A fascinating matchup awaits us on Saturday night in Round 5 of the 2022 AFL season. Melbourne are absolutely flying in their premiership defence, sitting 4-0 with room for improvement. Meanwhile, GWS have been frustratingly inconsistent as we have to expect from the team that promises so much but often fails to deliver when it counts. Can they challenge the Dees on their home turf? It remains to be seen.
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Melbourne vs GWS Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 16th April, 7.25pm (AEDT)
Melbourne
Injuries: Ben Brown (suspension), Michael Hibberd, Christian Salem, Daniel Turner
Melbourne are still without some key names down back, however the return of Harry Petty could bolster that line this week. Ben Brown won’t come straight back in as expected after he was suspended in the VFL.
So far there have been no signs of a premiership hangover from Melbourne. Injuries to several members of the flag winning back six have been no hindrance as the proud club continues to defend better than any club in the league, while sharing the load through the midfield and down forward. Development has come through the youth, Luke Jackson, Jake Bowey, Trent Rivers and Tom Sparrow just a few of the players to lift their game so far in 2022
GWS
Injuries: Jack Buckley, Brent Daniels, Phil Davis, Josh Fahey, Toby Greene (suspension), Nick Haynes (test), Jacob Hopper, Daniel Lloyd, Braydon Preuss (suspension), Conor Stone, Zach Sproule
GWS have not been helped by a long injury list, which seems to grow by the week. Players are missing from all lines, testing their depth across the park.
It’s been a case of one step forward, two steps back for the Giants who now sit 1-3. The Sydney siders have faced some tough opposition to open the season but the fact remains that the team can’t seem to put four good quarters of football together. Toby Greene has been sorely missed down forward, as has Jacob Hopper in the midfield recently. The lack of a dependable #1 ruckman will also be magnified this week as Melbourne has two of the best big men in the league right now in Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.
Match Prediction
The teams have traded wins against each other in recent times, GWS winning an ugly affair at the MCG last year. Despite that result, Melbourne will be confident playing on its home MCG and should have significant advantages in the ruck and midfield divisions. It will be interesting to see how Sam Weideman performs as a focal point of the forward line, however there are enough weapons forward for the Demons to kick a winning score here. Melbourne are clear favourites, but its interesting to note they haven’t put sides away winning by less than 32 points in every match this year.
Melbourne 1-39
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Gawn has kicked a goal in three of the opening four rounds and should be able to dominate Matt Flynn in the ruck on Saturday night.
Max Gawn Anytime Goalscorer ($1.90 at TAB)
Langdon averages 25 disposals against GWS in his last three matches (including shortened 2020 fixture) and loves the wide-open spaces of the MCG. Has also hit this mark in his last two games.
Ed Langdon 25+ Disposals ($2.75 at TAB)
Kelly has kicked 3 goals this season including a haul of 2 against Richmond in Melbourne. He hit the scoreboard against the Dees last year in a BOG performance.
Josh Kelly Anytime Goalscorer ($2.00 at TAB)
