Melbourne Demons vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Prediction - Round 18 2025

Sunday footy kicks off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the battle of the city of Melbourne. 

It’s Melbourne vs North Melbourne. The Dees vs The Roos, with... Not too much on the line here, it must be said. 

The Dees, aside from a six-week block in the middle part of the season, have struggled to get going this season and have slumped to 14th on the ladder. 

At 5-11, The Dees have shown signs of progress even while suffering gritty defeats to top-four hopefuls in recent weeks. It looked in the first half against the Crows last week that they were going to cause a major upset until Izak Rankine put a stop to it. And they were made to rue another week of goal-kicking yips. 

While they hung tough, they didn’t get over the line but will now be out to snap a five-match losing streak that has abruptly ended their faint finals hopes. 

The Roos started brightly last week in their centenary game. The injury-ravaged side closed the gap to within a couple of goals in the third quarter before they ran out of steam against the Bulldogs last Thursday night.

At 4-1-11, and still in 16th spot, the Roos have shown that they are more than competitive against the sides around them on the ladder this year and have had some big, breakthrough wins, including a significant one against the Demons earlier this year, which have served as important markers throughout the season. 

One of those markers has been the venue where this game is held, the MCG. After years of not being able to win a game at the home of footy for a significant period of time, the Roos have a chance to go unbeaten in their three games there this season, which would be a great feather in the cap for the club as they look to improve their collective performance. 

A win here will also see the Roos climb out of the bottom four, which is a big deal for a team that has struggled and been there a lot at this stage of the season in recent times. 

On a selection front, Blake Howes should return for the Dees after passing through concussion protocols, but Harrison Petty won’t be playing against the Roos after a bout of illness delayed his progression through concussion protocols. 

Small forward Charlie Spargo made a successful return from injury again in the VFL on the weekend and will be considered for selection. 

There’s a lot to consider at Arden St in the selection. Midfield star Luke Davies-Uniacke will miss through concussion, and spearhead Nick Larkey is in doubt for the clash after copping a knock to his knee and playing through pain against the Dogs.

George Wardlaw is set to miss another week through concussion, but Tristan Xerri should be ready to go after reporting no symptoms after an interesting head-knock episode during last Thursday’s game. Experienced trio Jack Darling, Luke Parker, and Luke McDonald should be good to return after missing last week, while mid-season draftee Zach Banch is inching closer to a debut. 

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dees vs Roos prediction and preview below. 

 

Melbourne vs North Melbourne Predicted Teams

 

Melbourne Predicted Team List

B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Jake Lever

HB: Judd McVee, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem

C: Xavier Lindsay, Jack Viney, Ed Langdon

HF: Christian Petracca, Matt Jefferson, Kade Chandler

F: Jake Melksham, Jacob van Rooyen, Kysaiah Pickett

Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Tom Sparrow

Int: Bayley Fritsch, Koltyn Tholstrup, Harvey Langford, Trent Rivers, Harry Sharp

 

North Melbourne Predicted Team List

B: Will Dawson, Toby Pink, Riley Hardeman

HB: Caleb Daniel, Griffin Logue, Finn O’Sullivan

C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Parker, Jy Simpkin

HF: Harry Sheezel, Jack Darling, Colby McKercher

F: Paul Curtis, Finbar Malley, Cameron Zurhaar

Foll: Tristan Xerri, Tom Powell, Will Phillips

Int: Luke McDonald, Zach Banch, Bailey Scott, Cooper Harvey, Robert Hansen Jr

 

Melbourne vs North Melbourne Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

 

The Roos got the big win against the Dees in Round 2, but it’s been the Dees that have dominated this matchup in recent times, winning the previous seven head-to-head clashes before then.

Team defence has been a problem for the Roos all season long. They sit third-last for points against (only behind West Coast and Richmond) and are third-last in defending opposition ball movement. 

The Dees rank fifth in moving the ball from defensive 50 to forward 50. If they have a half-decent day in front of the sticks, it could be another sorry day for the Roos.

Of course, the All-Australian starting ruck position could also be decided today between Max Gawn and Tristan Xerri. Each big man could conceivably deliver the win for their team. 

It’s a coin flip for us. It landed on the Dees.

Betting tip: Demons

 

First Goal Prediction

 

Superstar small Paul Curtis is doing all he can to make sure he gets recognized as an All-Australian player this season. He’s been down on his regular output over the past couple of games with just one goal each over the last fortnight but is poised for another big day out on the MCG. 

After kicking 3.2 in the Roos' big win in round 2, He’s our tip to start things off for the Roos. 

Betting tip: Paul Curtis

 

Most Disposals Prediction

 

Demons veteran Jack Viney has had a frustrating year with injury and concussion issues, but showed signs of his best last week against the Crows. Returning to his ball-winning ways with 30 possessions. 

We’re looking at him to repeat the dose this week against the Roos.

Betting tip: Jack Viney 30+ disposals 

 

Melbourne Demons vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025

First Bounce: 1:10pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne 

How to watch: Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports