Essendon Bombers vs Melbourne Demons Tips - Danger game for rejuvenated Demons in Gather Round
The upcoming AFL Gather Round clash between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons promises excitement. Despite being winless, Essendon showed potential in a recent performance against the Western Bulldogs, notably improving their connection and scoring ability. Conversely, the Demons, under coach Steven King, have been in formidable form, boasting a 3-1 record. Historically, the Bombers have edged out victories in Gather Round encounters with Melbourne. Analysts suggest a tight game, recommending bets on Melbourne winning narrowly, or Essendon leveraging a point start with standout players to watch like Zach Merrett and Kozzie Pickett.
- Essendon aims to break a 17-game losing streak against the in-form Melbourne Demons.
- Historically, the Bombers have defeated the Demons in previous Gather Rounds.
- Players like Zach Merrett and Kozzie Pickett will be crucial to watch for both teams.
Essendon Bombers vs Melbourne Demons Preview
- Essendon Bombers vs Melbourne Demons Preview
- Head to Head
- Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
- Essendon Bombers Team News
- Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
- Melbourne Demons Team News
The winless Bombers can push the rejuvenated Melbourne outfit in what is a danger game for the Demons in Gather Round.
Melbourne arrive in excellent form at 3-1 and full of belief under Steven King, but Essendon showed enough against the Western Bulldogs last week to suggest they can make this uncomfortable, particularly with several experienced players edging closer to a return.
The Bombers actually outscored the Bulldogs after quarter time last weekend and looked far more connected around the contest and inside forward 50. With Zach Merrett lifting his pressure and ball-winning, plus likely reinforcements such as Jordan Ridley and Nick Bryan pressing for selection, this shapes as a far more dangerous 0-4 side than the ladder suggests.
Melbourne deserve favouritism on current form, especially with their pressure game, corridor speed and dominance around stoppage, but this looms as the type of Gather Round fixture where momentum and venue history can tighten the margin.
Essendon have won both Gather Round meetings between the clubs, while the Demons have struggled at the venue since their 2024 win over Adelaide.
Take Melbourne in the 1-39 point range or Essendon with the 28.5-point start, with Zach Merrett 30+ disposals and Kozzie Pickett 2+ goals strong same-game multi angles.
- Essendon and Melbourne have met twice in Gather Round with the Bombers winning on both occasions.
- The Bombers outscored the Western Bulldogs after quarter time last weekend
- Zach Merrett has averaged 34.5 disposals in his past four matches against Melbourne.
- Kozzie Pickett has averaged 27.5 disposals in the past two rounds.
Head to Head
Essendon took out the Round 6 Gather Round clash in 2025 by 39 points and were 27 point winners in the 2023 Gather Round match. In the 2025 fixture, Zach Merrett starred with 37 disposals, while Jye Menzie snagged four goals. Kozzie Pickett (23 disposals and two goals) was among Melbourne’s best.
Merrett has averaged 34.5 disposals in his past four matches against Melbourne, hitting the 35+ in three of those, while Melbourne’s Jack Steele and Ed Langdon have had 25+ in three of their past four matches against the Bombers. Bailey Fritsch has kicked 2+ goals in his past four matches against Essendon.
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon have won two of three Gather Round matches with those coming over Melbourne in 2023 and 2025, while they went down to Port Adelaide by 69 in the 2024 edition.
Essendon are 0-4 and have now lost 17 straight matches, with scoring a major issue. During their losing streak, they’ve scored over 75 points just once, a game they lost to Hawthorn by 62 points. They scored 65 in the 65-99 loss to the Western Bulldogs last weekend but there were some encouraging signs, outscoring the undefeated Bulldogs outfit after half time.
Archie Roberts picked up a game-high 37-disposals against the Bulldogs, while Zach Merrett bounced back from a quiet match against North Melbourne a week earlier with 30 disposals. Jade Gresham kicked three goals.
Essendon Bombers Team News
No injuries to come out of the Western Bulldogs match. Nate Caddy missed with concussion and will be assessed during the week. There were some promising signs for the Bombers to come out of their VFL match with Elijah Tsatas finding plenty of the footy, while Nick Bryan made a successful return fro a knee injury. Jordan Ridley had 18 disposals and is working his way back from a calf injury.
Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
Melbourne’s sit 3-1 and their resurgence has been built on a clear brand reset under Steven King, centred around pressure, hunt, corridor speed and growing belief, with the Demons now backing it up both statistically.
In the 20-point win over the Gold Coast Suns, Max Gawn was again a major facto as Melbourne won the hitout’s 42-27, while they won the clearance and contested possession battles, leading to a 59-45 inside 50 count in the 114-94 scoreline.
The Demons are averaging 100 points per game this season, well up on the 83 from season 2025. Jake Melksham booted four goals last weekend, while Bailey Fritsch. Jacob van Rooyen and Brodie Mihocek have bobbed up with contriutions at differen times so far this season.
Kozzie Pickett has been in solid touch and has averaged 27.5 disposals, six clearances and over 700 metres gained in the past two weeks. He was best on ground in the Demons comeback win over Carlton the week prior to the upset over the Suns.
Melbourne have won one of three Gather Round matches with that coming against Adelaide in 2024 by 15 points. They have lost their three matches at the venue since then and will be out to arrest that slide against the Bombers.
Melbourne Demons Team News
No injuries to come out of the Gold Coast match. The Demons are unlikely to make too many changes to their starting 23, despite some impressive performances from the likes of Max Heath and Aidan Johnson at VFL level.
Verdict
Melbourne to win but not as easily as betting suggests. Pickett to continue good form and Merrett to find plenty of ball again for the Dons
Melbourne 1-39
Winning Margin 1-39
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