Melbourne v Essendon Preview, MCG

Melbourne captain Max Gawn will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a leg injury. It
means the Demons will be without their two best players, with Gawn joining Christian
Petracca on the sidelines. Melbourne replaced Gawn with versatile tall Harrison Petty, who
looks to have a mammoth task of going up against Sam Draper in the ruck. The Demons
thrashed lowly West Coast last week, while Essendon are coming off their best
home-and-away win since Brad Scott became coach at the start of 2023 with a win against
reigning premiers Collingwood.

The Melbourne vs Essendon clash at the MCG is shaping up as a pivotal match in the current AFL season. Both sides have shown moments of brilliance in 2025, but inconsistency continues to plague their campaigns. Melbourne has been particularly strong at home, with recent wins suggesting they’re finding rhythm in the midfield again. Meanwhile, Essendon’s youthful list has surprised many with bursts of fast-paced footy, but their ability to finish games remains under question.

When considering AFL betting tips, it’s essential to look beyond the ladder position. Head-to-head history shows Melbourne edging out Essendon in three of their last four meetings, though most encounters have been closely fought. Injuries and player matchups could once again play a decisive role.

From an AFL prediction standpoint, contested ball wins and forward efficiency will be critical. Expect key players like Petracca and Parish to set the tone early. While it’s tempting to focus on past performance, form in the last few rounds might offer better insight for tipsters.

For those exploring AFL tips, keeping an eye on late changes, weather conditions at the ‘G, and team structure could make all the difference. It’s a matchup that promises plenty of tactical intrigue.

TIP: Essendon by 28 points, Dylan Shiel for 25 or more possessions