Essendon and the GWS Giants are set to face off in Round 19 of the 2025 Australian Football League (AFL) at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Essendon have had a torrid time this home-and-away season as their season has not gone very well. They have managed to grab only six victories in 16 games and currently sit 14th on the AFL ladder. They head into the game against the Giants on the back of a six-game losing streak.
The Giants, on the other hand, have had a better time as they have taken 11 wins through their 17 games. They are currently sitting seventh on the AFL ladder but have been in and out of the run for the Finals Series in close running with the Western Bulldogs, the Gold Coast SUNS and Fremantle.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Essendon vs. GWS Giants free live stream, free-to-air channel
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel, 7plus
- TV Channel: Fox Footy
- Free-to-air: Channel 7
Kayo, 7plus and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of the match. The clash will also be available to watch on Fox Footy and Channel 7.
Fans can stream Essendon vs. GWS Giants on Kayo which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers so you can essentially watch this game and others this week for free. The match will also be streamed on the AFL website.
Essendon vs. GWS Giants start time
- Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. AEST
- Venue & Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
The AFL Round 19 game between Essendon and the GWS Giants will be played on Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. AEST.
It will be played at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria.
Here's how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Thursday, July 17 | 7:30 p.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Thursday, July 17 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Thursday, July 17 | 5:30 p.m. |
AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week
Thursday, July 17
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon vs. GWS Giants | Marvel Stadium | 7:30 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Friday, July 18
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs | Gabba | 7:40 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Saturday, July 19
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn Hawks vs. Port Adelaide | UTAS Stadium | 1:20 p.m. | Fox/ Kayo |
| Sydney Swans vs. North Melbourne | SCG | 4:15 p.m. | Fox /Kayo |
| Carlton vs. Melbourne | MCG | 7:35 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond | Optus Stadium | 8:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
Sunday, July 20
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong Cats vs. St Kilda | GMHBA Stadium | 1:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Collingwood vs. Fremantle | MCG | 3:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo |
| Adelaide Crows vs. Gold Coast SUNS | Adelaide Oval | 4:40 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |