Evaluating the 2022 AFL Premiership Odds After Melbourne’s Recent Slump

Less than a month ago, Melbourne Football Club looked destined to secure back-to-back flags. But following three consecutive defeats, the defending premiers are no longer seen as untouchable.

The Demons won each of their first ten games this season, demolishing everyone in their path. However, losses to Fremantle, Sydney, and Collingwood have seen them surrender top spot on the ladder.

Accordingly, the top Aussie Rules betting sites have adjusted their 2022 AFL premiership odds. Let’s see what the bookies make of the situation.

Despite recent results, Melbourne is still favored to win the 2022 AFL Grand Final. But there is no hiding the fact that other teams now stand a greater chance of securing the flag.

When I published my AFL premiership odds update at the end of April, the Demons were priced at 2.87 to clinch the title. Brisbane was priced at 6.00 at that time, while Fremantle’s premiership odds were 17.00!

So, why have the AFL odds changed so much in recent weeks? It’s time to examine Melbourne’s fall from grace.

Before we go any further, let’s get one thing straight – Melbourne is not a bad team all of a sudden. That said, the recent downturn is certainly a cause for concern for head coach Simon Goodwin and his players.

When the Demons won their opening ten games in 2022, they set themselves up for a commanding premiership defense. But after suffering three straight losses, there are question marks over their resilience.

The losing streak started with a 38-point defeat to Freo. The reigning premiers then registered a 12-point loss against Sydney before suffering a 26-point defeat to Collingwood last time out.

Consequently, Melbourne is now one of three teams on 40 points at the summit of the AFL standings.

As you can see, the Lions lead the Demons thanks to their superior percentage. The Dockers also have 40 points to their name, although they sit below Melbourne on the ladder.

With Geelong and Carlton just four points behind the three frontrunners, the race for the top four is beginning to heat up. If they carry on the way they’re going, Goodwin’s men could find themselves outside the top four altogether.

Of course, the Demons can turn things around.

Having claimed both the minor premiership and premiership last year, Melbourne remains a force to be reckoned with. Let’s not forget that Goodwin’s side also enjoyed a ten-game winning streak at the start of the current campaign.

That said, the defending premiers can’t afford many more slip-ups. With Brisbane, Fremantle, Geelong, and Carlton hot on their heels, they will need to rediscover their form soon rather than later.

It is no secret that some of Melbourne’s most important players have not been at their best in recent weeks. Still, they have more than enough ability to bounce back and fire their side to glory once again.

Could the Demons kick-start their revival against Brisbane this week? Follow the link below to discover my Melbourne vs. Brisbane prediction, along with my other Round 15 AFL predictions and picks.