The second match of the Gather Round Saturday double header at Adelaide Oval sees the Melbourne Demons host the Essendon Bombers. Two sides desperate to notch a W in the column to get some momentum into their seasons.
The Dons are refreshed coming off the bye, and after getting a much needed win against the Power under the lid at Marvel last start. They are looking at this one as a chance to get another win and go on a run.
Melbourne on the other hand, are back in a place they haven’t been since Mark Neeld was coach of the club. 0-4 and questions everywhere, It’s not a happy place at Demonland at the moment. Even with all the proclamations and declarations of love over the off-season.
Expect a dour old affair here with two of the more modest attacking units going round.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds and betting tips, check out our Dees vs Bombers prediction and preview below.
Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Predicted Teams
Melbourne Predicted Team
B: Trent Rivers, Steven May, Jake Bowey
HB: Christian Salem, Harrison Petty, Tom McDonald
C: Ed Langdon, Jack Viney, Harry Sharp
HF: Kysaiah Pickett, Jack Henderson, Harvey Langford
F: Kade Chandler, Jacob van Rooyen, Jake Melksham
Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca
Int: Caleb Windsor, Bayley Fritsch, Daniel Turner, Charlie Spargo, Xavier Lindsay
Essendon Predicted Team
B: Andrew McGrath, Ben McKay, Jordan Ridley
HB: Mason Redman, Zach Reid, Jaxon Prior
C: Archie Roberts, Ben Hobbs, Elijah Tsatas
HF: Jade Gresham, Nate Caddy, Nic Martin
F: Isaac Kako, Sam Draper, Harrison Jones
Foll: Nick Bryan, Zach Merrett, Sam Durham
Int: Archie Perkins, Xavier Duursma, Dylan Shiel, Jye Menzie, Saad El-Hawli
Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Goals are going to be worth a fair bit in this one, considering how difficult both teams have found scoring so far this season.
The Dees forward woes are well known but it’s their on-ball brigade which is failing miserably at the moment.
Despite the names and reputations, Melbourne is ranked last for clearances. An element of the game they base their entire game plan on… and they are coming last again.
Max Gawn was again beaten in the ruck by Rhys Stanley and looks every bit the 33-year-old who is trying to fend off father time for as long as he can. He’ll have a two-pronged ruck battle on Saturday night with both Nick Bryan and Sam Draper sharing the ruck duties for the Dons.
The Bombers will have to make at least two forced changes with Tom Edwards and Jye Caldwell going out with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.
They found some enthusiasm and run from debutant Saad El-Hawli in the last match when he came on in the final quarter and it looked to have given the Bombers another gear. Combined with skipper Zac Merret who continues to put up numbers, the Bombers found a way to get a desperately needed win and get something going in their season.
Despite the Dees having the better of this fixture over the last little bit, winning four of the past five meetings, the one win to the Bombers came at the Adelaide Oval back in the first Gather Round.
Plus, you couldn’t possibly back Melbourne given their form and issues at the moment so we’re going with the Bombers here in a tight tussle.
Betting tip: Essendon.
First Goal Prediction
We’ve predicted this to be a dour and contested affair. Therefore, it’s going to take a special player to come forward and spark the contest to life.
After a busy return around the ball last week, Kozzy Pickett didn’t quite have the radar on in front of goals. Kicking three behinds, but we’re backing him this week to find his range early.
Betting tip: Kysaiah Pickett.
Most Disposals Prediction
The Essendon engine room is a one man show at the moment. Zach Merrett has been doing it all. If Essendon are going to win, he’s going to need to put up numbers again. We’re sure he will, It’s just a matter of how many.
Betting tip: Zach Merrett 30 + disposals.
Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Match Details
Date: Saturday April 12th
First Bounce: 7:35 PM, AEDT
Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports