Second up on Super Saturday for AFL Round 24 we have a clash between the Demons and the Bulldogs at the MCG. The Demons need a win to stay inside the top 6 and potentially move into the top 4, while the Bulldogs are already locked into a Wildcard slot and will be looking to build on last week’s performance.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Demons vs Bulldogs below, with odds thanks to UniBet!
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 24
Demons Chasing the Double Chance
Melbourne returns to the MCG on Saturday afternoon with plenty to play for in the final round of the home and away season. Sitting fifth on the ladder, the Demons need to bank four points and hope results above them fall their way to snatch a top four spot from Brisbane or Hawthorn. They could not have been more impressive last week, putting Port Adelaide to the sword with a massive 72-point win on the road. The only sour note is the three-match suspension handed to key forward Jacob van Rooyen. Xavier Lindsay comes into the side to replace him, forcing a structural tweak in attack, but Melbourne still possesses plenty of options inside 50.
Bulldogs Desperate for Momentum
The Western Bulldogs make the trip to the MCG needing to find some form before the wildcard finals begin. Luke Beveridge's men sit ninth on the ladder and have stalled badly at the wrong time of year, going winless over the last three weeks. Last week's draw against Carlton showed some fight, but they will need a much better four quarter effort to challenge the Demons. They receive a major selection boost with skipper Marcus Bontempelli returning alongside defenders Bailey Dale and Connor Budarick, though they will have to navigate this clash without Tom Liberatore, who has been managed.
Recent History and Tactical Matchup
When these teams last met in Round 11 at Marvel Stadium, the Bulldogs escaped with a thrilling three-point win. Bringing that form to the MCG is a very different challenge. Melbourne boasts an imposing 10-1 record at the venue this year and defends the wider ground exceptionally well. The Bulldogs have now won three straight against the Demons, although two of those were at Marvel Stadium.
Match Prediction and Best Bet
The Demons get the nod as the clear favourites here, driven by a formidable 10-1 record at the MCG this season and high stakes as they chase a vital top-four finish and a double chance. With the last two encounters between these teams decided by a combined total of just nine points, another tight and fierce battle is expected on Saturday afternoon. Given Melbourne's superior home ground advantage and greater urgency on the ladder, taking the Demons to win a close contest provides the best value.
Melbourne 1-39
$2.20 (1 Unit)
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Prop Bet
It’s been a bit feast or famine for Matthew Jefferson this season but he is coming off a three goal haul last week and also kicked a bag of four goals five weeks ago. He also moves up the pecking order with Jacob Van Rooyen out suspended, and the Bulldogs aren’t exactly blessed with top line key defenders. He should get plenty of chances to hit the scoreboard in what will likely be a high-scoring match.
Matthew Jefferson 2+ Goals
$2.60
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Harrison Petty 2+ Goals: He’s kicked 2+ goals in seven straight matches and that streak should continue against the vulnerable Bulldogs defence.
Bailey Fritsch 2+ Goals: He’s kicked 11 goals over the past four weeks, which includes 2+ goals in each game.
Rhylee West Anytime Goal Scorer: He’s kicked at least one goal in 11 of his last 14 matches.
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday, 22nd August
Time: 4:15pm AEST
Location: MCG, Melbourne
Odds: Melbourne $1.43 vs Western Bulldogs $2.85
Line: -15.5
Points: 183.5
Where to Watch Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
You can watch the Demons vs Bulldogs live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at UniBet!
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