Round 24 sees the Dees and the Dogs do battle at the MCG on Saturday arvo, with both clubs still with plenty to play for in the last round of the season.

The Dees took care of business in Adelaide, dismantling Port 132-56 last Saturday. They remain alive for a top four finish and two bites at the cherry, but they'll need this result plus a favourable weekend elsewhere to get there.

That's the sort of equation that tends to produce a full-strength effort.

The Dogs arrive off a thrilling 82-82 draw with Carlton on Sunday, achieved without skipper Marcus Bontempelli. It was enough to keep them alive but not enough to settle anything.

They're now fighting to avoid 10th spot and likely a trip to Adelaide in the Wildcard Finals Round.

There's history here worth noting too. The Dogs took this fixture 93-90 in a Round 11 thriller at Marvel Stadium, so the Demons will have that one filed away.

Two sides with plenty to play for but you’d have to be leaning towards the Dees in this one who’ve been close to unbeatable at the MCG in 2026.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs Round 24 prediction and preview below.

Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Dees went to Adelaide needing to do a job on Port, and the job was done with emphasis.

The problem is it came at a cost. Van Rooyen's suspension for the round arm means three weeks on the sidelines, and a couple of those will be finals. More will now be needed from Bayley Fritsch, who we know is more than capable, along with Matthew Jefferson and the reborn Harry Petty.

The Western Bulldogs, meanwhile, end up exactly where they always end up. The Wildcard is likely the only thing saving them from watching on from the outside again while the finalists go about it.

And with injuries and form woes stacking up, it's hard to see them doing any real damage. It has to be clear to everyone by now that Ed Richards, Bontempelli and a few others is simply not enough.

The MCG factor has been immense for Melbourne all season, with just one loss at the big house. We can't see that record taking a hit here.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons by 23 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Harrison Petty has been flying under the radar as a contributor in this Dogs side. He’s notched 14 goals across his past five matches from half back.

He’s a genuine scoring option operating out of the back half and we can see him pushing forward early in transition and finding an opportunity at the ‘G.

Betting tip: Harrison Petty.

Most Disposals Prediction

We should get two full-strength sides here, because there's plenty on the table for both clubs.

Our pick is Ed Richards, who piled on 31 disposals in the Dogs' draw with Carlton last week. He's been carrying an enormous load through the middle and that isn't about to change in a game where the Bulldogs need to prove they aren't just making up the numbers in September.

Richards will be a strong influence on the outcome of this one, whichever way it falls.

Betting tip: Ed Richards.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Kysaiah Pickett 24+ disposals, Kysaiah Pickett anytime goal scorer, Melbourne Demons by 1-39, Max Gawn 22+ disposals, Marcus Bontempelli 2+ goals.

Odds are subject to change.*

Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Teams

Melbourne Demons Predicted Team List

FB: Daniel Turner, Jake Lever, Jake Bowey

HB: Harrison Petty, Tom McDonald, Trent Rivers

C: Harvey Langford, Tom Sparrow, Harry Sharp

HF: Ed Langdon, Bayley Fritsch, Kysaiah Pickett

FF: Kade Chandler, Matthew Jefferson, Koltyn Tholstrup

FOLL: Max Gawn, Jack Steele, Caleb Windsor

I/C: Changkuoth Jiath, Joel Fitzgerald, Christian Salem, Bailey Laurie, Xavier Lindsay

Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List

FB: Michael Sellwood, Buku Khamis, Lachlan Carmichael

HB: Lachlan Bramble, James O'Donnell, Bailey Williams

C: Sam Davidson, Joel Freijah, Marcus Bontempelli

HF: Cody Weightman, Matthew Kennedy, Arthur Jones

FF: Luke Kennedy, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West

FOLL: Rory Lobb, Ryley Sanders, Ed Richards

I/C: Lachie Jaques, Louis Emmett, Tom Liberatore, Cooper Hynes, Jordan Croft

Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs Match Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026.

First Bounce: 4:15pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports