Essendon v Melbourne AFL Rd 5 betting tips – April 15, 2023

The Essendon Bombers face off against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval this Saturday in a round five shootout that will determine who holds onto their coveted top-four position.

Both sides are travelling well early in the 2023 AFL season, but the Bombers will face their stiffest challenge yet as new coach Brad Scott seeks to impose his gameplan on his emerging charges.

The Bombers enter this clash with solid momentum. They have knocked over the Hawks by 59 points, the Suns by 28, and the Giants by 13. Their only blemish after four rounds is an 18-point loss to the in-form Saints where they drew level late after giving up a five-goal start.

Essendon should have beaten GWS by a wider margin. They comfortably won the hitouts, inside 50s, and contested possession count and out-tackled the Giants. This hard work was not rewarded in front of the big sticks, however, with a disappointing return of 11.22.

The Melbourne Demons made easy work of the injury-ravaged Eagles in round four to continue their impressive start to the season. The Dees dominated the hitouts and clearances, and produced 58 inside 50s to 38 in an emphatic attacking performance.

Ruckman Brodie Grundy played another huge game at Optus Stadium. He linked up beautifully with his midfield partners, who then fed quality, penetrating ball to Bayley Fritsch and Tom McDonald.

Key matchup: Merrett v Petracca

Zach Merrett vs Christian Petracca

Essendon captain Zach Merrett had a big afternoon against the Giants, grabbing 28 disposals, four marks, four tackles, and five clearances. He also bobbed up with a vital third-quarter goal when the game hung in the balance. It appears Merrett has grown as a leader under new coach Brad Scott, and he will need to produce more of the same if the Bombers are to remain competitive in the middle this weekend.

Melbourne star Christian Petracca produced a masterclass in round four and is enjoying another stellar year. He is averaging 29 disposals, 4.3 tackles, 5.5 clearances per game in 2023 and booted 3.0 against the Eagles. This added ability to impact the scoreboard separates Petracca from some of the game’s other elite midfielders and should see him in the All-Australian team if he can remain injury free.

Essendon v Melbourne AFL Rd 5 betting strategy

Despite these teams sharing a 3-1 record, the Demons are heavily favoured to emerge with the spoils from this contest. Melbourne’s form appears superior, and the early line has been set at a solid 24.5 points. Both sides have managed to kick big totals in their wins to date, so we are tipping the overs in what shapes as a free-scoring affair.

Bombers v Demons AFL Rd 5 same game multi tips

For those chasing additional value, we suggest linking over 160.5 total points into Jake Stringer anytime goalscorer, into Christian Petracca anytime goalscorer, into Zach Merrett for 25 or more disposals. This combination is returning $3.93 on BetOnline.

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