We’re getting back to bush footy this Sunday as Melbourne take on GWS in Alice Springs for Round 12.

The Dees are probably regretting taking this home game to the Northern Territory given their stark form split this season.

Melbourne has recorded six wins and no losses at the MCG compared to just one win and four losses at all other venues.

Meanwhile, GWS made history during their latest 166-88 demolition of Brisbane at ENGIE Stadium, with a scintillating 14-goal third term, equalling the fourth-highest quarter score in AFL/VFL history, while the result also marked the highest total score in club history.

GWS has notably won the last three meetings against Melbourne, although those victories have come by a combined margin of just seven points, suggesting another thriller could be on the cards this Sunday.

The wide expanses and dry desert heat of Alice Springs will turn this match into a war of attrition, and with the Dees a long way from their MCG fortress, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Giants to spark an ambush.

If GWS were planning on making a run towards a wildcard spot; they best be starting it soon or risk being left behind.

It’s Melbourne vs GWS; 6th vs 12th in Alice Springs; we’re on for an absolute cracker here.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants Round 12 prediction and preview below.

Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Can anyone explain that unbelievable third quarter in western Sydney last week? Nope, nor can we, and we are not sure we will even try to figure it out.

The Giants wrote themselves into the record books, scoring 14 goals within an 86-point burst in the premiership stanza against the defending champions.

The Dees were admirable but defeated last Sunday away from their preferred home turf against the boys from the Kennel.

They managed to overcome numerous deficits throughout the afternoon, but the Bulldogs did just enough to scrape past them at Marvel Stadium.

Still, with seven wins and four losses on the season, things are looking quite positive for Steven King’s men as they seek to consolidate a finals berth.

However, playing Melbourne at 3:15pm on a Sunday has traditionally been a recipe for disaster for any traveling opposition. The catch is that those clinical wins have all occurred at the MCG, and heading out to the dry heat of TIO Traeger Park changes the dynamic entirely.

From experience, it’s never an easy task playing the Dees in the Alice, but the sheer momentum of the Giants' unstoppable offensive threat should carry them across the line in another nail-biter.

Head-to-head prediction: GWS Giants by 11 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

We’re tipping GWS captain Toby Greene to find his spark early and slot the opening major of the afternoon.

The divisive Toby Greene absolutely caught fire last week after an uncharacteristically quiet start to his 2026 campaign.

He looks like a man playing with a point to prove and we’re totally here for it.

Expect the Giants' midfield to find their skipper deep in the

Betting tip: Toby Greene.

Most Disposals Prediction

We’re anticipating that Demon turned Giant and midfield gun Clayton Oliver will face some heavy tagging from his old teammates this weekend; particularly after orchestrating the demolition of Brisbane last weekend.

With Oliver tightly checked at the stoppages, the bulk of the Giants' transition and rebound distribution will naturally shift to the wings and half-back lines.

We’re expecting Lachie Whitfield to pick up some slack here and accumulate a lot more possessions than usual as a result.

Betting tip: Lachie Whitfield.

Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants Predicted Teams

Melbourne Demons Predicted Team List

FB: Jake Bowey, Daniel Turner, Koltyn Tholstrup

HB: Blake Howes, Harrison Petty, Trent Rivers

C: Tom Sparrow, Harvey Langford, Harry Sharp

HF: Kysaiah Pickett, Ed Langdon, Bailey Laurie

FF: Kade Chandler, Jacob van Rooyen, Bayley Fritsch

FOLL: Max Gawn, Jack Steele, Caleb Windsor

I/C: Matthew Jefferson, Tom McDonald, Max Heath, Latrell Pickett, Paddy Cross

GWS Giants Predicted Team List

FB: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Jayden Laverde

HB: Lachie Ash, Lachie Whitfield, Joe Fonti

C: Harvey Thomas, Clayton Oliver, Conor Stone

HF: Toby Bedford, Phoenix Gothard, Toby Greene

FF: Max Gruzewski, Aaron Cadman, Jake Stringer

FOLL: Kieren Briggs, Brent Daniels, Finn Callaghan

I/C: Harry Himmelberg, Stephen Coniglio, Toby McMullin, Callum Brown, Leek Aleer

Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants Match Details

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST.

Location: TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs.

How to Watch: Channel 7 / Fox Footy / Kayo Sports.