The 2026 AFL season rolls as the fifth placed Melbourne Demons host the last placed Essendon Bombers at the MCG.

Melbourne bounced back to winning form on King’s Birthday Monday with an emotional eight-point win over Collingwood to cap off the Big Freeze match, celebrating the life of the late Neale Daniher.  

The Bombers on the other hand showed more fight, but in the end, they went down by five points to Carlton.

Essendon sit in a familiar place at the bottom of the ladder with just one win for the season and an extended injury list.

The one and only win the Bombers have had this season was when these two sides met in Gather Round, and Essendon romped in by 45 points.

Seems like an anomaly though, and that Melbourne will not be facing a repeat of Gather Round, particularly at home as they’re yet to drop a game at the MCG in 2026.

And also considering that Essendon has lost each of its last 17 matches in Victoria.

However, don't underestimate the emotion of Monday's game for the Dees, plus the shorter turnaround time; they could be lacking a bit of energy coming into this one.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Round 14 prediction and preview below.

Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Demons were looking like world-beaters before getting ambushed in Gather Round by these Dons. The win was an enormous pressure reliever, but the problem is, it’s been Essendon’s only win for the season.

And we know what that meant for Brad Scott.

The Demons are a monster at the MCG. They overcame Collingwood on King’s Birthday to remain undefeated on the season at the venue, and this looms as another rolled gold opportunity for victory.

How competitive the Bombers can be is up for debate. They led and hung with the Blues last week, but these Demons are a far more potent operation than last week’s opponent.

Betting tip: Demons by 31 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Kysaiah Pickett is the man here. Last week against the Pies, he kicked the first and last goal of the match.

Kozzy has been in phenomenal form in 2026 and just seems to show up at the right place and right time. What an athlete he is.

With the Bombers missing key defenders, we can see Kozzy in space early, adding to his tally of 19 goals this season.

Betting tip: Kysaiah Pickett.

Most Disposals Prediction

Sam Durham is our pick here. He has been so brave in a lacklustre Essendon outfit, consistently being best on ground for the Bombers.

Durham has future captain written all over him and we’re expecting him to deliver more of the same against the Dees this week.

We know he’ll be fighting hard in transition to try and win possession for the Bombers, but it probably won’t be enough for them to nab the win.

 Betting tip: Sam Durham.

Odds are subject to change.*

Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Predicted Teams

Melbourne Demons Predicted Team List

FB: Trent Rivers, Jake Lever, Harrison Petty

HB: Blake Howes, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem

C: Harry Sharp, Jack Steele, Ed Langdon

HF: Kysaiah Pickett, Jake Melksham, Kade Chandler

F: Bayley Fritsch, Matt Jefferson, Tom Sparrow

FOLL: Max Gawn, Caleb Windsor, Harvey Langford

I/C: Koltyn Tholstrup, Tom McDonald, Paddy Cross, Luker Kentfield, Changkuoth Jiath

Essendon Bombers Predicted Team List

FB: Mason Redman, Zach Reid, Jaxon Prior

HB: Archie Roberts, Ben McKay, Harrison Jones

C: Xavier Duursma, Sam Durham, Archer Day-Wicks

HF: Nik Cox, Nate Caddy, Sullivan Robey

F: Archie Perkins, Kyle Langford, Nick Bryan

FOLL: Lachlan Blakiston, Zach Merrett, Will Setterfield

I/C: Elijah Tsatas, Jacob Farrow, Max Kondogiannis, Hussien El Achkar, Jordan Ridley

Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Match Details

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

First Bounce: 1:15pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports