Melbourne v West Coast AFL betting tips & team news | Round 17

Melbourne v West Coast best bets

Demons v Eagles AFL match preview

Round 17 of the 2024 AFL Premiership season continues on Sunday afternoon as finals contenders Melbourne host the struggling West Coast Eagles at the MCG.

Despite their recent poor form, the Demons enter this clash as strong favourites at $1.15 with PlayUp. The Eagles are paying $5.75 with Bet365 to spring an upset on the road, while the line is set at 33.5 points.

Last Friday, Melbourne suffered a heartbreaking five-point loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. Despite leading by as much as 24 points in the third quarter, the Demons couldn’t hold off the fast-finishing Lions.

For the second-straight week, the Demons were kept goalless in the final term. They have lost three of their last four matches, which has left them in 12th place on the ladder. As such, top AFL bookmakers are giving them odds of $3.50 to make the top eight.

Tall target Harrison Petty is a confirmed out for Melbourne after suffering a hamstring injury against the Lions, but that opens the door for Jake Melksham to play his first game of the season. Veteran Christian Salem is also expected to return, with youngster Kynan Brown set to make way.

West Coast also went down in round 16, falling to Hawthorn by 61 points at Optus Stadium. After a slow start to the match, the Eagles never recovered, losing every quarter while kicking just four goals for the day.

After some promising signs earlier in the season, the Eagles have now lost five matches in a row. With a rebuilding side, expect Adam Simpson to give the young players plenty of opportunities in the remaining weeks.

There is just one forced change for the Eagles, as ruckman Matt Flynn is sidelined with an ankle injury. As such, Bailey Williams will have to face Demons star Max Gawn on his own.

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Melbourne v West Coast R17 predictions

When these sides played earlier in the season, the Eagles produced a strong performance at home to claim an upset win. Since then, however, they have not managed another win, losing by an average of 42 points. At the MCG, back the Demons to win 40 or more points at $2.20 with leading sports bookies.

Melbourne captain Max Gawn is in the mix for his seventh All-Australian appearance. The veteran ruck is averaging career-high disposal numbers, with eight matches where he has collected 20 or more touches. With West Coast missing their first-choice ruckman, back Gawn to continue his great form with 20 or more disposals at $1.90 with leading online bookmakers.

Averaging a career-best 24 disposals per game, defender Liam Duggan has been West Coast’s most consistent performer in 2024. With the Eagles’ defence constantly under pressure, Duggan is always near the action, while he is also involved in the uncontested game. Duggan had 29 disposals when these sides last met, so back the 27-year-old to have another big performance with 30 or more disposals at $3.60 with Bet365.

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