Hawthorn have hit rock bottom after giving up a 32 point lead against the previously winless North Melbourne. They take on 3-6 Blues who have won only one of their past five matches. Both teams need to produce a big response on Saturday afternoon at the MCG! We’ve got you covered with preview and tips for this clash.
AFL Carlton vs Hawthorn Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 22nd May, 1:45pm AEST
Match Prediction
The Blues came into the season with expectations of ending their eight year finals drought, however it’s been a season filled with an inability to defend and consistently giving away five goal swings. Carlton have conceded five or more unanswered goals 18 times since David Teague took over half way through 2019.
Jack Silvagni replaces David Cunningham who suffered an ACL injury against Melbourne, whilst Tom De Koning replaces Levi Casboult, giving the Blues some more ruck depth. The Hawks have brought in Damon Greaves and debutant Ned Reeves, dropping Daniel Howe, Michael Hartley and Tim O’Brien.
The Hawks experienced midfield once again got taken to the cleaners last week, and coming up against the likes of Walsh (avg 30 disposals), Cripps (24) and Curnow (26) the Blues should be able to control the game through the centre of the ground.
This is a must win match for Carlton, they’ve got the Hawks completely covered for talent and the Hawks have struggled to find avenues to goal, ranking 14th in the AFL for goals. If there is ever a matchup for the Blues to fix their defensive woes, it’s this one.
Coleman medal leader Harry McKay will have a 10cm height advantage over likely opponent Kyle Hartigan, which will cause the Hawks all sorts of troubles.and open up plenty of opportunities for Carlton’s small forwards on the ground.
It’s hard to see this inexperienced Hawks forward line managing to kick a winning score, Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering will be liking their chances against youngsters Mitch Lewis and Jacob Koschitzke.
Both of these sides are hard to trust and you can expect a big response from the Hawks, however the Blues should have them covered. Clarkson is renowned for creating gritty contests when he faces more talent sides, like he did against Richmond and Geelong earlier this season. Four of the past five meetings between those sides have finished in the 1-39 margin range and the Blues at that margin looks the way to go in this clash
Blues 1-39 (1 Unit)
$2.10
Same Game Multi
We’re mixing it up this week, instead of our usual prop bets, we’re going with a three leg same game multi over $2 for you Sportsbet customers.
Changkuoth Jiath has been a revelation for the Hawks in a breakout season. Jiath is averaging 20 disposals per game, and has hit the 20 disposal mark in six of his nine matches this season. With Patrick Cripps having a subpar season, Ed Curnow has picked up the slack through the midfield averaging a career high 26 disposals in his eleventh season. Curnow’s ability to win the ball on the inside and the outside makes him a reliable choice for disposal markets, he’s gone 25 plus in six of his last seven games. Sam Walsh has elevated his game to superstar status in season 2021, carrying an underperforming Blues midfield. Walsh has hit the 25 disposal mark in seven of nine games this season, and he hit 24 on both occasions where went under 25 disposals.
Changkuoth Jiath 20+ Disposals
Ed Curnow 25+ Disposals
Sam Walsh 25+ Disposals
Blues vs Hawks Same Game Multi
$2.87
