Stewart as former Giants at The Hangar, so its sure to be a hostile reception for Essendon as it looks to kick off the year with a win.
ROUND EIGHT VS SYDNEY
SCG
Friday, May 5
7.50pm
The Bombers will enter the match just five days after taking on Geelong in the Country Game at the MCG, but the side will be fit, firing and looking for revenge at the SCG.
The last time Essendon faced Sydney away was a disappointing elimination final loss in 2017, but the team took the first step towards vengeance in round 19 this year when a barnstorming finish saw the Bombers race away to a 43-point thumping of the Swans.
That victory ended an extended run of outs against the Swans, so while it’s never easy to take on Sydney on their home deck, the Bombers will be confident they can put in another strong performance.
ROUND 14 VS WEST COAST
Optus Stadium
Thursday, June 20
6.10pm
One of three Thursday night matches for the club next year, this mouthwatering battle with the reigning premier is sure to be a belter.
If 2018’s hoodoo-breaking 28-point win over the Eagles in Perth is anything to go by, then there is a lot for fans to be excited about.
On that occasion, in the very same round this year, the Bombers scorched the turf at Optus Stadium, bursting clear with the first eight goals of the contest in a dominant display of their damaging best.
ROUND 18 VS ADELAIDE
Adelaide Oval
Friday, July 19
7.20pm
The Bombers only faced the Crows once in 2018 – in round one – and will have to wait until late in the 2019 season to do so again.
The opening round this year was a great success for Essendon, with a powerful finish helping the side overcome Adelaide in a thrilling comeback win to start the season.
The Bombers’ record against the Crows at Adelaide Oval isn’t pretty viewing, but in defeating Port Adelaide in the final round, the team showed it was capable of putting together an impressive performance at the ground.
ROUND 19 VS GOLD COAST
Metricon Stadium
Sunday, July 28
4.40pm
In one of the fixture’s stranger anomalies, the Bombers travel for the second week on the trot in round 19 when they face Gold Coast away following the battle with Adelaide.
For the third-straight year, Essendon’s only chance to take on the Suns will take place in Queensland, but recent history suggests this isn’t a major concern.
The side’s last two clashes with Gold Coast have been very successful, defeating the Suns by 33 points in 2017 and 44 this year.
ROUND 22 VS FREMANTLE
Optus Stadium
Saturday, August 17
6.10pm
The Bombers travel west for the second time late in the season in what could become a season-defining clash.
Both clubs have a lot to get excited about ahead of the 2019 season, with significant new recruits adding to promising young squads for each team, so there may be plenty to play for at this pointy end of the year.
There will no doubt be a powerful contingent of passionate fans supporting Essendon as always across the Nullarbor, so this will be a game not to miss.
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