Melbourne v North Melbourne AFL betting tips & odds – Rd 7, 2023

The Melbourne Demons face a quick backup when they host the struggling North Melbourne at the MCG this Saturday night in what looks like a percentage booster for the early flag favourites.

After six rounds of action, most AFL betting sites have the Demons at the top of premiership markets, either outright or alongside the Magpies. Melbourne are still a work in progress, and have been beaten twice, but their squad is deep and boasts some of the competition’s sharpest talent.

The Demons were a little sluggish against the Tigers in round six, trailing for almost three quarters, but they went to work in the final stanza to run out solid 18-point winners. This late burst is indicative of a side that can step up the intensity when a game hangs in the balance.

After some encouraging early performances, the North Melbourne Kangaroos have been exposed in their last two contests, losing to the Lions by 75 points and the Suns by 43. Like many developing sides, they are prone to cold periods where they are unable to maintain possession and concede a string of goals.

The Kangaroos do show some of the signs of an Alastair Clarkson-coached team, as evidenced in a gritty a one-point win over Fremantle and a hard-fought loss to Carlton. However, further improvement is required – particularly their efficiency inside 50, where they can be disorganised and wasteful.

Key matchup: Viney v Davies-Uniacke

Jack Viney vs Luke Davies-Uniacke

After a somewhat quiet start to the year, Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney produced a big effort against the Tigers with 30 disposals, six marks, five clearances, and one goal. Viney is a difficult player to tag due to his strength and speed, and his presence and clean ball-handling in the centre allow small forwards like Kade Chandler the opportunity to make space and hit the scoreboard.

North Melbourne midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke had a quiet game against the Suns, registering 20 disposals, four tackles, and two clearances. These numbers were well below his season averages of 27 disposals and 6.6 clearances. The 23-year-old has untapped potential but will need to find his best form against the stacked Melbourne midfield.

Demons v Kangaroos AFL Rd 7 betting strategy

The Demons are the shortest-priced team of the round, with the line set at a whopping 44.5 points. Given the history of these sides, the margin will largely be decided in the final quarter. The Kangaroos have the competition’s poorest fourth-quarter record this year, while the Demons often finish full of running, as demonstrated against the Lions and Tigers.

We are tipping under the total points market here. A cold and wet evening is predicted, which will hamper scoring, and this might be a scrappy affair.

Melbourne v North Melbourne same game multi tips

For those looking for additional value, we suggest linking the under 172.5 points into Kade Chandler anytime goalscorer, into Jack Viney to get 25 or more disposals. This triple-header is paying $4.41 on BetOnline.

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