Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 22
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Sunday footy kicks off at the MCG as the Melbourne Demons take on the Western Bulldogs.
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 (12th) responded to a week of intense pressure with an emphatic 83-point victory over West Coast. After their horror final-quarter fade-out against St Kilda in Round 20, the Demons were ruthless, highlighted by a stunning 10-goal third quarter that blew the Eagles off the park. It was not seemingly enough to spare The position of Head Coach Simon Goodwin who was relieved earlier this week of coaching duties.
The Western Bulldogs (9th) produced the performance of the round with a stunning 88-point demolition of top eight side GWS. Their forward duo of Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton was unstoppable, combining for 10 goals in a frightening display of aerial power that sent a warning to the rest of the competition.
Melbourne captain Max Gawn was utterly dominant in the ruck against the Eagles. He set the tone for his team, finishing with 21 disposals, 29 hitouts, eight marks and a goal in a best-on-ground performance
Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English also had a big night against the Giants. He was influential all over the ground, finishing with 20 disposals, 11 marks, 22 hitouts, and two goals in a performance that showcased his elite versatility.
Melbourne has had the upper hand over the Bulldogs in recent times, winning three out of the last five encounters between the two clubs. However, the Bulldogs won the most recent H2H by 51 points back in Round 21 last year.
While Melbourne's big win in Round 21 came against the last-placed team, the Bulldogs' victory was against a fellow finals contender, making their form line arguably more impressive. The epic ruck battle between two of the competition's premier big men, Gawn and English, will be worth the price of admission alone.
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs tip: Western Bulldogs to score more than 100 points
