Seeking Advice: EY via SYD-AUH-DUB (July Aug) via MEL?

[JP.FF]

Long time lurker, first time poster! After a couple of years being grounded, I'm back online looking for flights. SYD-AUH-DUB return for July/Aug 2022 - yes I've left it late, I know... Generally go with EY to DUB but it online options appear to be routing me through MEL (SYD-MEL-AUH-DUB)? Assuming I've left it too late & all options are gone but same options being offered if I do the same route in March 2023? Have EY reduced their SYD-AUH-DUB flights, I had thought they'd increased from April? I'm not tied to EY for this trip so any suggestions welcome. Looking at Y but considering J too.

 

[AIRwin]

EK via DXB or QR via DOH?

 

[Must...Fly!]

Try multicity SYD-AUH//AUH-DUB and see if that forces the 'better' connection.

Though this reminds me of the times I used to fly EY MEL-SYD-AUH-LHR for the extra SC and the often lightly loaded A380 (rip)

 

[JP.FF]

EK via DXB or QR via DOH?

QR via DOH as first preference.