AFL Saturday’s four game slate kicks off with West Coast travelling east to take on Melbourne. Both clubs have been in horrendous form and are in desperate need of a win, so there will be plenty of desperation in this clash.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Demons vs Eagles below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Melbourne vs West Coast Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2025 Round 21
A New Low for the Demons
2025 has been another nightmare campaign for Melbourne with just six wins, however their season hit rock bottom last week. The Demons capitulated in remarkable fashion, conceding a 46 point lead at three quarter time, including conceding two goals in the final 8 seconds, to lose by 6 points. For the first three quarters Melbourne were outstanding, playing some of the best football they have all season, but it was all undone with a 9 goal to 0 final quarter. The Demons position in the bottom six is made even worse by the fact that they don’t have their first round draft pick this year.
Another Rough Outing for the Eagles
West Coast suffered another big defeat, going down by 49 points against Fremantle last week in the Derby. The Eagles have lost nine straight games and only have one win in 2025, and this weekend’s game looks like their last chance to win a game this season. It’s a high likelihood that West Coast will be the first team since GWS in 2013 to only win one game in a home & away season. The Eagles face the Crows, Dogs and Swans in the final three weeks of the season, so expect West Coast to come out firing in this clash.
The Stats That Matter
Unsurprisingly these sides have both struggled in most key areas this season. West Coast rank 18th for disposals, 18th for clearances, 18th in points against, 17th for points for, 17th for tackles, 17th for marks and 16th for inside 50’s. Melbourne rank 14th for tackles, 12th clearances, 12th in points for and 12th for points against.
One area where Melbourne do excel is their kick mark game, ranking third in in AFL for marks per game and 4th for least opponent tackles per game. If they can keep the ball out of motion and build up the ball through possession, they will be able to deny the Eagles an opportunity to get speed on the game, which is an area that the Eagles could give Melbourne some trouble.
Demons or Eagles? Here’s our Melbourne vs West Coast Tip
Melbourne have a strong record against the Eagles, winning four out of their last five games against West Coast, including a 32 point win in Round 8. The Demons should win this game, but the line of -45.5 points is way too big for a side that has struggled to kick big scores. Melbourne only has one win above 45 points this season, with their average winning margin only 27 points. Given this is likely West Coast’s last chance at winning a game in 2025, they should be up for the fight and make this a scrappy affair. The Demons will win, but we’re taking the Eagles with a +45.5 buffer.
West Coast +45.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne vs West Coast Prop Bet: Man In Form
Our Best Prop Bet: Melksham 3+ Goals
Jake Melksham has been on an absolute tear in the last five weeks, kicking 17 goals across his last five games. Melksham has kicked 3+ in three of those five games and given how bad West Coast’s defence has been this season, Melksham has another golden opportunity for a big day out in front of goal.
Jake Melksham 3+ Goals
$2.40
Melbourne vs West Coast Same Game Multi
Christian Petracca 25+ Disposals: He hasn’t been at his absolute best this season, but Christian Petracca continues to find plenty of the footy. Petracca is averaging 25 disposals per game in 2025, and has reached the 25+ disposal mark in 10 of his last 15 games.
Trent Rivers 20+ Disposals: Trent Rivers has been a bright spot in a rough five weeks for Melbourne, as begins to find some form that should see him spend more time in the middle of the ground. Rivers' last five games have produced returns of 25, 27, 17, 23, and 27 disposals.
Jake Melksham 2+ Goals: As highlighted above, Melksham has been in red hot form, kicking 2+ goals in four of his last five games. Melksham has kicked 2+ in two of his last three games against West Coast.
Melbourne vs West Coast Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 2nd August
Weather: Sunny, 13 degrees
Odds: Melbourne ($1.05) vs West Coast ($9.50)
Where to Watch Melbourne vs West Coast?
Tail our Melbourne vs West Coast Tips at Dabble!
