The 2025 AFL season's Round 21 match sees the Sydney Swans face off against the Essendon Bombers on Saturday evening at the SCG.
The Swans left their push for the top eight a little too late. Their finals hopes are but over, sitting on tenth but 12 points away from the eighth spot after their 102-58 defeat at the hands of the GWS Giants in the cross-city rivalry last week.
Essendon, on the other hand, have a 6-12 record and is currently on an eight-game losing streak. After struggling with a long injured list for much of the year, the Bombers' season has only gone from bad to worse.
However, the last time these two sides met earlier in the season, Essendon beat Sydney 71-63 at the Marvel Stadium and will hope to do the double at the SCG this time around.
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.
Sydney vs. Essendon free live stream, free-to-air channel
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel, 7 Plus
- TV Channel: Fox Footy
- Free-to-air: 7 Mate
Kayo Sports, Seven Plus and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of Saturday's match. The clash will also be available on TV in Australia via Fox Footy and Seven Mate.
Fans can stream Sydney vs. Essendon 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.
Sydney vs. Essendon start time
- Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
- Start Time: 4:15 p.m. AEST
- Venue & Location: SCG
The AFL Round 21 game between Sydney Swans and Essendon Bombers will be played on Saturday, August 2 at the SCG in Sydney, New South Wales.
Here's how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 2 | 4:15 p.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 2 | 3:45 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 2 | 2:15 p.m. |
AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week
Thursday, July 31
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulldogs vs. GWS Giants | Marvel Stadium | 7:30 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Friday, August 1
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Crows vs. Hawthorn Hawks | Adelaide Oval | 7:40 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Saturday, August 2
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne vs. West Coast Eagles | Marvel Stadium | 1:20 p.m. | Fox/ Kayo |
| Gold Coast SUNS vs. Richmond | People First Stadium | 4:10 p.m. | Fox /Kayo |
| Sydney Swans vs. Essendon | SCG | 4:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo |
| Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions | MCG | 7:35 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
Sunday, August 3
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Kilda vs. North Melbourne | Marvel Stadium | 2:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Geelong Cats vs. Port Adelaide | GMHBA Stadium | 3:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo |
| Fremantle vs. Carlton | Optus Stadium | 5:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |