We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday 29 April @ MCG
Not much you could imagine won't happen here bar a North Melbourne victory.
The Ladder provides a very good sense in the gulf of talent right at the present. There is over 55% between them – that takes some doing.
Melbourne were a little scratchy themselves on the Anzac Day Eve fixture against Richmond. So much so that they were still behind turning for home.
But class stood up late when it counted. Having Max Gawn back was a twofold benefit. Not only did he take important marks, stand in holes and run all night.
It also gave Grundy the opportunity to ruck when he wanted to and act like an extra on-baller. It really is like having two different (but similar) players in such a specialised position.
You always know Oliver, Petracca and even Viney will be in and under. But that other big body is a bonus. They surely have to dominate again if their minds are as willing in what looks a forgone conclusion – not always easy.
A five day break awaits the home side but North are only one day longer so not even that constitutes much of an issue.
The Kangas were behind much of the game to Gold Coast and were never a strong factor. In their current state of rebuild, the best they can rely on is simply for Cunnington or Davies-Uniacke (now out) to knock a game out of the park. Have 40 and kick a couple.
They also need Zurhaar or more likely Larkey to kick a bag. None of those happened on the Coast.
There were many years that North obliterated the Demons. From 2007 right through to 2017 – NOT ONCE did Melbourne win a game.
But in 4 of the last 5 it was the other way and all by dominant margins. It is hard to see that trend being broken here.
On current structures and abilities, the mercy rule could be invoked if the Demons want a day out in the sun.
Someone who loves playing against the Kangaroos is Bayley Fritsch. He averages 3 goals a game and it might be 'north' of that here.
Match Selection: Melbourne by 64 points
Suggested Bets: Bayley Fritsch 4+ goals @ $3.10
