Friday night footy is serving up a blockbuster this week as the Bombers take on the Blues from the MCG. As always, we have you covered with a dedicated preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember to head to our AFL Tips page for dedicated previews on all six games in Round 13 of the season.
Essendon vs Carlton Betting Tips
MCG, Friday 10th June, 7.50pm (AEST)
Essendon
Injuries: Nick Cox, Michael Hurley, Kyle Langford, Will Snelling, Patrick Voss (Out) Andrew McGrath (Test)
The Bombers have recovered pretty well from a long injury list a few weeks ago and will now be without just a handful of best 22 players. Andrew McGrath suffered a groin niggle in the loss to the Power two weeks ago and will need to pass a fitness test to play.
The Bombers will be on the back of a well deserved break as they had the bye in Round 12. They'll no doubt be helpful that it can serve as a season reset for what has been a tough run so far. They are 2-10 on the season so far but a win over one of their biggest rivals in the Blues would give their supporters a much needed highlight for the 2022 season.
Development will be the key for the Bombers for the rest of the season as they will look to continue to get games into their young stars.
Carlton
Injuries: David Cunningham, Ed Curnow, Oscar McDonald, Mitch McGovern, Harry McKay, Luke Parks, Marc Pittonet, Jacob Weitering, Zac Williams (Out) Caleb Marchbank, Matt Kennedy (Test)
It's a testament to the Blues depth that they have been able to maintain a 8-3 record through 11 games so far this season given the injury issues they have. Outside of the Eagles, they have probably the longest injury list in the league at the moment and will be without key players McKay, McGovern, Weitering and Williams for Friday night.
Those injury concerns seemed to finally catch up to the Blues in Round 11 as they went down to the Pies despte coming into the game as firm favourites. They will have relished the week off to get a little bit of rest into their battered list and will welcome what should be a winnable game regardless of injuries agains the Bombers.
The loss to the Magpies snapped a four game winning streak from the Blues, and with the bye on the weekend, they slipped further down the ladder to 7th palce. A loss on the weekend would put them right back in the mix for the final few spots in the top eight, and with tough games against the Tigers, Dockers and Saints to come in the following weeks, this one becomes super important.
Match Prediction
I think the injury list for the Blues keeps this game a little closer than it probably would have been otherwise. There's also the big factor of these two teams being massive rivals, which generally results in a close game, much like the Pies-Blues game a few weeks ago.
Backing Carlton to get the job done here by the 1-39 margin. Just one of the last 10 games between these two teams has resulted in a margin of 40+ points. Weather will also play a part in keeping this one close (see below).
Carlton 1-39
$2.10 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
Rain is running rampant through Melbourne all week this week and it looks like Friday will be no different. Current forcasts suggest up to 3mm is set for Friday afternoon and into the evening, so I think this could be a pretty slick game. Back the unders.
Under 166.5 ($1.88 at Ladbrokes)
The Bombers allow the fifth most disposals in the league this season behind only the Eagles, Magpies, Roos and Cats. Their midfield is well documented for only running one way, which opens up the possibility for big games from opposing midfielders. Sam Walsh has had 110+ fantasy points in 6/10 games this season but I think he could go even bigger this week.
Sam Walsh 120+ Fantasy Points ($2.55 at Ladbrokes)
