Round 8 of the 2022 AFL season wraps up at Marvel Stadium on Sunday as the finals chasing Blues take on a surprisingly competitive Adelaide side.
Both sides enter this encounter with confidence and a sense of hope for the current campaign, so it will be fascinating to see who prevails under the roof!
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 Adelaide Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 8th May, 4.40pm (AEST)
Carlton
Injuries: David Cuningham, Ed Curnow, George Hewett, Josh Honey, Oscar McDonald, Mitch McGovern, Luke Parks, Marc Pittonet, Liam Stocker (suspended)
George Hewett is still missing with a badly corked calf, while several other first team players remained sidelines.
Carlton got back into their groove with a 50-point win over North Melbourne, keeping them in the conversation for a top four berth. The Blues have a scarily tough midfield unit and three of the best key position players in the competition in Jacob Weitering, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. All that the squad is chasing is consistency, so wins against sides like Adelaide are crucial.
Adelaide
Injuries: Ned McHenry (out), Brodie Smith (out), Paul Seedsman, Rory Sloane, Zac Taylor, Riley Thilthorpe
Brodie Smith suffered a nasty concussion last week, while Paul Seedsman’s concussion issues remain ongoing.
After dramatic wins against Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide were brought back down to earth by GWS last week in a 59-point thrashing. It was a result that will have the Crows itching to atone for their efforts this week, however the assignment is a tough one. The return of Taylor Walker has been crucial to how Adelaide structure up, while Rory Laird and Ben Keays are going from strength to strength in midfield. Where the Crows may struggle this week is containing the elite key forwards that Carlton possesses.
Match Prediction
Carlton won the corresponding fixture last year by 10 points, and generally have good history against the Crows.
The venue for this match will also benefit the Blues, who know the fast track of Marvel well.
Although Adelaide has started the season well, it will take a lot of grit for their young list to maintain the rage throughout the middle stages of the year.
Carlton have their sights firmly set on making the top eight, so I envisage a comfortable victory here.
Carlton -21.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Hately has not set the world on fire since crossing to Adelaide but he should get more opportunities in the middle this week with Rory Sloane out for the year and Matt Crouch omitted. He had 17 disposals last time out.
Jackson Hately 15+ disposals (1.90 at TAB)
Kennedy has moved back into the midfield in the absence of Hewett and had 24 disposals last week against North Melbourne. The bull went 30+ in the first three rounds this year, showing his ability to accumulate.
Matthew Kennedy most disposals Group B ($2.50 at TAB)
McKay has scored three or more goals three times this season and in a comfortable Carlton win he should get on the end of a few at Marvel.
Harry McKay 3+ goals ($1.75 at TAB)
