Melbourne vs West Coast Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 21

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It’s a back end of season, playing for pride match at the Marvel Stadium as Melbourne hosts the West Coast Eagles. 

Kick-off date/time:

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

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL

The prediction

Melbourne (13th) is in a state of crisis. In Round 20, they surrendered a 46-point lead at the final change to lose to St Kilda after the siren. It was a collapse of historic proportions: the largest ever three-quarter time lead squandered, leaving many at the club head scratching and searching for answers. 

The West Coast Eagles (18th) have lost nine consecutive games, the latest, a 49-point loss to their rivals Fremantle in the Western Derby. The defeat was compounded by the news that No. 1 draft pick, Harley Reid, will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury. 

Demons captain Max Gawn was immense in the heartbreaking loss to the Saints. The ruck dominated the contest with 17 disposals, seven clearances and 45 hit outs. 

For the Eagles, Liam Baker was one of few shining lights against the Dockers, finishing with 24 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals. 

Melbourne holds the recent advantage over the Eagles, having won their last two encounters. They defeated West Coast by 32 points at Optus Stadium in Round Eight of this season. 

Both teams have had seasons to forget and are firmly in the bottom six. For the Demons, it's a chance to salvage some pride, while the Eagles will be desperate to avoid another heavy defeat on the road.

Melbourne vs West Coast tip: Melbourne to win by 25+ & Max Gawn to kick a goal