Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Verdict
Melbourne Demons are out for revenge after losing this fixture in Gather Round, and they are backed to get it. The trends point to a low-scoring match and I am tipping the Dees to edge it.
- Essendon’s recent matches have been low scoring, with their past four games producing totals at an average of 144.
- The Bombers defeated Melbourne earlier this season.
- Jack Steele has had 25+ disposals in four of his past five matches against Essendon
- Kozzie Pickett booted three goals last weekend
Head to Head Stats
Essendon were surprise winners the last time the two sides met, taking out the Gather Round clash at Adelaide Oval by 45 points.
The Bombers have won the past two between the two sides, while Melbourne were winners the last time they met at the MCG.
Melbourne Demons Form - Top Four Candidates
Melbourne remain firmly in top-four contention with an 8-5 record, overcoming a two-match losing streak to knock over Collingwood in the King’s Birthday encounter by eight points.
The Demons rank fifth in the AFL for scoring and fourth for inside 50s this season, highlighting their ability to create opportunities. Their challenge has been maximising those chances when games tighten up, but they delivered late against the Magpies.
Kozzie Pickett was best on ground with 28 disposals and three goals, while Jack Steele and Harvey Langford both had 26 disposals.
Steele has had 25+ disposals in four of his past five matches, while Max Gawn continues to be a force in the ruck.
Essendon Bombers Form - Struggling Dons
Essendon have won just one match this season and remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder, but came close last week in the King’s Birthday Eve clash against Carlton, going down by just five points.
That followed a 30-point loss to West Coast the week prior, which was the first of two matches since the club parted ways with Brad Scott.
Zach Merrett led the way with 33 disposals against Carlton, while Will Setterfield had 29 disposals and Sam Durham finished with 30. Merrett has had 30+ disposals in two of his past three, while Archie Roberts has hit that mark in eight of his past 10.
Ben McKay was used as a forward against Carlton and booted two goals. Nate Caddy kicked one but has kicked 2+ in six of his past seven.
Melbourne Demons Team News
Lukas Cooke and Joel Fitzgerald will debut. Jake Melksham and Bailey Laurie are also recalled.
Essendon Bombers Team News
Jordan Ridley and Dyson Sharp return for the Bombers.