Sunday afternoon football kicks off at the MCG as Melbourne and North Melbourne do battle. The Roos smashed the Dees earlier in the season, can the Demons bounce back and end their five game losing streak?
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Demons vs Kangaroos below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Melbourne vs North Melbourne Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2025 Round 18
Same Old Melbourne
Once again Melbourne gave great effort and produced quality football during patches of the game, but they couldn’t sustain it over four quarters against Adelaide. The Demons jumped out to a 28 point lead early in the second quarter, but were outscored 11 goals to 5 from that point onwards. Melbourne were more efficient than usual, turning 50% of their inside 50’s into scores, however they only managed to record 42 inside 50’s which simply doesn’t cut it. There were some positive signs for the Demons with Jack Viney (30 disposals) and Steven May (23 disposals, 12 marks) playing their best games of the season, while Jake Melksham kept up his excellent form with 4 goals.
Better, But Not Good Enough
All eyes were on North Melbourne after their horrific loss against the Hawks in Round 16, and while they were competitive in the first half, they faded away in a 49 point defeat. The Kangaroos conceded 20 goals, the ninth time they’ve conceded over 108 points, and the fourth time they’ve conceded over 130 points. Whilst there has been improvements in their midfield work led by their young players, the Kangaroos defence is still nothing short of horrific. Nick Larkey kicked 5 goals for the second game in a row, but 43 inside 50’s simply isn’t enough supply to kick a winning score in modern football.
The Stats That Matter
As highlighted earlier, North Melbourne are one of the worst defensive outfits in the competition. The Kangaroos have conceded an average of 100 points per game (ranked 16th), and have conceded 284 points in their last two games alone. Fortunately for the Roos, they come up against a Melbourne side that ranks 12th in the competition for points (78 points per game). The Dees have only reached the 100 point mark twice in sixteen games in 2025.
Both teams have poor scoring profiles, relying on one facet of their game to generate attacking opportunities. For the Kangaroos it’s their clearance game, they rank 2nd in the AFL for clearances and 4th for scores from clearances. Melbourne are ranked seventh in the AFL for scores from forward half, and have made a priority on building the ball up through uncontested marks, recording 101 uncontested marks last week against Adelaide.
Demons or Kangaroos? Here’s our Melbourne vs North Melbourne Tip
A line of -28.5 is a lot for Melbourne to beat given how they’ve struggled to score this season. The Demons five wins in 2025 have come by an average winning margin of only 25 points, with three of their five wins coming by 20 points or less. Melbourne are in a good position to break their losing streak, however it’s hard to see them beating the Kangaroos in convincing fashion, given their lack of attacking capacity.
Although the Roos knocked off Melbourne earlier this season, the Demons have a strong record against North Melbourne, winning six of the last seven meetings between the two teams. Melbourne will get back on the winners list, but it will be in a close game at the MCG.
North Melbourne +28.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne vs North Melbourne Prop Bet: Kozzy’s Consistency
Our Best Prop Bet: Pickett 3+ Goals
He’s been the headline act in a poor season for the Demons, but Kozzy Pickett continues to impact the scoreboard week after week.Pickett’s last six games has seen returns of 2, 3, 3, 3, 0 and 5 goals. Pickett has kicked 29 goals to be 15th in the Coleman Medal race, which is remarkable considering how much time he plays on ball.
Kysaiah Pickett 3+ Goals
$2.40
Melbourne vs North Melbourne Same Game Multi
Colby McKercher 25+ Disposals: Since consolidating his role at half back, Colby McKercher has absolutely racked up the footy. McKercher’s last five games have seen him record 32, 34, 29, 27 and 35 disposals.
Tom Powell 25+ Disposals: Tom Powell has been a bright spark for the Kangaroos over the last six weeks, averaging 25 disposals per game. Over that six week time span Powell has reached the 25+ disposal mark on four occasions, including last week against the Bulldogs.
Kysaiah Pickett 2+ Goals: As highlighted earlier, Kozzy is in red hot form, and has kicked 2+ goals in seven of his last eight games. 2, 3, 3, 3, 0, 5, 2 and 2 goals is a form line that will have North Melbourne incredibly worried.
North Melbourne vs Melbourne Betting Odds & Match Info
Weather: Cloudy, 13 degrees
Odds: Melbourne ($1.18) vs North Melbourne ($4.75)
Line: North Melbourne -28.5
Where to Watch Melbourne vs North Melbourne?
You can watch Melbourne vs North Melbourne on Kayo Sports.
Tail our Melbourne vs North Melbourne Tips at Dabble!
