Sydney v Melbourne AFL tips & top odds – Round 24, 2023

Sydney v Melbourne AFL R24 best bets

Sydney v Melbourne AFL R24 preview

The Sydney Swans will be looking to extend their winning streak on Sunday afternoon when they host the Melbourne Demons at the SCG in their final match of the AFL home-and-away season.

The Swans travelled to Adelaide last weekend to face the Crows, winning by one point in controversial fashion. After a strong start to the game, Sydney led by as much as 44 points in the second quarter. The Crows swooped back into the contest with a dominant final quarter, but they fell just short thanks to an all-time blunder from the goal umpire.

With the win, the Swans have secured finals footy in 2023. After sitting 15th in round 17, Sydney have now won six in a row and are carrying serious momentum into September.

The Melbourne Demons won by 27 points last weekend as they hosted Hawthorn at the MCG. The Hawks were as close as six points behind in the fourth quarter before the Demons kicked away with the last three goals of the match. Jake Melksham and Jacob van Rooyen kicked three goals each, while Jake Lever impressed in defence with 13 marks.

Sitting in fourth on the AFL ladder, the Demons still have a chance to secure a top-two position. But with Port Adelaide and Brisbane both expected to win their matches this weekend, Melbourne may be stuck in fourth by the time this match rolls around.

Sydney small forward Tom Papley is expected to play this weekend despite being subbed out due to a hamstring concern last weekend. Tall forward Joel Amartey is also a chance to return, with Aaron Francis the likely omission.

The Demons got through last weekend unscathed and should be boosted by the return of forward Bayley Fritsch, who is working back from a foot injury.

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Sydney v Melbourne AFL R24 predictions

When these two sides faced off in round three, the Demons were comfortable winners by 50 points. With the Swans on a winning streak and the match being held at the SCG, expect a much closer contest this time around. And as the implications of this match are dependent on other results for the Demons, they may find themselves with nothing to lose or gain.

Expect a fast start from the Swans in this match, who have won eight of their last nine first halves. However, the Demons are known to finish strong. With a home final on the line, we are backing the Swans at $1.80 with Ladbrokes.

Jack Viney has been extremely consistent in a changing Demons midfield rotation. Collecting more than 25 disposals in every game since round 13, Viney has attended more centre bounces than any other Demon this season. We like him to continue his form this weekend with 25 or more disposals once again at $1.63 with top AFL bookmakers.

Isaac Heeney was one of Sydney’s best last weekend, collecting 18 disposals and booting three goals. He has been Sydney’s most dangerous target inside 50 of late, scoring multiple goals across each of his last five weeks, so he looks a good bet to kick two or more this Sunday at $1.91 with Palmerbet.

Swans v Demons key matchup: Warner v Petracca

Chad Warner vs Christian Petracca

Sydney’s most damaging midfielder, Chad Warner is known for his acceleration away from the contest and his willingness to take on the tackler. He also has the ability to run through the 50 and hit the scoreboard. A player who makes disposals count, look for Warner to force the football forward and generate chances for teammates.

Having his most prolific season in front of goal for the Demons, Christian Petracca averages 1.2 majors a game while also collecting a lot of the football. The top score-involvement player in the AFL, he splits his time between the middle and the forward line, creating an impossible matchup for his direct opponent.

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