AFL Round 12 begins on Thursday night with a blockbuster clash that pits Port Adelaide against Carlton at the Adelaide Oval. Both clubs will fancy their chances of coming away with the chocolates, which makes for an intriguing matchup. As always, we have you covered with our full preview, best bet, and Same Game Multi!
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2024 AFL Round 12 Preview & Betting Tips
Port Adelaide vs Carlton
Thursday 7:30pm AEST, May 30th, Adelaide Oval
Port Adelaide enter Round 12 on a three-game win streak – their best such streak so far in season 2024. They began this mini run in Geelong where they upset the Cats by six points (101-95) before taking care of a pair of bottom 10 sides in the Hawks (80-79), and most recently the Kangaroos (107-48).
The Power, although sitting pretty in third spot on the ladder, are somewhat flying under the radar. Seldom do you hear of them in the ‘contenders’ discussion – most likely due to their failures in the finals in recent campaigns. Regardless, those in the Power’s inner sanctum would be pleased with what they’ve dished up through the first half of the season.
For the most part, the Power have been blessed with a great run with injuries. Only two of their best 23 – Sam Powell-Pepper (season) and Willie Rioli (2-3 weeks), are currently sidelined with injury, while captain Connor Rozee will face a late fitness test ahead of Thursday night, after rolling his ankle in the opening seconds against the Kangaroos last start. (Rozee has since been ruled out of Thursday night’s clash)
Carlton perhaps have more admirers for their performances to date in 2024 compared to the Power despite their lower ladder position (eighth). They started the season on fire with wins in their opening four games before injuries severely struck; however, they’ve somewhat steadied the ship with two wins from their last three.
The Blues’ most recent win against the Suns was one of their most impressive four-quarter performances to date. They led at the end of each break and stormed home in the second half when outscoring the Suns 69-37.
Injuries at the Blues have let-up a touch in recent weeks although they still have plenty of handy names on the official AFL Injury List. Headlining the current outs are Adam Cerra (3-4 weeks), Sam Docherty (season), and ruckman Marc Pittonet (1-2 weeks). Pittonet’s injury means Tom De Koning will likely take the lion’s share of the ruck duties again this Thursday night.
Match Prediction: These clubs generally only meet once per year and it’s been the Blues who have had the advantage in their two most recent meetings, winning by three points in 2022 and 50 points in last year’s clash.
Both teams are without key players for this meeting which makes it a bit of a tricky betting game; however, the Blues have been giant killers in recent times under coach Michael Voss, winning 11 of their past 14 matches against higher-ranked teams. With that said, I believe they’re juicy odds to get the chocolates and am happy to take them at the +6.5 spread.
Carlton +6.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
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Sam Walsh 30+ Disposals – The Power will likely send Drew to Cripps and that’ll allow Walsh to get off the chain. He’s a running machine and should accumulate again here.
Zak Butters 25+ Disposals – Only had the 19 last weekend due to a heavy tag from Shiels. Won’t be getting as much attention here and should bounce back.
Charlie Curnow 2+ Goals – The Power have some monsters down back but none with the athleticism to keep Curnow quiet all game. He kicks 2+ week in, week out.
Darcy Byrne-Jones Anytime Goal Scorer – Loves bobbing up for a goal a game and is always a juicy price. He’s kicked 2, 2, and 2 in his last three.
SGM Odds: $4.75 at BoomBet
