Footy fans are blessed with a blockbuster clash to kick off AFL Round 9, with Carlton set to take on Melbourne at the MCG on Thursday night. Both clubs are currently placed inside the top eight and are expected to be competing for the ultimate prize in September, so you can expect a high-quality contest. We bring you our full betting preview below, complete with our best bet and Same Game Multi!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2024 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
2024 AFL Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Carlton vs Melbourne
Thursday 7:30pm AEST, May 9th, MCG
After relatively smooth sailing in the early goings, Carlton now face some adversity for the first time in 2024 on the back of consecutive losses against quality teams.
The Blues went into their Round 8 clash against the Magpies as the slight favourites due to superior form coupled with the latter having a few key late outs; and while the Blues were far from disgraced it was the Magpies who secured the deserved four points (79-85).
In some regard, the Blues were lucky to be in with a chance of winning the game late in the fourth quarter as they were smashed in a lot of the key statistics. Coach Michael Voss was clearly frustrated with his side’s inability to get the ball moving forward, and they ended up with an extremely low 38 inside 50s compared to the Magpies who had 64.
On a positive note, the Blues injury list has shortened quite a bit this week, and they could welcome back the likes of Caleb Marchbank and Mitch McGovern to strengthen their defence. Small forwards Jack Martin and Jesse Motlop are also not too far away, while Zac Williams will face a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Melbourne entered the season with plenty to prove after a turbulent off-season, but they’ve let their footy do the talking and have proven to all that they’re genuine contenders and a force to be reckoned with.
The Demons claimed the biggest scalp currently available last weekend when they defeated the previously unblemished Cats by eight points at the MCG (74-66). That win made it two in a row and six from their last seven games since falling to the Swans in Opening Round.
One of the most pleasing signs from their recent win was the return to form of superstar midfielder, Clayton Oliver. He’s had his issues over the past 12 months but was arguably best afield with his 31 disposals, 12 of which came in the final term where he willed his side to victory.
In more good news for the Demons, running defender Jake Bowey will come straight back into the side after recovering from a shoulder injury that he suffered in the opening game of the season. On top of that, Christian Salem is also only 1-2 weeks away from a return.
Match prediction: These clubs played twice last season and their most recent battle was of course in the semi-finals where the Blues prevailed by two points (73-71). The Blues also won their clash earlier in the season and that too was an absolute nail-biter (60-56).
Both matches last season were close throughout with plenty of momentum swings for each team. This resulted in the ‘Any Other Result’ getting up in the ‘Wire-to-Wire’ market on both occasions, meaning no team led at the end of all four quarters. And with another extremely tight contest seemingly on the forecast, I like the value in Any Other Result saluting once more.
Wire to Wire: Any Other Result
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare button below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Harry McKay 2+ Goals – He’s in fantastic form and has kicked 22 goals in eight games this season, including 2+ in 7/8.
Kysaiah Pickett 2+ Goals – He’s kicked 2+ in five straight games at the MCG and remains great value.
Clayton Oliver 25+ Disposals – He looked back to his best last weekend with 31 disposals including 12 in the final term. Expect him to back it up with another big game.
Alex Neal-Bullen 15+ Disposals – He’s reached the 15-disposal mark in 11 of his last 12 games and remains value.
SGM Odds: $4.50 at BoomBet
