AFL Round 2: North Melbourne v Melbourne tips, odds & predictions

North Melbourne vs Melbourne best bets

Kangaroos vs Demons match preview – AFL Round 2

Both North Melbourne and Melbourne will be chasing their first win of the 2025 AFL season when they clash in Round 2 at Marvel Stadium this Sunday.

The Kangaroos kicked off their campaign last Saturday night with a 16-point loss to the Western Bulldogs. Despite getting on top in the middle, the Roos couldn’t convert it into scores, while their defence looked particularly vulnerable to fast ball movement.

After finishing in the bottom two for each of the last five years, once again North Melbourne are expected to be in the mix for the wooden spoon. At $201 with major AFL betting sites, they have the longest odds to win the premiership in 2025.

Melbourne also kicked off their season with a loss, falling to the Giants by three points last Sunday. In a promising display, the Demons led for large parts of the day, while they comfortably got on top in the contested game. Midfielder Christian Petracca was back to his best with 27 disposals and two goals, while Max Gawn dominated the ruck with 24 disposals and 46 hitouts.

Coming off a horror 2024, the Demons should have much higher expectations for this season. Their midfield boasts some of the biggest names in the AFL, and there were strong signs last week that the likes of Petracca, Gawn, Clayton Oliver and Jack Viney are ready for a big year.

As such, the Demons are strong favourites in this clash at $1.36 with top AFL bookmakers, while the Kangaroos are $3.35 outsiders. The line is set at 18.5 points.

North Melbourne vs Melbourne R2 team news

With defensive pair Griffin Logue (hamstring) and Jackson Archer (suspension) ruled out, North Melbourne will have to make at least two changes. Miller Bergman and Toby Pink are the expected inclusions.

It is a similar story for the Demons, who will be missing wingman Caleb Windsor (foot) and key forward Aidan Johnson (suspension). Daniel Turner is the likely inclusion in the forward line, while Bailey Laurie and Charlie Spargo will also be in the mix.

Kangaroos vs Demons betting predictions

Despite their Round 1 loss, the Demons showed plenty of positives against one of the top teams in the AFL. Their midfield looks strong, while their defence –despite Steven May’s late withdrawal — held up for the majority of the day. The ruck battle between Tristan Xerri and Max Gawn looks set to play a major role, but with the inexperience of the Roos, back Melbourne to cover the line of 18.5 at $1.91 with Bet365.

While plenty of other names gain attention in the North Melbourne midfield, keep an eye on Tom Powell in this clash. Coming off a 27-disposal game last weekend, the 23-year-old has now collected 25 or more touches in three of his last six games. Spending plenty of time at centre bounces, back Powell to continue his strong start to the season at $2.20 with BetOnline

Another player coming off a strong start to the season is Melbourne half-back Christian Salem, who collected 30 disposals in the loss to the Giants. The veteran has now gathered at least 25 disposals in each of his last four games. With plenty of free touches from kick-ins, Salem offers good value to continue his good form with 25 or more disposals at $2.60 with BetOnline.

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