The second game on AFL Saturday’s slate sees Carlton taking on Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. There’s an opportunity for both teams to experience some rare joy in what has been a bleak season for both clubs, so expect plenty of desperation from two sides that need a win badly.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Blues vs Power below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Carlton vs Port Adelaide Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2025 Round 23
The Blues Continue
A strong fourth quarter gave the Blues some hope and optimism, however their first three quarters against the Suns was another ordinary showing to add to an ordinary season. Carlton trailed by 45 points at three quarter time, before kicking the first five goals of the final quarter to get within two goals. It wasn’t enough however as the Suns steadied to run out 19 point winners, to give Carlton their fourteenth loss of the season. Carlton conceded 11 out of 13 goals between the first and third quarter, which saw the Suns get to a game high lead of 48 points. The Blues will get a much needed boost with Sam Walsh returning for his first game in ten weeks after a foot injury.
The One That Got Away
After back to back annihilations in Rounds 20 and 21, Port Adelaide almost caused one of the upsets of the season that would have shaken the top 8 completely. The Power overcame a four goal deficit early to lead for the entirety of the second and third quarters against Fremantle. However Port Adelaide conceded four of the last five goals of the game to lose by six points, with Alex Pearce kicking the winner in the final minute of the game. The Power showed some huge improvements on the prior fortnight though winning the tackle count by 15 and the disposal count by 9. Port Adelaide’s defence held up well against an ambush of Fremantle inside 50’s, however in the end the weight of numbers proved too much.
The Stats That Matter
Both teams struggled in a lot of key areas, the Power rank 15th in points for (74), 15th for disposals, 15th for marks, 14th for points against (92) and 13th for inside 50’s. Carlton ranks 13th in points for (75) and 11th for points against (82). Both teams have struggled to score, with Carlton only scoring 100 points twice this season and while Port Adelaide have only reached the mark once.
One area Carlton can get an advantage is at the coalface, with the Blues ranking second in the competition for contested possessions while Port ranks 16th. Carlton ranks sixth for clearances, so if they can control the game at the source, they should be able to win the territory battle and put Port Adelaide’s defence under pressure.
Blues or Power? Here’s Our Carlton vs Port Adelaide Tip
Some may think there will be a lack of motivation from both sides given their ladder positions, however given both clubs don’t have their own first round picks this year, there’s no benefit to losing for either team. Since Port Adelaide’s 50 point win over the Blues in Round 16, the Power have lost five of their next six games, by an average margin of 51 points. Carlton have also lost five of their last six but have been a lot more competitive, with an average losing margin of 32 points.
Carlton’s work around the ball should be able to give them a big advantage in this matchup, if they dominate clearances like they should, they’ll be able to dominate the territory battle. If Carlton can keep the ball pinned in their front half for long enough, the Power defence will break, as it has done all season long.
Carlton -12.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Carlton vs Port Adelaide Prop Bet: Port’s Main Man
Our Best Prop Bet
Despite Port Adelaide’s struggles this season, Zak Butters has had another great year averaging over 27 disposals per game. Butters work since Port’s Round 16 win over the Blues has been quality. Butters has produced games of 30, 31, 38, 18, 34, 10 and 29 disposals, and will be set for another big performance against Carlton.
Zak Butters 30+ Disposals
$3.40
Carlton vs Port Adelaide Same Game Multi
Ollie Wines 25+ Disposals: Ollie Wines has quietly put together an impressive season, averaging 25 disposals at age 30. Wines’ last five weeks have been incredibly consistent, producing games of 25, 32, 25, 26 and 25 disposals.
Connor Rozee 25+ Disposals: The Port Adelaide skipper loves playing against Carlton. Rozee has averaged 26 disposals per game across his last four games against the Blues, including a 30 disposal game the last time these sides met.
Mitch Georgiades 2+ Goals: Georgiades is having a career best season, with his 53 goals seeing him in fourth place on the Coleman Medal leaderboard. Georgiades has kicked 2+ goals in 14 of his 21 games this season, and has kicked multiple goals in 6 of his last 7 games, including a bag of 5 goals against the Blues.
SGM Odds: $3.20 with Dabble
Carlton vs Port Adelaide Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 16th August
Time: 1:20pm AEST
Location: Marvel Stadium
Weather: Light rain, 11 degrees
Odds: Carlton ($1.50) vs Port Adelaide ($2.60)
Line: Carlton -12.5
Points: 171.5
Where to Watch Carlton vs Port Adelaide?
You can watch Carlton vs Port Adelaide on Kayo Sports.
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