SCG will play host to Thursday's AFL game between Sydney Swans and Melbourne Demons. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne Demons game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday March 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Where: SCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Sydney Swans vs Melbourne Demons Odds

Sydney Swans vs Melbourne Demons Preview

Modern day rivals Sydney and Melbourne meet on Thursday in a game that holds plenty of weight for two of last year’s biggest underachievers.

On the back of an embarrassing Grand Final blowout against Geelong, the Swans were marred with question marks heading into 2023 with talks of a hangover and Buddy Franklin’s impending retirement looming large.

The season got off to a rough start with just one win from their first four games, before John Longmire eventually flicked the switch to turn things around for a last-minute top-eight run.

Sydney’s finals campaign was short-lived however, losing by a goal to Carlton in the elimination round after struggling for accuracy all night in front of the sticks.

Likewise, Melbourne’s season was full of similar ups and downs, finishing fourth overall and eventually losing their own heartbreaker to the Blues in the Semi-Finals a week later.

Much of last year’s off-field tribulations have spilled over into the new season with talks around the culture and Clayton Oliver still overshadowing Simon Goodwin and the club.

Whether that gossip turns into a distraction remains to be seen, but from a football perspective, the Dees can match just about anybody this year in terms of talent.

Christian Petracca is set to take another step forward as one of the games brightest midfielders, while Max Gawn remains the best ruckman in the competition – providing he stays healthy.

The Swans have their own claims with a list that now features former Melbourne ruckman Brodie Grundy, while plenty are expecting the likes of Errol Gulden and Nick Blakey to take huge steps up forward.

Last year the Dees won both games quite handily against the Swans, but this does feel like a ‘turn the page’ kind of year for Sydney and Longmire.

After watching Melbourne not only struggle to move the ball, but also operate inside the forward half last season, I question whether the Dees have enough inside 50 to match that of Sydney, or any of the bigger clubs for that matter, this season.

To make matters worse, the Dees will be without Kozzie Pickett and potentially Harrison Petty for the opening round, placing big pressure on Gawn and the likes of Jacob van Rooyen with Clayton Oliver also named.

At home with a point to prove, the Swans look a solid outright bet in what is shaping to be a ‘pick em’ game for mine.

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