The Round 18 action in the AFL continues on Saturday as the Bombers take on the Demons from 2.10pm! PuntingInDanger has been in good form of late and he is back on deck with another dedicated preview for the Saturday clash below.
Remember to check out our AFL Round 18 Betting Tips page for our dedicated preview for every game across the weekend.
AFL Round 18 Essendon vs Melbourne Betting Tips
Metricon Stadium, Saturday 2.10pm (AEST)
Unfortunately for the Bombers, they have nothing left to play for in 2020. They sit 2.5 games outside of the eight after losing their last three games on the trot. For the Demons however, this is an absolute must win as a win here combined with a Western Bulldogs loss to Fremantle would result in them jumping into 8th place.
Essendon
It’s been a tough run for the Bombers over the last few weeks. While there have been some positive signs, particularly the return and solid play of Joe Daniher, the Dons just haven’t been able to get the results, losing three in a row to quality opposition in the Eagles, Cats and Power.
The Bombers will likely pack it up now and we could see a few changes in their line-up ahead of their final game of the season. They are still without the likes of Patrick Ambrose, Orazio Fantasia and David Zaharakis, who are no chance to make a return in this game with nothing on the line.
In the wake of a long list of injuries at the Bombers, it’s been Darcy Parish who has stood up in the midfield. From round 11, Parish has averaged 22.8 disposals per game and was impressive in the loss to the Power in Round 17 with 22 touches and a goal. Should be in the mix once again this week.
Parish 20 + Disposals
$1.55
Melbourne
The Demons have one last chance to jump into the top eight. They currently sit one game behind the Western Bulldogs but have a slight percentage advantage on the Dogs. If they can muster a win here against the Bombers and the Bulldogs go down to an in-form Dockers side, then the Demons will play finals football this season.
Melbourne recorded a fantastic win over the Giants in Round 17 to stay alive. Trailing late in the game, Melbourne booted three goals to one in the last quarter to snatch victory. Christian Petracca was outstanding in the win, racking up 22 touches and kicking a goal while Clayton Oliver had 23 disposals.
Christian Salem has been impressive in recent history against the Bombers. In his last four games against Essendon, Salem has averaged 20.5 disposals and has cleared the 20 disposal mark in six of his 15 games this season.
Salem 20+ Disposals
$2.50
Prediction
The Demons start as 12.5 point favourites here and we like them at that spread with so much at stake. The Dees have won two of their last three against the Bombers by an average margin of 37 points. Back them to win this one comfortably.
