Melbourne v GWS AFL tips, odds & team news | Round 20, 2024

Melbourne v GWS best bets

Demons v Giants match preview

The GWS Giants will be looking to continue their hunt for a top-four spot this Saturday night as they face Melbourne at the MCG in round 20 of the 2024 AFL season.

Top online bookmakers are forecasting a close game, with the Demons as slight favourites at $1.91 with Bet365 and the Giants at $1.95 with PlayUp. The line is set at 1.5 points.

Last Sunday, it was a disappointing effort from Melbourne as they lost to Fremantle by 50 points at Optus Stadium. After a goalless first term, the Dees never recovered, losing every quarter to suffer their second-biggest defeat of the season.

Sitting in 10th spot on the AFL ladder, Simon Goodwin’s men are just one game outside the top eight. However, with poor percentage and a tough run to end the season, they have long odds of $2.75 to make finals.

It was also a tough week on the injury front as the Demons lost defender Christian Salem (hamstring) and rookie forward Koltyn Tholstrup (concussion). However, they may regain captain Max Gawn from an ankle injury.

The Giants won their third consecutive match last Saturday, beating the Gold Coast Suns by 39 points at home. It was a dominant display from Adam Kingsley’s men, who won every quarter while keeping the Suns to just six goals for the day. Star half-back Lachie Whitfield led the way with 40 disposals, while key forward Jesse Hogan continued his excellent season with four goals.

After sitting in 10th spot three weeks ago, the Giants have climbed up to fifth on the ladder. At $10 with Bet365, they now sit on the fourth line of premiership betting.

GWS defender Isaac Cumming has been ruled out of the rest of the home-and-away season with a hamstring injury suffered against the Suns. However, the Giants could welcome back star duo Stephen Coniglio and Sam Taylor if they get through fitness tests this week.

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Melbourne v GWS Giants predictions

With three wins in a row and a nearly full-strength side, the Giants are storming towards September. On the other hand, the Demons’ growing injury list is killing their finals hopes. With a top-four spot on the line, back the Giants to win at $1.95 with PlayUp.

Melbourne’s Trent Rivers has thrived in the midfield over the past five weeks, averaging 24 disposals per game. With the addition of Gawn in the ruck, Rivers should have first use of the footy more often, so back him in for 25 or more touches at $2.15 with top Australian bookies.

Giants defender Lachie Whitfield ranks second in the AFL for total disposals, while he takes more kick-ins than anyone else. With 35 or more touches in three of his last four matches, he offers great value to hit that mark again at $2.90 with leading AFL betting sites.

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