Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL Round 12 Tips - Giants to prove Lions rampage was no fluke
The Melbourne Demons (7-4) take on the GWS Giants (5-6) in Alice Springs for AFL Round 12, 2026. Despite Melbourne’s strong start to the season under Steven King, GWS have dominated recent matchups and arrive following a statement win over 2023 champs Brisbane. The Giants’ ability to force turnovers and thrive under high pressure makes them a genuine threat, while Toby Greene is expected to star again. The expert tip is for GWS to extend their winning streak against the Demons, with Oliver and Greene set for big performances.
• The game will be played at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday, 31st May, with the bounce at 3:15 PM (AEST)
• Are the Giants legitimate after stunning burst against Brisbane?
• Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants, Round 12 2026 - Expert Prediction
- Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants, Round 12 2026 - Expert Prediction
- Head to Head Stats
- Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
- GWS Giants Form Analysis
- Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants Team List & News
- Melbourne Demons Team News
- GWS Giants Team News
- Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL 2026 Round 12 FAQ’s
Melbourne’s resurgence under their new coach, Steven King, will hit a Giant roadblock as the AFL action heads to Alice Springs on Sunday.
The Demons sit in 6th position on the ladder with a 7-4 win-loss record but dropped their Round 11 clash to the Western Bulldogs by three points. GWS have the inferior record of 5-6 but provided a reminder to the competition about how high their ceiling can be with a stunning win over last year’s premiers, Brisbane, last weekend.
The Giants look tremendous value in the head-to-head betting and shape as a genuine danger here if they can bring the same pressure and contest intensity that dismantled Brisbane. Their ability to force turnover, dominate territory and turn games into high-pressure contests suits the conditions in Alice Springs, where stoppage work and transition defence become even more important. GWS have also matched up extremely well against Melbourne in recent seasons, winning the past three clashes, including a thriller at the MCG last year.
Melbourne’s improvement this season has come through pressure, midfield dominance and contest work, but the Giants possess the speed and attacking weapons to challenge them in transition. The Demons were exposed at times last weekend when their execution by hand and foot broke down under pressure and GWS are one of the most dangerous teams in the competition once they gain field position and territory control.
The midfield battle shapes as one of the best of the round with Clayton Oliver and Finn Callaghan key playmakers for GWS, while Max Gawn is likely to give Melbourne first use in the ruck with Kysaiah Pickett a factor at ground level and around stoppage.
Oliver is in outstanding form and continues to rack up huge numbers through the middle, while Toby Greene looms as a major threat inside forward 50 given his outstanding recent record against Melbourne.
Take GWS in the head to head with the former Demon, Clayton Oliver, to once again rack up some big numbers. Toby Greene loves this matchup and is a solid play for multiple goals.
- GWS have won the past three matches against Melbourne.
- The Giants come off a 78-point victory over Brisbane last weekend, the Lions’ biggest loss since 2017.
- Clayton Oliver has had 38 and 37 disposals in his past two matches.
- Toby Greene has kicked 16 goals in his past five matches against the Demons and booted five last weekend.
Head to Head Stats
GWS have won the past three against Melbourne with those all coming in tight fashion, including a three-point margin at the MCG last season, while the previous two were both by two points, including the Round 15 match at Traeger Park back in 2023.
Notable player performances in recent head to heads have come from;
- Lachie Whitfield (Giants) and Finn Callaghan (Giants) - both have had 30+ disposals in their past two matches against the Dees.
- Brody Mihocek (Dees) - the former Collingwood player has averaged two goals per game in his past seven outings against the Giants.
- Toby Greene (Giants) - 16 goals from his past five matches against Melbourne.
Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
Melbourne remain firmly in the finals mix with a 7-4 record despite their narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs by three points last weekend. The Demons are 6th on the ladder and have built their resurgence around pressure, contested football and midfield dominance, but their execution by hand and foot let them down at key stages against the Bulldogs.
Even so, they still gave themselves a chance to win late, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness that has become a feature of their game style in 2026. Kysaiah Pickett continues to be one of the competition’s most influential players through the midfield and forward line, while Max Gawn, Ed Langdon and Tom Sparrow have been central to Melbourne’s contested game and transition work.
The Demons have also received strong contributions from younger players such as Harvey Langford, who continues to show composure and class despite his inexperience at AFL level.
Pickett went without a goal last weekend but has nine from his past five, hitting the 2+ in three of those. Sparrow has had 20+ disposals in his past five, while Jake Bowey has had 25+ in four of his past seven, while he had 24 in two others.
GWS Giants Form Analysis
The Giants reminded the competition of their best with a record-breaking 78-point demolition of Brisbane, producing one of the most devastating third quarters seen in recent AFL history by kicking 14 unanswered goals.
Their pressure, contest work and ability to generate scores from turnover were back to their damaging best, with GWS forcing repeated front-half turnovers and dominating territory through relentless pressure around the ball.
The Giants have now won five games for the season and will head in full of confidence after finally clicking as a unit. Toby Greene’s five-goal masterclass highlighted the potency of the Giants’ forward line, while Clayton Oliver, Finn Callaghan and Lachie Ash controlled large portions of the midfield battle.
Oliver has had 38 and 37 disposals in the past two rounds and has gone 30+ in seven of his past nine. Finn Callaghan has had 30+ disposals in his past two matches, while Toby Greene comes off his best haul of goals for the season by kicking five in the 26.10 (166) to 13.10 (88) scoreline last weekend.
Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants Team List & News
- To be updated after team selection on Thursday
Melbourne Demons Team News
Jake Lever is expected to enter concussion protocols after suffering a head knock late against the Bulldogs, creating a potential hole in Melbourne’s defence. Tom McDonald is pushing strongly for a recall after solid VFL form, while Harrison Petty shapes as another option to swing behind the ball if required. The Demons are also expected to regain young wingman Latrelle Pickett after being managed, with his running power and speed likely to be important on the bigger ground against GWS. Melbourne have managed Max Gawn’s workload carefully in recent weeks through support from Max Heath and are expected to continue monitoring their skipper closely as the season progresses.
GWS Giants Team News
The Giants face a watch on Jack Buckley after the defender was taken off against Brisbane with hamstring soreness, while Lachie Whitfield was a late withdrawal after suffering hamstring awareness during the week. Sam Taylor is expected to return soon and could come back as early as next round, strengthening an already improving defensive setup. Darcy Jones remains several weeks away, while Josh Fahey and Connor Stone continue to apply pressure for spots after strong recent form. Toby Greene is also continuing to manage a foot issue but is expected to play, with the captain still producing elite performances despite carrying the injury over the past month.
Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL 2026 Round 12 FAQ’s
How to watch Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL 2026 Round 12?
You can watch the Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL 2026 Round 12 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.
How to buy tickets to Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL 2026 Round 12?
To buy tickets to the Melbourne Demons vs GWS Giants AFL 2026 Round 12 game check the AFL website or the official Melbourne Demons site.
Verdict
Giants in the head to head with the former Demon, Oliver, to have a big one against former side. Toby Greene to back up last week form with multiple goals
GWS Giants
Win
$2.14 - 1 Unit
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Clayton Oliver
To Have 30+ disposals
$1.57 - 1 Unit
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Toby Greene
To Kick 2+ goals
$2.35 - 1 Unit
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