Bulldogs v Carlton AFL tips & team news | Round 18, 2024

Bulldogs v Blues R18 betting picks

Round 18: Western Bulldogs v Carlton AFL preview

The Western Bulldogs host Carlton at Marvel Stadium this Saturday in round 18 of the 2024 AFL season, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats.

The Blues enter this match as clear favourites at $1.51 with BoomBet, while the Dogs are paying $2.80 with PlayUp. The line is set at 14.5 points.

Last Saturday, it was a disappointing display from the Bulldogs as they lost to the Power by 48 points at Adelaide Oval. The latest blow in an inconsistent season, Luke Beveridge’s side kicked just 54 points while allowing Port Adelaide to score at will.

Sitting in 11th spot with a record of 8-8, the Dogs are the hardest side to gauge in the AFL this season. At their best they match it with the top sides in the AFL, but too often we see their worst. Online bookmakers have them at outsider odds of $3 to make the top eight.

The Bulldogs’ key-position stocks have taken a hit this week, as Liam Jones (knee), Aaron Naughton (concussion) and James O’Donnell (concussion) have all been ruled out. Cody Weightman and Alex Keath could return, while former first-round pick Jedd Busslinger is a chance to make his debut.

Carlton also went down last Saturday, losing to the GWS Giants by 12 points on the road. After kicking eight goals in the first term, the Blues conceded 14 of the next 17 majors as the Giants ran riot.

Despite the loss, Michael Voss’ men still remain in second on the ladder after winning their previous five matches. At $4.25, they have the second-best odds for the premiership with leading AFL bookies.

The Blues also have key-position worries this week, as ruckman Tom De Koning (ankle) and key defender Jacob Weitering (quad) both face fitness tests. If they aren’t fit, expect Marc Pittonet to return in the ruck and either Lewis Young or Caleb Marchbank to play in the backline.

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Bulldogs v Blues Rd 18 betting predictions

Given the inconsistency of the Bulldogs, they are always a chance of earning a result. This week, however, it is hard to see how they can match it with one of the form sides in the AFL. Back the Blues to cover the handicap of 14.5 points at $1.91 with top AFL betting sites.

The AFL leader for disposals in 2024, midfielder Adam Treloar has been a consistent performer despite the Bulldogs’ up-and-down results. After securing 38 disposals last weekend, the former Magpie has now cleared 35 on six occasions this season and has only gone under 25 once. As such, Treloar offers great value to continue his good form with 35 or more touches at $3.50 with leading Australian bookmakers.

With the Bulldogs missing both Jones and O’Donnell in defence, expect the Carlton forwards to play a major role in this clash — particularly Charlie Curnow. The current leader in the Coleman Medal race, the 27-year-old has scored multiple goals in all but one game this season. He averages five goals per game across his last three meetings with the Dogs, so back Curnow to have another big day with four or more at $3.40 with Bet365.

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