West Coast v Melbourne betting tips and multi picks | AFL rd 4

West Coast will have their hands full when they host the Demons at Optus Stadium for a testing AFL round four encounter.

The Eagles played decent patches of football against the Dockers in round three, before ultimately capitulating by 41 points, while Melbourne were back to their imperious best with a crushing 50-point win over the Swans at the MCG.

West Coast go into round four with a single win to their credit. At this early stage it is hard to determine how much they have progressed after a dismal 2022. They were able to match the Dockers for much of the contest but a fourth quarter fade out saw the margin balloon late, with the Dockers kicking six goals to one in the final stanza.

The Eagles were thumped in the hit-outs, led the disposals 377 to 362, and were beaten on inside 50s by 63 to 54. They play an attacking style that worked well enough against the Giants in round two, but this strategy can leave them vulnerable against the AFL’s top sides.

After a feeble display against the Lions in round two, the Demons made a mess of the Swans in round three. A seven-goal haul in the fourth quarter crushed Sydney’s resistance and made a bold statement of intent.

Melbourne won the contested possession count 141 to 107 and kicked truly to make the Swans pay for their inaccuracy in front of goal. They appear to be a top four side if we overlook the Brisbane blemish.

Key match up: Williams v Grundy

Bailey Williams vs Brodie Grundy

An achilles injury to Nic Naitanui has thrust substitute ruckman Bailey Williams into the role. He struggled to compete in round three and the Dockers won the hit-outs 69 to 16. A similar effort here will see the hungry Melbourne midfielders dominate which could prove costly on the scoreboard. Williams has only played 29 games at AFL level and is on a steep learning curve.

Melbourne are also without premier ruckman Max Gawn, but Collingwood recruit Brodie Grundy is a worthy replacement and should have a big edge on his opponent. Grundy handled the leading role admirably against the Swans posting 21 disposals, 25 hit-outs, four clearances, and five marks. This effort generated 106 AFL Fantasy Points, second only to ball-magnet Clayton Oliver.

West Coast v Melbourne betting strategy and tips

Melbourne go in as the round’s shortest price favourites with the early line set at a whopping 44.5 points. Given the way West Coast were overrun late by Freo, and Melbourne’s productive last quarter against the Swans, the scoreline is expected to blow out. Considering the big advantages that Melbourne has across the park, it is hard to see any other possible eventuality.

Eagles. Demons same game multi pick

For value-hunters, we suggest linking Melbourne -44.5 points into Brodie Grundy to 20 or more disposals, into Bayley Fritsch to score two or more goals. This combo is paying $4.43 on PalmerBet.