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Melbourne Demons vs Fremantle Dockers AFL Betting Tips - Thriller in a store in Round 22 blockbuster

adam-cusworth
Adam Cusworth
Editor
Last updated: Thu 06 Aug 2026 17:21
The Melbourne Demons face ladder leaders Fremantle Dockers in a highly anticipated AFL clash at the MCG. Melbourne, buoyed by strong home form and a crucial recent win, look set to challenge Fremantle, who boast a dominant away record and top ladder position. Key players to watch include Andrew Brayshaw for disposals and Jack Steele for the Demons. Team news sees returns for Dan Turner and Kade Chandler (Demons) and Brennan Cox (Dockers), with captain Alex Pearce managed. Tip: Demons to stay within 13.5 points and both Brayshaw and Steele strong for disposals.
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Adam Cusworth 06 Aug 2026
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  • Fremantle lead the ladder while Melbourne are strong at the MCG
  • Key returns: Turner & Chandler (Demons), Brennan Cox (Dockers)
  • Prediction: Demons to stay within 13.5 points, Brayshaw & Steele top for disposals
fremantle demons
Fremantle Dockers and Melbourne Demons to play out a blockbuster (Getty Images)

Melbourne Demons vs Fremantle Dockers Verdict


Ladder leaders Fremantle Dockers face a serious challenge when they take on Melbourne Demons at the MCG. Sixth-placed Melbourne kept their top-four hopes alive last week and can push the Dockers all the way.

  • Melbourne defeated Fremantle the last time the two sides played at the MCG 
  • The Demons have won nine of 10 at the venue in 2026. 
  • Jack Steele had 31 disposals the last time the two sides met. 
  • Andrew Brayshaw has averaged 38 disposals in his past three matches

Head-to-Head


Fremantle were 48-point winners earlier this season at Optus Stadium and have won four of the past five meetings between the clubs. Melbourne, however, claimed the most recent clash at the MCG by 10 points in Round 6 last season.

Melbourne Demons Form - Crucial Win Sealed


Melbourne enter Round 22 in excellent form after securing a crucial nine-point victory over Gold Coast to improve to 13-7 and strengthen its position inside the top six. 

The Demons have responded well since their disappointing loss to Geelong, showing resilience in difficult circumstances away from home.

Returning to the MCG is a significant advantage with the Dees having won nine of their 10 matches at the venue this season to be one of the competition's strongest home sides.

Fremantle Dockers Form - Leaders Of The Pack


Fremantle are on top of the ladder with a 18-2 win-loss record, putting away the Western Bulldogs in Round 21 with seven goals to one in the second half to win by 37 points. 

The Dockers rarely dominate opponents through spectacular football but instead suffocate them with relentless defensive pressure before capitalising when opportunities present themselves. 

The Dockers have travelled exceptionally well throughout 2026, compiling a 7-2 record outside Western Australia. 

They have also become increasingly comfortable at the MCG, winning their past two matches at the venue after going down against Melbourne last season. 

Melbourne vs Fremantle Team News


Dan Turner and Kade Chandler return for the Demons. Blake Howes misses through injury, while Paddy Cross has been omitted.

Brennan Cox returns in Fremantle’s only change. Captain Alex Pearce has been managed and will remain in Perth.

Verdict

Take the Demons to stay within the line and push Freo all the way. Brayshaw (Dockers) and Steele (Demons) tipped to be amongst the disposals props.
Best Bet1: Melbourne +13.5 Line @7/8 at Hollywoodbets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Andrew Brayshaw Player Disposals @8/13 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Jack Steele To Have 25+ disposals @13/10 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Melbourne +13.5
Line
@7/8 - 1 Unit
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Andrew Brayshaw
Player Disposals
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Bet at bet365
Jack Steele
To Have 25+ disposals
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Bet at Star Sports
adam-cusworth
Adam Cusworth

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

One of Australia's top tipsters, Adam provides tips for horse racing every day of the week as well as AFL previews. He is one of the top ranked experts on the Great Tip Off each month and has featured on Blackbook, Punters, Racingbase and many more.

 
Based in Melbourne, Adam is an avid sporting fan that loves a day at the MCG to follow his team, Hawthorn, in the AFL and the Aussies in the cricket, while he doesn't mind a day out at Moonee Valley, Flemington and Caulfield from time to time.

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