Melbourne vs. St Kilda Predictions – AFL Round 1 2026

We have Melbourne vs. St Kilda predictions for AFL Round 1 on Sunday, March 15 at 3:15pm at the MCG.

There isn’t much between the Demons and Saints in AFL betting markets, with St Kilda holding favouritism at $1.58.

Melbourne vs. St Kilda Predictions

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Best Bet

They might have lost their opening game, but St Kilda should derive plenty of benefit from the 78-66 loss to Collingwood.

It was a good defensive effort on the Magpies, who struggled to kick goals, and although the Saints didn’t light up the goal posts, there was a lot to work with going forward, especially with the prospect of playing Melbourne.

The Demons have not had a good couple of years, and it could be a rough few weeks to start the year. They have the likes of Bayley Fritsch, Brody Mihocek, and Kysaiah Pickett, but that combination could take time to gel.

Our AFL predictions have St Kilda grinding Melbourne down and scoring a 15-point win.

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Same Game Multi

Cooper Sharman looked good when scoring two goals last week, which continued his good run of form. He has nine goals from his last four games, and punters get $1.77 for a 2+ goal performance, which is worth including in AFL same game multis.

St Kilda could do with a big performance from Marcus Windhager, who we’re backing for 25+ disposals. He had 29 disposals last week, so he lived up to the hype, and he could produce another big effort for the Saints.

Defence should stand out in Melbourne vs. St Kilda. Under 175.5 points is worth including, and four of St Kilda’s last five games have gone under the total.

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Best Value Bet

It’s a wide-open goal scorer market, and punters get value odds for Sharman to kick the opening six pointer.

He likes to get forward early and impose himself on the game, and if he puts Melbourne’s defence under pressure, he could capitalise with a shot in front of goal.

Look for Sharman to convert and land this bet at generous double-figure odds.