Essendon vs Melbourne Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 5

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Fresh from an excellent win over Gold Coast, Melbourne look to continue their momentum against struggling Essendon at the MCG.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – HBO Max & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

Essendon's miserable start to the season continued last week with a 34-point defeat to Western Bulldogs.

The Bombers have lost all four of their matches in the 2026 season so far, which extended their losing streak to 17 matches when stretching back to the previous campaign.

Melbourne, meanwhile, produced an excellent display to triumph over previously unbeaten Gold Coast at the MCG in Round 4.

The Jake Melksham-inspired Demons made the AFL sit up and take notice with that display, and their confidence will be flying as they take on one of the league's whipping boys.

Essendon vs Melbourne tip: Melbourne to win with -20.5 handicap