Melbourne will be looking to continue its late-season surge when it takes on Richmond at the MCG on Sunday afternoon. The Demons produced one of their most complete performances of the season last week, while the rebuilding Tigers continue to show plenty of effort despite sitting near the bottom of the ladder.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Demons vs Tigers below, with odds thanks to UniBet!
Melbourne vs Richmond Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 18
Demons Hitting Their Stride
Melbourne arrives full of confidence after dismantling Hawthorn last week in arguably their best attacking display of the season as they piled on 125 points. The Demons moved the ball with speed and precision, repeatedly creating quality inside 50 opportunities as Jacob van Rooyen starred in front of goal with a five-goal haul.
The Demons are beginning to click at the right time of year, with their midfield giving the forwards a consistent supply of opportunities. Kysaiah Pickett continues to be one of the competition's most dangerous players, while Tom Sparrow has enjoyed an excellent season as a reliable ball winner through the middle.
Young Tigers Continue to Fight
Richmond has endured a difficult campaign but continues to gain valuable experience into its emerging list. Tim Taranto has shouldered much of the responsibility through the midfield all season, consistently battling against stronger opposition while providing leadership to a developing on-ball group.
The Tigers remain vulnerable defensively, conceding a league-high 104 points per game this season. That weakness was exposed when Melbourne scored 126 points in their Round 8 meeting, and Richmond will need a much-improved defensive performance to keep this contest competitive.
Demons vs Tigers Best Bet
Everything points towards Melbourne enjoying another productive afternoon in attack. The Demons exploded for 125 points against Hawthorn last week, are averaging 97.0 points per game this season and produced their highest score of the year when they kicked 126 points against Richmond earlier in the campaign.
With Richmond allowing a competition-high 104 points per game, this sets up as another matchup where Melbourne should generate plenty of scoring opportunities. If the Demons bring anywhere near the same intensity they showed last week, they look capable of clearing this team total comfortably.
Melbourne over 105.5 points
$1.90 (2 Units)
Melbourne vs Richmond Prop Bet
Jacob van Rooyen has found his groove at exactly the right time. After kicking three goals the week before, he exploded for five majors against Hawthorn and now faces a Richmond defence that has struggled to contain opposition key forwards all season. With Melbourne expected to spend plenty of time in attack, Van Rooyen looks well placed to make it back-to-back big performances.
Van Rooyen 3+ goals
$2.30
Melbourne vs Richmond Same Game Multi
Kysaiah Pickett 25+ Disposals | Tom Sparrow 25+ Disposals | Dion Prestia 20+ Disposals
Kysaiah Pickett and Tom Sparrow both enjoyed huge afternoons against Richmond back in Round 8, collecting 29 and 28 disposals respectively, and both should again see plenty of the football if Melbourne controls the game. Tim Taranto remains Richmond's most reliable midfielder, averaging 23.8 disposals this season and continuing to find plenty of the ball regardless of the scoreboard.
Melbourne vs Richmond Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Sunday 12th July
Time: 3.15pm AEST
Location: MCG, Melbourne
Odds: Melbourne ($1.08) vs Richmond ($8.00)
Line: 41.5
Points: 173.5
Where to Watch Melbourne vs Richmond
You can watch the Demons vs Tigers live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at UniBet!
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