West Coast Eagles host Essendon Bombers in Round 12 AFL clash at Optus Stadium

The West Coast Eagles (3‑8) will meet the struggling Essendon Bombers (1‑10) on Sunday, 31 May 2026, in a Round 12 AFL match at Optus Stadium, Perth. West Coast enters the game with a settled line‑up after recent wins, while Essendon has dismissed senior coach Brad Scott and installed assistant Dean Solomon as caretaker, amid a severe injury crisis that sidelines key players such as Andrew McGrath and Mason Redman.

Essendon entered the encounter on the back of a five‑game winning streak over West Coast, but bookmakers favor the Eagles, citing their home‑ground advantage and Essendon’s depleted roster. The match is expected to be played in wet, windy conditions that could tighten scoring. Betting markets highlight a potential “coach bounce” for Essendon and a close contest despite the odds.

Both teams are fighting to climb out of the bottom four of the ladder, making the outcome pivotal for their 2026 seasons.