What a big week it’s been at the Demons..
You’d think, after a big, nourishing win over the hapless Eagles, that things might have been a tiny bit calmer this week…. But no, Brad Green and the Melbourne board decided to go the nuclear option.
They pulled the trigger on Simon Goodwin, ending his tenure as Melbourne coach with a year and three weeks to run on his contract, citing that the players needed a new voice after several seasons of disappointment since the premiership.
All it’s done really, in the context of this game on Sunday against the Bulldogs, is make them worried. Purely because of the fabled ‘new coach bounce’ which usually occurs the week after a coach has been removed.
The Dogs are still in the fight to feature in September, but are still on the outside looking in.
Despite claiming a rare scalp, not even a 15-goal demolition of the Giants last week was enough to land them a spot inside the top eight by the end of the round. It looks like this will come right down to the end to see if they’ll have a spot in the September dance.
They don’t need to worry about winning big; they have the percentage buffer, they just need the wins (and hope that one of the Hawks, Giants, or Suns slips up before they take the field), and that is all they will be looking for this week when they come to the MCG.
At selection, the Dees have not quite put a line through Jake Lever for the rest of the season, but conceded it’s unlikely the premiership defender will return to the side for the final three games.
Jack Henderson is a chance to come in after overcoming a groin concern. Thankfully for the Dees, they didn’t cop any fresh injuries last week and might not need to make any forced changes.
At the Dogs, there’s little reason to change a team that wins by 15 goals, but both James Harmes and Nick Coffield put up strong performances in the VFL and will be considered for selection.
Adam Treloar is getting closer to a return and could be ready for finals after the Dogs' season remained alive, but probably won’t be unleashed this week.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dees vs Dogs prediction and preview below.
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Teams
Melbourne Predicted Team List
B: Jake Bowey, Tom McDonald, Judd McVee
HB: Blake Howes, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem
C: Caleb Windsor, Christian Petracca, Kade Chandler
HF: Harvey Langford, Bayley Fritsch, Tom Sparrow
F: Jake Melksham, Harrison Petty, Kysaiah Pickett
Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
Int: Trent Rivers, Jacob Van Rooyen, Jai Culley, Harry Sharp, Xavier Lindsay
Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List
B: Lachie Bramble, Jedd Busslinger, James O’Donnell
HB: Bailey Dale, Rory Lobb, Bailey Dale
C: Luke Cleary, Ed Richards, Jason Johannisen
HF: Ryley Sanders, Sam Darcy, Matthew Kennedy
F: Riley Garcia, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West
Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore
Foll: Oskar Baker, Joel Freijah, Lachie McNeil, Caleb Poulter, Laitham Vandermeer
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
The Dees have the edge in the recent head-to-head against the Dogs, with three wins from the past five matches.
While they have the edge over the Dogs, the fortunes of the two teams are chalk and cheese here.
The Dogs are the number one attacking team in the competition this year through 21 rounds, ranking top four in all key front-half and attacking categories.
They’ve spent all season putting up big scores against teams in the bottom 10 and should be favoured to do so again here against a Melbourne team that will be missing its key defensive posts in Steven May and Jake Lever again.
It will be the Dogs’ first trip back to the MCG since their celebration game back in Round 2, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for the Dogs here as they’ve proved they go big against the bottom teams.
Watch out for the spirit of the Dees and the bounce they might get from the freedom of a new coach, but the Dogs should be too strong.
Betting tip: Bulldogs
First Goal Prediction
Since fighting his way back into Luke Beveridge’s team, Caleb Poulter has surprised and performed well, particularly with his ability to bob up in the right spaces at the right times.
He’s even gotten himself on the scoresheet in recent weeks, floating forward. He’s our pick to score first on Sunday.
Betting tip: Caleb Poulter
Most Disposals Prediction
The wide expanses of the MCG suit the game of Ed Richards.
The 26-year-old is pushing hard for his maiden All-Australian blazer to cap off his stellar season, averaging 25.8 disposals and 5.8 clearances this year. We’re picking him to lead all comers on Sunday.
Betting tip: Ed Richards 30+ disposals
Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs Match Details
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
First Bounce: 3:15 pm, AEST
Location: MCG, Melbourne
How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports