Round 23 Preview — 2026 AFL SeasonAFL Analytics

Essendon v Sydney

Sydney 18–4. Essendon 6–16. H2H Sydney 4–1. 89.6% confidence, +46.5. Strong tip: Sydney by 45.

SavvyPlays · 13 Aug 2026 · MCG, Melbourne · Sunday 16 August · 4:40PM AEST

The highest confidence match of Round 23. Sydney are 18–4 and 6–3 away. Essendon are 6–16 and 6–8 at home. The H2H is Sydney 4–1 including a 66-point win in R7. Unanimous at 89.6% with +46.5 margin. The biggest predicted blowout of the round.

SavvyPlays Tip — Strong

01Sydney by 45

Sydney at 18–4 are the second-best team in the AFL. Essendon at 6–16 have been competitive at home (6–8) but Sydney’s quality is overwhelming. The H2H is Sydney 4–1, including R7 this season by 66 points.

Unanimous: 28/28 at 89.6% — the highest confidence of any R23 match — with +46.5. We’re at +45.

18–4

Sydney Season

6–16

Essendon Season

6–3

Sydney Away

Sydney 4–1

H2H Last 5

28/28 Sydney, 89.6%

Squiggle

+46.5

Avg Margin

Data & Methodology

Team records sourced from AFL Tables with exact team ID matching. Model consensus sourced directly from the Squiggle API (28 models). Kickoff times verified from austadiums.com and footyalmanac.com.au. All figures verified as of 13 August 2026.