Marvel Stadium will play host to an intriguing battle between the Blues and Giants on Saturday night from 7.40pm! As always, PuntingInDanger has you covered with a preview, best bets and a same game multi for the clash below.
Remember to check out our thoughts on all nine games in Round 22 of the AFL by heading to our AFL Tips page.
AFL Carlton vs GWS Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Saturday 21st August, 7.40pm (AEST)
Carlton will be playing for pride alone when they host the Giants Saturday night, but for GWS, a spot in the finals is on the line. Will we see the Blues put up a fight or do they already have the cue in the rack?
Match Preview
With their season on the line, the Giants have played two of the best games of the season over the last two weeks, downing Geelong at GMHBA in Round 20 before giving the Tigers an absolute beat down at Marvel Stadium on Friday night. Their destiny is now in their own hands heading into the final round. Win and they maintain 7th place on the ladder, lose and they could potentially fall all the way to 10th and out of the finals.
The Giants got through their clash against the Tigers unscathed, meaning their squad is really starting to take shape heading into the finals. Toby Greene will return to the line-up this week after serving his suspension, while Phil Davis and Stephen Coniglio could all be fit as well. It gives the Giants ones of the strongest squads they have had to choose from all season.
The Blues looked destined for a real tilt at the finals when they knocked off the Saints in a dominant display in Round 20. Fast forward a few weeks and they have lost their last two games to the Suns and Power and are now done and dusted in season 2021. There's a chance that the Blues might even want to pack up shop a week early this year, as a loss to the Giants could see them potentially fall another 1 or 2 spots on the ladder, improving their place in the draft.
With nothing to play for, there is no doubt that those few that were fighting to find fitness for a potential finals campaign will now be put on ice in the likes of Zac Williams, Harry McKay and Marc Pittonet. Sam Walsh, Patty Cripps, Charlie Curnow, Jack Silvagni and Jack Martin have also all battled injuries over the last few weeks so they too could be rested.
The Giants start as firm favourites here and with everything on the line, it’s hard to see them dropping the ball. They very well could be playing against a Blues outfit that more resembles one you’d find in the VFL, so back them to take care of business here and lock up 7th place on the ladder.
Giants -21.5 (2 Units)
$1.90
Same Game Multi
Toby Greene has been arguably the best forward in the competition this season. He sits in 12th place on the Coleman Medal tally, but has played fewer games than the 11 players above him, booting 41 goals in just 16 games so far this season. He kicked four against the Dogs in his last game and when he faced the Blues earlier in the season he racked up six scoring shots, kicking 4.2.
We are going to pair two relatively safe legs with our Greene 3+ goals selection to get over the all-important $2.00 barrier at Sportsbet. Tim Taranto spent the majority of the game forward against the Tigers, but with Toby Greene coming back into the line-up this week, he will go back into the midfield. Back him to be back in the top disposal getters.
Sam Walsh has been the shining light of the Blues season this year and if he plays, it’s hard to see him just rolling over and dying. Expect him to put up a fight and pass the 25-disposal mark for the 18th time.
Greene 2+ Goals
Taranto 20+ Disp.
Walsh 25+ Disp.
CARL vs GWS Same Game Multi
$2.37
