MCG will play host to Friday's Round 3 AFL game between Melbourne Demons and Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with Melbourne Demons heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Demons vs. Essendon Bombers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday April 1, 2022 at 7:20 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Odds
Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Preview
Things are about to get a lot harder for the winless Bombers.
It was encouraging to see the Dons come out firing against the Lions after their no-show the week prior, but once the quarter-time siren rang, it didn’t take long for the Essendon we say in Round 1 to rear its ugly head.
Ben Rutten’s side gave up seven straight goals to Brisbane in the second term, and although they showed tremendous character to fight back in the third, it was still a disappointing finish as Lachie Neale helped the Lions to a comfortable victory.
As for the Dees, it’s been a dream start for the reigning premiers with back-to-back wins over the Dogs and Suns to their name.
Gold Coast actually made Melbourne work for it last week, but the class of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and Ben Brown was enough to get the Dees over the line.
The Bombers have lost their last two meetings against the Dees, and it’s hard to see them pulling off any kind of upset with key midfielder Zach Merrett out for the next two months with an ankle injury.
There’s been very little to like about their two games so far, and until they can piece together a full four-quarter performance, backing against the Bombers looks a safe play.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $1.19 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Christian Petracca at $13.
Melbourne Demons vs Essendon Bombers Teams
DEMONS
B: T.Rivers, A.Tomlinson, S.May
HB: J.Hunt, J.Smith, J.Jordon
C: T.Sparrow, C.Petracca, E.Langdon
HF: L.Jackson, T.McDonald, J.Viney
F: B.Fritsch, B.Brown, C.Spargo
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, K.Pickett
I/C: J.Harmes, A.Brayshaw, J.Bowey, A.Neal-Bullen
EMG: T.Bedford, J.Melksham, S.Weideman, L.Dunstan
IN: Nil
OUT: T.Bedford (sub)
BOMBERS
B: J.Stewart, J.Laverde, J.Kelly
HB: M.Redman, D.Heppell, N.Hind
C: A.McGrath, J.Caldwell, T.Cutler
HF: J.Stringer, M.Guelfi, N.Martin
F: A.Perkins, P.Wright, T.Wanganeen
FOLL: S.Draper, D.Parish, S.Durham
I/C: J.Ridley, D.Shiel, B.Ham, A.Phillips
EMG: B.Hobbs, B.Zerk-Thatcher, D.Smith, A.Waterman
IN: N.Martin, D.Shiel, A.Phillips
OUT: D.Smith, A.Francis (both omitted), Z.Merrett, N.Cox (both injured)