The first of three AFL Round 15 matches on Saturday sees the Blues host the Dockers at Marvel Stadium. Catch our preview and best bets for this heavyweight battle right here!
As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the game and remember to head to our AFL Tips page, where you can catch our coverage of all the Round 15 action.
Carlton vs Fremantle Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Saturday 25th June 1:45pm (AEST)
Carlton
Injuries: Adam Cerra (Hamstring), Ed Curnow (Calf), Sam Durdin (Knee), Caleb Marchbank (Knee), Oscar McDonald (Back), Mitch McGovern (Hamstring), Luke Parks (Foot), Marc Pittonet (Knee), Jacob Weitering (Shoulder), Zac Williams (Calf)
The Blues have an extensive injury list heading into Round 15, headlined by Adam Cerra, Marc, Pittonet, Jacob Weitering and Zac Williams. Jack Martin also faces a test to prove his fitness for this clash.
The Blues were far from their best against the Tigers last weekend and still managed to push them all the way in a 15-point loss. Harry McKay proved his worth yet again with three goals in the space of five minutes in the fourth quarter, but fellow key forward Charlie Curnow was well-held by Dylan Grimes. That loss was their second from their last three matches, all of which have been in Melbourne. As a result, the Blues have slipped to fifth on the ladder and are only one game clear of the ninth-placed Magpies.
Fremantle
Injuries: Blake Acres (Hamstring), Jye Amiss (Kidney), Heath Chapman (Hamstring), Nathan O’Driscoll (Foot), Sam Switkowski (Back), Josh Treacy (Ankle)
Blake Acres was the latest key Docker to go down after suffering a hamstring injury on the weekend. Heath Chapman continues to miss with the same issue, while Sam Switkowski will face a test on his back injury.
The bye probably came at the right time for the Dockers as they’d just come up three really tough victories in a row, all of which resulted in wins. It’s been an incredible resurgence by the Dockers this season as they’ve gone from a bottom half side to a legitimate premiership contender. What’s more, skipper Nat Fyfe made a fantastic return to the seniors against the Hawks last outing and will only get better with every game providing he stays fit and healthy. The Dockers enter Round 15 with a 10-3 record and sit third on the ladder.
Match Prediction
Fremantle have been the more consistent and convincing of the two teams in this fixture this season, but the fact that this is at Marvel Stadium where the Dockers have lost seven of their last nine does level the playing field. With that said, I’m reluctant to make a play on the H2H market here and will instead look to the total points market where I believe there’s some value.
The Dockers are arguably the best defensive team in the competition this season and that’s resulted in nine of their last 12 matches going under the total points line. On top of that, each of the last two meetings between these sides have resulted in totals of less than 160 points. Happy to be on the unders on this occasion for two units.
Under 163.5 Points (2 UNITS)
$1.88
Prop Bets
I expect this game to be one of runs and momentum swings, which will eventually decide the outcome. In a game that I expect to be close with the lead chopping and changing, taking the ‘Any Other Result’ in the ‘Wire to Wire’ market is always a good way to play. Looks like good value in this fixture.
Wire to Wire – Any Other Results ($1.87 Ladbrokes)
Nat Fyfe made a successful return to football at the elite level in Round 13 with 22 touches and a goal, while spending most of his time up forward. He’s had a full fortnight to recover from that outing and I expect him to only build from his first up performance this weekend. Love his value for 2+ and 3+ goals here.
Nat Fyfe 2+ Goals ($2.25 Ladbrokes)
Michael Walters for 15+ disposals has been a mainstay in my SGM’s over the past 4-5 weeks and he’s yet to let me down. After a slow start to the season, Walters has continued to build his form and has recorded 16+ disposals in each of his last four outings, including 22 in his most recent match. Keen to take him for 15+ in my multis again on Saturday.
Michael Walter 15+ Disposals ($1.67 Ladbrokes)
