Super Saturday in the AFL for Round 5 concludes at the Adelaide Oval with a matchup between Melbourne and Essendon. Both clubs have had less than ideal starts to their 2025 campaigns but will see this match as a huge opportunity to secure a win. As always, we bring you our full preview and tips below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Melbourne vs Essendon
Location: Adelaide Oval
Date: Saturday, 12th April
Time: 7:35pm AEST
Odds: Melbourne ($1.90) vs Essendon ($1.90)
Line: Even
Points: 170.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The clash between Melbourne and Essendon shapes as a must-win for both sides, with each club desperate to turn around a sluggish start to the 2025 season. The Demons have stumbled to an 0-4 record, sitting second-last on the ladder, while the Bombers haven’t fared much better at 1-2 and are struggling for consistency. Melbourne's issues appear deep-rooted, with their ball movement stagnant and defensive structure failing to hold up under pressure. Their latest loss sparked visible frustration from Christian Petracca, who’s doing all he can but isn’t getting enough support around the contest.
Essendon haven’t been convincing either, but they’ve shown patches of strong play, most notably in their recent win over Port Adelaide. Despite some criticism around underperforming players and value-for-money concerns across the list, the Bombers’ intensity around the ball has been far better than the Demons’ across the opening rounds.
Statistically, Essendon are winning more contested ball and applying more forward-half pressure, which should trouble Melbourne, who’ve been poor at defending turnovers. The Dees are also averaging fewer inside 50s per game and are struggling to convert, sitting bottom four for scoring efficiency. The Bombers have had their own goal-kicking issues, but their midfield has been more damaging going forward, and they’ve looked more cohesive overall.
With both clubs under the pump, this match could go either way on paper, but Essendon appear to have more upside at the moment. Their ability to shift gears and capitalise on momentum swings has been evident, and if they can maintain pressure across four quarters, they’re well positioned to take advantage of Melbourne’s vulnerability. Expect the Bombers to get on top in the midfield battle and control territory for large stretches.
Melbourne will need a dramatic lift in intensity and ball use if they’re going to stay in the game, but their form and cohesion just hasn’t been there.. The Dees are low on confidence and options right now, and unless something clicks dramatically, the Bombers will be too sharp.
Essendon to Win
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
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To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Jacob Van Rooyen 2+ Goals – Has only kicked the 4 goals this season but had his best game last weekend. It should be a high scoring game against the Bombers who aren’t stocked with elite key backs.
Jade Gresham Anytime Goal Scorer – The Demons have also struggled defensively this season and I’m expecting plenty of Bombers forwards to get amongst the goals. Gresham has kicked a goal in all 3 games so far.
Harrison Jones Anytime Goal Scorer – Spent a lot more time forward last time out rather than on the wing. He’s a capable goal scorer when given the opportunity and is great value.
SGM Odds: $4.20 at BoomBet
