Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Prediction - Round 11 2026
22/05/2026|Josh Jenkins|AFL Tips & PredictionsStill undefeated when playing in Victoria this season, Melbourne will meet the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium for Round 11.
The Demons improved to a perfect seven wins and zero losses in Melbourne via last Saturday’s comprehensive 120-81 upset victory over Hawthorn at the MCG.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were beaten 74-62 by a resurgent Carlton outfit right here at Marvel Stadium, marking a fifth loss from their last six matches. The Bulldogs’ scoring output has taken a significant nosedive across that recent run of results.
They are currently averaging only 69.7 points per game over their last six outings, a stark contrast to the explosive 109.5 points they were registering in their opening four matches of the 2026 season. The contrasting form lines make this a high-stakes baseline for both clubs.
It was an absolute thriller when these two Victorian clubs met in Round 22 last season. On that afternoon, the Dogs secured a thrilling 105-99 victory at the MCG behind an Ed Richards masterclass.
Richards stuffed the stat sheet with 31 disposals for 524 metres gained, 17 contested possessions, 14 clearances, 15 score involvements, and two goals. However, repeating that performance will be a massive mountain to climb in their current state.
Interestingly, these sides have been remarkably evenly matched over the past decade. They have perfectly split their last 18 encounters dating back to 2014.
Will the Dees remain dominant in Victoria? Or does Bontempelli and his mates at the Dogs have a plan?
For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons Round 11 prediction and preview below.
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons Match Predictions and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
A genuinely interesting game ends Round 11 with the airborne Dees traveling across town to Marvel Stadium for a blockbuster clash with the Dogs.
The Dogs have plenty of injuries to contend with right now, but they also remain far too shallow in too many key areas across the park. Plus, quality players like Ed Richards and Joel Freijah look to be too far off their absolute best football.
For the Demons, the narrative is completely different as their recently underperforming players are almost all humming nicely. Tom Sparrow, Ed Langdon, Daniel Turner, Kade Chandler, and Harrison Petty have all spiked significantly in performance this season.
The Dees have been an absolute scoring machine across town all year long. Playing under the roof at Docklands should really be no difference for their slick transition.
Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons by seven points.
First Goal Scorer Prediction
Jacob van Rooyen has been a primary point of attack in the resurgence of the Dees this season. We are fully expecting him to light up Marvel Stadium this Sunday and give his side the ideal start.
With the Bulldogs' defensive unit under pressure early, expect the clinical Melbourne midfield to look deep into the forward 50 from the opening bounce.
Expect the Roooooooo chant to come up early!
Betting tip: Jacob van Rooyen.
Most Disposals Prediction
Marcus Bontempelli will be doing everything in his power to make up for last week's shock loss to Carlton.
The superstar captain will be a man on a mission right from the opening bounce in front of the home crowd.
Expect Bontempelli to spend massive minutes right at the coalface to drag his midfield unit back into form.
Betting tip: Marcus Bontempelli.
Odds are subject to change.*
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons Predicted Teams
Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List
FB: Luke Cleary, Buku Khamis, Michael Sellwood
HB: Connor Budarick, James O'Donnell, Bailey Dale
C: Joel Freijah, Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Jaques
HF: Ryley Sanders, Jordan Croft, Arthur Jones
FF: Will Lewis, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West
FOLL: Rory Lobb, Matthew Kennedy, Ed Richards
I/C: Oskar Baker, Lachlan Bramble, Nick Coffield, Sam Davidson, Louis Emmett, Cooper Hynes, Lachlan McNeil, Adam Treloar
Melbourne Demons Predicted Team List
FB: Jake Lever, Daniel Turner, Jake Bowey
HB: Changkuoth Jiath, Harrison Petty, Blake Howes
C: Koltyn Tholstrup, Harvey Langford, Ed Langdon
HF: Paddy Cross, Matthew Jefferson, Kysaiah Pickett
FF: Bayley Fritsch, Jacob van Rooyen, Kade Chandler
FOLL: Max Gawn, Jack Steele, Tom Sparrow
I/C: Caleb Windsor, Bailey Laurie, Trent Rivers, Max Heath, Harry Sharp, Latrell Pickett, Jack Henderson, Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons Match Details
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports


