Carlton’s blistering start to the 2022 AFL season has been tempered by some recent blemishes against Gold Coast and Fremantle, leaving this game against cellar dwellers North Melbourne as a must win. For North, every week is a battle right now, and the club will prioritise competitiveness this week against the up and down Blues side.
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Carlton vs North Melbourne Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 30th April, 7.25pm (AEST)
Carlton
Injuries: Marc Pittonet (out), Luke Parks (out), David Cuningham, Ed Curnow, Josh Honey, Caleb Marchbank, Oscar McDonald, Mitch McGovern
Marc Pittonet is a big out for the Blues, as his tap work has been pivotal to their dominance around the stoppages. On the bright side, Jack Silvagni and Matt Kennedy return.
Carlton are 4-2, but they haven’t been playing like premiership contenders in the last few weeks. A dominant midfield which can match it with any in the competition has not been able to distract from the inconsistency that has come to define the Blues in recent seasons. Carlton still concedes runs of five and six goals, keeping the opposition in games when perhaps they shouldn’t be. Nevertheless, the ingredients are still there for the Navy Blues to go a long way this season. Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow are an intimidating duo down forward, while Patrick Crips is back to his best in the middle, supported by the likes of George Hewett, Sam Walsh and Adam Cerra.
North Melbourne
Injuries: Jed Anderson, Ben Cunington, Aaron Hall, Ben McKay (suspension), Tristan Xerri (out), Jared Polec, Phoenix Spicer
The Kangaroos will also be without a key big man, losing Tristan Xerri for the next month. Jed Anderson is nearing a return after a long stint on the sidelines.
There was plenty of optimism surrounding North Melbourne at the start of the season, but so far they have been bitterly disappointing. Everyone understands that the list at Arden Street is still young and on a slow development path, however more is required from the team to maintain morale during what is a long season. Nick Larkey has been a shining light down forward, as has top draft pick Jason Horne-Francis in the middle… both will be hoping some of their teammates can stand up this week.
Match Prediction
North Melbourne has a surprisingly good recent history against the Blues, with two wins from three encounters by an average of over eight goals. The loss was also by just seven points.
However, Carlton are clearly the better team on paper here and they will be out to silence the critics after a couple of down weeks.
I see North being particularly vulnerable against the Blues’ twin towers, who should have favourable matchups.
McKay and Curnow should also get plenty of opportunities, as Cripps and co. are likely to dominate in the centre.
While the Roos are due a fighting performance, making the 27.5-point line slightly unattractive, this match could just as easily be a blow out.
Carlton -27.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
McDonald has reassumed the distributing halfback role that he thrived in throughout 2020, with Aaron Hall out of the side and Jack Ziebell operating as a forward. The experienced left-footer has hit 25+ twice this season, and should see plenty of ball this week.
Luke McDonald 25+ disposals ($3.25 at TAB)
After a delayed start to his season Sam Walsh has hit his straps in the last fortnight, chalking up 36 and 38 possessions in consecutive matches. This is what we have come to expect from the young running machine.
Sam Walsh 35+ disposals ($2.75 at TAB)
Martin has looked a likely goalkicker in the games he has played this season, with one two-goal haul to his name and a bunch of singles. If the Blues turn this into an easy kill, Martin is good value for a couple.
Jack Martin 2+ goals ($2.90 at TAB)
