Round 1 of the 2023 AFL season was one to remember, and you can expect Round 2 will be just as good, if not better! It all begins on Thursday night when Carlton hosts Geelong in a blockbuster at the MCG. We preview the clash below and bring you our best bet and value Same Game Multi!
Also, we're previewing and providing best bets for every game of the 2023 season, so be sure to head on over to our AFL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content! And if you're having a bet on the footy this weekend, why not bet with BoomBet?
AFL Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Carlton vs Geelong
Thursday 7:20pm AEDT, March 23rd, MCG
Both winless after one round, Carlton and Geelong will battle it out this Thursday night in front of what will be a packed crowd at the MCG. Conditions should allow for an entertaining game to kick off Round 2, with the weather forecast in Melbourne showing a top of 24 degrees and 0-1mm rain.
Carlton looked well on their way to securing an upset win in their season-opening fixture against Richmond last Thursday, but a late goal from Tigers spearhead Tom Lynch levelled the scores with just seconds to go and neither team had time to kick a go-ahead score.
The Blues could probably consider themselves lucky to come away with two points after losing the battle in most key statistics. They had less disposals, less clearances, less tackles, and a lot fewer inside 50s (45-66) compared to the Tigers, but their superior connection between their midfielders and forwards allowed for them to stay in the game and give themselves a great chance of winning.
Geelong also looked in control and on the path to victory in their Round 1 match, but eventually succumbed to a hungrier and more determined Collingwood outfit. The Cats led at the end of each of the first three quarters, but lost the final term 4-32 and ended up losing by 22 points.
The Cats were beaten in just about all of the key statistics but managed to stay ahead for most of the game due to their elite accuracy in front of goal. They were soundly beaten by the Magpies chip-mark approach that saw them take a whopping 105 marks, which is well above the league average of around 70 from a season ago. On top of that, the Cats were beaten in clearances, contested and uncontested possessions, so it’s fair to say they didn’t deserve the four points.
Both sides are dealing with injuries to key players and will have their squad depth tested again on Thursday night. The Blues will be without superstar Sam Walsh and wingman Zac Williams who both also missed Round 1. Meanwhile, the Cats will be without midfielders Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola, as well as star defender Tom Stewart who hurt his knee in last weekend’s defeat.
It's hard to assess each team’s Round 1 performance without being able to cross-reference form, however, the Cats have recent history on their side in this matchup having won five of their last six meetings, which includes each of their last two that were played at the MCG. And while the Blues have been on the improve over the past few seasons and are set to offer a bigger challenge this time around, the Cats are still the superior side and I can’t see them starting their premiership defence 0-2. So, with that said, I’ll be backing in the Cats to win and cover the small line for 1.5 units.
Geelong -9.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Sam Docherty 25+ Disposals – The star rebounding defender was back to his old tricks in Round 1 with 25 disposals. Docherty has now recorded 25+ in eight straight matches and remains great value.
Patrick Dangerfield 20+ Disposals – Had 25 CBA’s in Round 1 and ended up collecting 22 touches. He’s had 22+ in each of his last five matches at the MCG and will be desperately trying to avoid going 0-2 in his reign as captain.
Oliver Henry 2+ Goals – Henry stood tall in his first game against his old side with two goals, and should have had three if not for the run-down tackle in the goal square. He gets the third or fourth best defender and is great value for multiple goals again this weekend.
Same Game Multi odds - $4.60
