Melbourne vs Sydney AFL Round 8 betting tips – May 8, 2021

The unbeaten Melbourne Demons will go for their eighth straight victory of the 2021 AFL Premiership season when they face the Sydney Swans this Saturday at the MCG.

Both Simon Goodwin and John Longmire will need to make some changes at the selection table, as both clubs are housing injuries and have a number of returning stars this week.

Adam Tomlinson suffered an ACL tear in Melbourne’s victory over the Roos last week, making room for the possible inclusions of James Harmes and Sam Weideman.

Lance Franklin and Dane Rampe have put their hands up for selection this week for Sydney, while George Hewett is also back in the frame after serving his mandatory 12-day concussion spell.

Lewis Melican was subbed out with a hamstring issue last week, so the Swans will need to move the magnets around for this upcoming clash at the MCG.

Melbourne Demons vs Sydney Swans match preview

The Swans have a very strong track-record against the Dees, having won nine of the last 10 encounters. The Demons have not beaten Sydney at the MCG since 2010, so there is no apparent home-field advantage for the league leaders this week. Also, the Swans had some joy on their last visit to the MCG, belting Richmond by 45 points in round three.

MelbourneDemons

• Michael Hibberd
• Steven May
• Jake Lever
• Christian Salem
• Harrison Petty
• Jayden Hunt
• Angus Brayshaw
• Christian Petracca
• Ed Langdon
• Kysaiah Pickett
• Tom McDonald
• Jake Melksham
• Alex Neal-Bullen
• Ben Brown
• Bayley Fritsch
• Max Gawn
• Clayton Oliver
• James Jordon
• James Harmes
• Luke Jackson
• Charlie Spargo
• Trent Rivers
• Nathan Jones (Emg)
• Sam Weideman (Emg)
• Tom Sparrow (Emg)
• Kade Chandler (Emg)
• Coach: Simon Goodwin

SydneySwans

• Will Hayward
• Lance Franklin
• Sam Wicks
• Tom Papley
• Hayden McLean
• Errol Gulden
• Justin McInerney
• Josh Kennedy
• Oliver Florent
• Harry Cunningham
• Robbie Fox
• Jake Lloyd
• Jordan Dawson
• Tom McCartin
• Dane Rampe
• Tom Hickey
• Luke Parker
• Callum Mills
• Colin O’Riordan
• Callum Sinclair
• Chad Warner
• James Rowbottom
• Dylan Stephens (Emg)
• Kaiden Brand (Emg)
• George Hewett (Emg)
• Nick Blakey (Emg)
• Coach: John Longmire

Key matchup: Kysaiah Pickett vs Tom Papley

The small forwards could have a big say on the outcome of this game. Kysaiah Pickett and Tom Papley have both kicked goals in every round this season, and their tackling pressure will create plenty of scoring opportunities at either end of the ground. These are two of the best in the business, and they should provide plenty of footage for the highlight reels this week.

Melbourne Demons vs Sydney Swans betting predictions

Sydney Swans +22.5

Not only have the Swans beaten the Demons six straight times at the MCG, almost every one of those games ended with a margin exceeding 30 points. Their most recent clash at the ‘G was in 2019, when the Swans kicked 15 goals on their way to a 53-point victory. With Franklin, Rampe and Hewett all expected to return, we cannot look past the Swans at the line.

Tom Papley to kick 2+ goals

When the Swans blitzed the Tigers back in round three, Papley was unstoppable in the forward half, kicking four goals and racking up a season-high 17 disposals. The star forward enjoys his footy at the spacious MCG, where he can get out the back easier and create opportunities inside 50. Papley will be red-hot after kicking last week’s match-winning goal.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $8

The Demons showed signs of weakness last week against North Melbourne, allowing the winless Roos to lead for over an hour of game time. The Swans are clearly stronger than North and should put up an even bigger fight. Chad Warner has been a surprise package in the middle for Sydney this season and offers great value to get 20 touches, which he has done in four of his seven matches this season.