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Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Tips - Bombers to inflict more misery on out of sorts Demons

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 10 Apr 2025

Adam Cusworth 10 Apr 2025

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Melbourne has lost nine of their last ten matches, scoring just 62 points per game in 2025.
Essendon shows promise with Zach Merrett averaging over 30 disposals and a recent win over Port Adelaide.
The Bombers aim to exploit Melbourne's defensive struggles and secure another win.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Sam Draper of the Bombers and Christian Petracca of Melbourne during the 2023 AFL Round 05 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval on April 15, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Preview

Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Preview
Head to Head
Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
Melbourne Demons Team News
Melbourne Demons Team List
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon Bombers Team List

Can Melbourne finally win a game in 2025?

The Demons are a shadow of the side that finished top four in 2023 and have opened up with four losses. They have come at an average margin of just under 40 points and it was a 39 point margin to Geelong last weekend.

They take on an Essendon outfit that are 1-2 after their three matches, with the Bombers coming off the bye in Round 4.

Brad Scott’s side dropped their first two games with those coming against Hawthorn and Adelaide before responding with a hard fought 12-point victory over Port Adelaide before the break.

Both sides have had their issues since sliding in the latter stages of 2024. But the Bombers have shown some positive signs in 2025, despite their win-loss record.

Expect them to get on top in the disposal count and if they can find the right formula up forward, they can hand the Dees another loss

Melbourne have lost nine of their past 10 matches
The Demons are averaging just 62 points per game in 2025
Essendon are averaging 86 points per game
Zach Merrett has picked up 70 disposals in his past two matches

Head to Head

Melbourne have won four of the past five between the two sides, including the Round 18 fixture at the MCG by 17 points last year. Bailey Fritsch and Daniel Turner combined for six goals, while Nic Martin had a day out for the Dons with 26 disposals and four goals.

Clayton Oliver has averaged 34.5 disposals in his past four matches against Essendon, while Zach Merrett has averaged just under 34 in his past three against the Dees.

The two sides featured in the 2023 Gather Round with Essendon taking out the Adelaide Oval fixture by 27 points.

Melbourne Demons Form Analysis

Melbourne have lost nine of their past 10 matches. Scoring has been a major issue. Simon Goodwin’s outfit have averaged just 62 points per game this season, kicking just six goals against Geelong in Round 4.

That output of six goals came despite winning the inside 50 count over the Cats, as well as centre clearances. Clayton Oliver has picked up 30+ disposals in his past three matches but there has been a drop off in ball winners outside of Oliver.

Melbourne also have some work to do in their back half and are conceding over 100 points per game so far this season.

Melbourne Demons Team News

Interesting to see if Melbourne swing the axe with a number of big names, including Bailey Fritsch, out of form. Jake Lever wont be returning any time soon after being sent for surgery on his ankle.

Melbourne Demons Team List

B: J.Bowey, S.May, H.Petty

HB: T.Rivers, T.McDonald, C.Salem

C: K.Chandler, J.Viney, E.Langdon

HF: J.Henderson, B.Fritsch, K.Pickett

F: J.Melksham, J.van Rooyen, C.Spargo

FOLL: M.Gawn - C, C.Petracca, H.Langford

I/C: C.Windsor, C.Oliver, X.Lindsay, H.Sharp, T.Sparrow

EMG: D.Turner, J.Billings, T.Fullarton

In: X.Lindsay

Out: D.Turner (Omitted)

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis

Like Melbourne, Essendon have had their woes since the back half of last year and have lost eight of their past 10. Seven of those eight losses were by 39.5 points or less.

They were competitive against Hawthorn in Round 1, going down by 20 before conceding 161 points in their loss to Adelaide in Round 2. In their win over Port Adelaide, they had 27 scoring shots, heading inside 50 on 59 occasions to 44, while they also won the clearances and contested possession count.

Zach Merrett is averaging over 30 disposals in 2025 and comes off 34 against the Power, while Jye Caldwell is averaging just under 29. The Bombers rank 5th for disposals per game.

Essendon Bombers Team News

Darcy Parish is expected to be available but might resume via the VFL side. Archie Perkins and Elijah Tsatas are expected to be available after overcoming their respective injuries. Jye Caldwell (hamstring) and Tom Edwards (knee) are out.

Essendon Bombers Team List

B: A.McGrath, B.McKay, J.Ridley

HB: M.Redman, Z.Reid, J.Prior

C: X.Duursma, A.Perkins, A.Roberts

HF: J.Gresham, N.Caddy, N.Martin

F: H.Jones, S.Draper, I.Kako

FOLL: N.Bryan, Z.Merrett - C, S.Durham

I/C: B.Hobbs, D.Shiel, W.Setterfield, J.Menzie, S.El-Hawli

EMG: E.Tsatas, L.Hayes, A.Day-Wicks

In: A.Perkins, W.Setterfield

Out: J.Caldwell (Injured), T.Edwards (Injured)

Verdict

Melbourne v Essendon

Bombers to secure their second win with Zach Merrett finding plenty of footy

Essendon

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