MCG will play host to Sunday's Round 8 AFL game between Melbourne Demons and St Kilda Saints. The game kicks off at 1:10 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. St Kilda Saints game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday May 8, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Demons vs St Kilda Saints Odds
Melbourne Demons vs St Kilda Saints Preview
Punters and fans have had this game circled on their calendar for quite some time, and on the back of last week’s results, it’s only grown more interesting.
The question of “who might actually beat Melbourne?” has been a tough one to answer, but the Saints had been a popular pick prior to last week’s one-point upset against Port Adelaide in Cairns.
There’s no doubt coach Brett Ratten would like to have that game back as his side struggled mightily in front of goal in very sloppy conditions.
Still, the loss might be just what the Saints needed to help temper their expectations – particularly going up against the benchmark side in the competition this week.
As for the Dees, last week’s close call against Hawthorn was another reminder of just how good the reigning premiers are.
With Simon Goodwin and a handful of key position players out due to COVID protocols, Melbourne managed to dig deep, like all great teams do, to gut out a 10-point win.
The Dees have opened three-goal favourites this week at the ‘G, and it’s hard to see them losing this game if they can exploit St Kilda’s biggest problem area: turnovers.
The Saints gave the Power far too many opportunities last week, while they’ve also been a much worse team inside 50 in comparison to Melbourne.
There’s no doubt St Kilda will have a chip on its shoulder after last week, but if they can’t kick straight or hold onto the ball, this shapes as a long game for the Saints.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $1.33 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Christian Petracca at $14.
Melbourne Demons vs St Kilda Saints Teams
DEMONS
B: J.Bowey, S.May, J.Lever
HB: T.Rivers, H.Petty, J.Hunt
C: A.Brayshaw, C.Petracca, E.Langdon
HF: B.Fritsch, T.McDonald, J.Viney
F: C.Spargo, B.Brown, J.Jordon
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, J.Harmes
I/C (from): L.Jackson, T.Bedford, B.Laurie, S.Weideman, L.Dunstan, A.Neal-Bullen, T.Sparrow, K.Pickett
IN: H.Petty, L.Jackson, B.Laurie, A.Neal-Bullen, T.Sparrow, K.Pickett
OUT: J.Smith (injured), J.Melksham (omitted), K.Chandler (sub)
SAINTS
B: J.Webster, C.Wilkie, D.Howard
HB: D.McKenzie, J.Battle, J.Sinclair
C: N.Wanganeen-Milera, B.Crouch, B.Hill
HF: M.Wood, T.Membrey, D.Butler
F: R.Marshall, M.King, J.Gresham
FOLL: P.Ryder, S.Ross, J.Steele
I/C (from): B.Paton, B.Long, Z.Jones, J.Higgins, M.Windhager, D.Joyce, R.Byrnes, T.Campbell
IN: R.Marshall, Z.Jones, D.Joyce, R.Byrnes
OUT: J.Lienert (omitted)