Melbourne vs St. Kilda Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 1

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

After underwhelming campaigns for both of these teams in 2025, the Demons and the Saints will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes this year after overhauling their squads 

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 – discovery+ & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

It is fair to say that the Demons are in something of a transition after they had a major overhaul of their squad in the off-season and have Steven King taking over as coach.

They will be demanding significant improvement on their poor seven-win season in 2025 but it may well take time for their new-look team to gel.

They face St Kilda in their opening match but this is the Saints’ second match after they were defeated by Collingwood in the opening round.

St Kilda have made several high-profile signings for the 2026 season but they failed to live up to the hype in that opening loss. They will however be expecting much more and with another week of training under their belts, we should see a better performance here.

The Demons will be desperate to avenge their loss to St Kilda last season but that will be easier said than done. We expect the Saints to raise their game and come away with the victory.

Melbourne vs St. Kilda tip: St Kilda to win