Carlton v GWS betting tips & prediction | AFL Rd 6 preview

Carlton v GWS best bets

Blues v Giants AFL match preview

GWS face arguably their sternest test of the 2024 AFL season yet as they attempt to keep their unbeaten record intact against Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Giants are outsiders at $2.04, while the Blues are at $1.81 with AFL betting sites. The line at Neds has been set at a skinny 3.5 points.

The Blues suffered an upset last Saturday in a two-point loss to the Adelaide Crows. In a high-scoring affair, there were 12 lead changes throughout the game, where inaccurate kicking ultimately cost the Blues four points.

While the loss is no cause for concern, it was a reality check as Michael Voss’ side had won each of the past six matches decided by less than a goal.

It was also a horror day for injuries as Carlton lost Adam Saad, Adam Cerra and Mitch McGovern to hamstring injuries. With up to 12 AFL listed players on the injury list, the Blues depth will be tested as the likes of Lewis Young, Lachie Cowan and Alex Cincotta in line for a return. Young midfielder Jaxon Binns is also a chance of an AFL debut after impressing in the VFL.

The Giants remain undefeated on top of the ladder but not without a scare as they fought off a late St Kilda comeback to win by one point in Canberra last Saturday. With a lead as high as 35 points early in the final term, the Giants allowed the Saints to kick six unanswered goals in the first example of defensive vulnerability this year.

Partly to blame for the late collapse were a pair of injuries to key players Sam Taylor (concussion) and Stephen Coniglio (knee), leaving the Giants one down on the bench through the fourth quarter.

Both ruled out for this week, expect veteran pair Nick Haynes and Callan Ward to return to the side, while James Peatling may be up for a promotion after he impressed as the sub.

Carlton v GWS tips & betting strategy

Despite the Blues’ loss last Saturday, this is still arguably a clash between the two best sides in the AFL right now. With both sides missing important players due to injury, it may be up to which coach can cover their losses best. However, with the Giants facing the twin towers of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay without their best defender Taylor, the Blues forward line should prove too much, covering the narrow spread of -3.5 at $1.91 with online bookmakers.

Playing his first game for the season last weekend, Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh didn’t miss a beat, collecting 34 disposals and 13 tackles. A key part of both the inside and outside game for the Blues, the 23-year-old has now collected more than 33 disposals in each of his past three matches. Facing one of the premier midfields in the AFL expect Walsh to stand up, building on his excellent first outing with 30 or more disposals at $1.87 with bet365.

After a disappointing opening season for the Giants, 2022 number one pick Aaron Cadman has had a much more impressive start to 2024, kicking at least one goal in every match so far. With injuries to McGovern and Caleb Marchbank stretching the Carlton key defensive stocks, watch for Cadman to regularly have a mismatch against a smaller opponent. As such, take him to score two or more goals at $2.90 with BoomBet.

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