<p>We’re still all scratching our heads, wondering how that happened last Sunday.</p> <p>Just when you think Melbourne’s season couldn’t get any worse, they somehow manage to outdo themselves—blowing a 46-point lead at three-quarter time to lose to St Kilda. It wasn’t just a loss—it was one of those games you’ll see replayed in footy montages for years to come, usually under the title: What just happened?</p> <p>A combination of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera playing like a cheat code and Melbourne’s complete inability to defend a centre bounce turned what should’ve been a lock into a full-blown disaster. Forget “how to lose from here” memes—this one’s going straight to the pool room.</p> <p>Which brings us to this week: a clash with the struggling West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium. On paper, this should be a straightforward assignment. But after last week, nothing feels guaranteed.</p> <p>The Eagles are still chasing their second win of the season and are running out of time to get it. But given Melbourne’s recent form wobble, West Coast will see this as a rare opportunity to strike.</p> <p>They’ll have to do it without rising star Harley Reid, who’s been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury in the Derby. Tom Gross, who impressed at WAFL level, is likely to come in, while key defender Harry Edwards could also return after missing the Derby with a hamstring issue.</p> <p>As for the Dees, the spotlight turns to Simon Goodwin’s team sheet. How big a reaction will there be at selection?</p> <p>Harry Sharp put his hand up with five goals and 14 touches for Casey, while Koltyn Tholstrup and Matt Jefferson also made strong cases for a recall. Steven May remains in concussion protocols, and even if cleared, is unavailable after failing to overturn his suspension at the AFL Appeals Board.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our full Dees vs Eagles preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs West Coast Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p><strong>B:</strong> Jake Bowey, Tom McDonald, Judd McVee</p> <p><strong>HB: </strong>Blake Howes, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem</p> <p><strong>C: </strong>Caleb Windsor, Clayton Oliver, Ed Langdon</p> <p><strong>HF</strong>: Harvey Langford, Bayley Fritsch, Kade Chandler</p> <p><strong>F: </strong>Kysaiah Pickett, Jacob van Rooyen, Jake Melksham</p> <p><strong>Foll: </strong>Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney</p> <p><strong>Int:</strong> Trent Rivers, Xavier Lindsay, Matt Jefferson, Harry Sharp, Tom Sparrow</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>West Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p><strong>B:</strong> Tom Cole, Harry Edwards, Reuben Ginbey</p> <p><strong>HB:</strong> Liam Duggan, Rhett Bazzo, Tom McCarthy</p> <p><strong>C: </strong>Jack Hutchinson, Tim Kelly, Tyrell Dewar</p> <p><strong>HF:</strong> Liam Ryan, Archer Reid, Elijah Hewett</p> <p><strong>F:</strong> Matt Owies, Jobe Shanahan, Tyler Brockman</p> <p><strong>Foll:</strong> Matt Flynn, Brady Hough, Liam Baker</p> <p><strong>Int:</strong> Ryan Maric, Tom Gross, Clay Hall, Bailey Williams, Jamie Cripps</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne vs West Coast Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dees have won four of the last five games against the Eagles, including once in the run when it looked like they were getting their act into gear.</p> <p>Since then, though, it has fallen away significantly for the Demons, with only one thing really bringing them to the footy. Kysaiah Pickett.</p> <p>The Dees have fallen off the perch significantly and are another club expecting significant changes at the end of the season, but you expect they shouldn’t have any problems in brushing the Eagles aside in Melbourne.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-west-coast-eagles-9433212">Demons</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>After a mid-year lull, Bayley Fritsch has found his regular goalkicking mojo in recent weeks, kicking seven goals in the past three games.&nbsp;</p> <p>He was on a tear early against the Saints and then was well defended by Cal Wilkie, but against the Eagles, he could get off the chain big time here. Starting with the first one in the game.&nbsp;</p> <p>Betting tip:<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-west-coast-eagles-9433212"> Bayley Fritsch</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>One of the things the Dees have done to try and inject some pace and life into the midfield this year has been the injection of Trent Rivers.</p> <p>Averaging 21.5 disposals per game this season, led all comers on the ground for the Demons against the Saints. We’re tipping him to beat his career best (30) here against the lowly Eagles.&nbsp;</p> <p>Betting tip: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/melbourne-v-west-coast-eagles-9433212">Trent Rivers 30+ disposals</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Demons vs West Coast Eagles Match Details</h2> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, August 2, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 1:20pm - AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p> <h2>&nbsp;</h2>