Carlton v Hawthorn AFL R2 betting tips | Thursday, March 20

Carlton v Hawthorn R2 best bets

AFL Round 2: Carlton v Hawthorn match preview

Hawthorn will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the 2025 AFL season when they face Carlton to kick off Round 2 at the MCG this Thursday night.

Top AFL odds have Hawthorn at $1.45 for the win, while the Blues are outsiders at $2.95 after their horror opener. The line is set at 15.5 points.

Carlton couldn’t have asked for a worse start to the year last Thursday as they fell to Richmond by 13 points. Despite entering the game as $1.05 favourites with top AFL bookies, the Blues gave up a 41-point lead to the Tigers, who kicked nine goals to two in the second half.

Carlton have one of the most talented lists in the AFL, with a star-studded midfield and an excellent key-position group. However, their lack of smalls at either end of the ground is set to be a major concern throughout the year.

On the other hand, Hawthorn moved to 2-0 after they beat Essendon by 26 points last Friday. After taking a 27-point lead into quarter-time, the Hawks held the gap throughout the game. The small forwards did the damage, with Dylan Moore and Nick Watson both kicking three goals, while the Hawks’ defence was strong.

Following up on their strong win over Sydney in Opening Round, the Hawks are now outright premiership favourites at $7 with the best online bookmakers.

Carlton v Hawthorn team news – Round 2, 2025

After getting through the match against the Tigers unscathed, there are no forced changes for Carlton this week. However, in a major boost, key forward Charlie Curnow looks set to return from a knee injury, while there could be some more changes after such a poor performance in Round 1.

Hawthorn are set to be without key defender Jack Scrimshaw for this clash after he was concussed (and cited for striking) in the win against Essendon. Sam Frost is expected to move into the starting 22 after two weeks as the substitute, while half-back Changkuoth Jiath is in the mix to play his first game for the season.

Carlton v Hawthorn R2 betting predictions

It is no surprise to see the Hawks as such clear favourites. They are playing a counterattacking style which is tough to stop, while they have the defensive stocks to handle the Coleman Medal-winning pair of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. Continuing on with their good form, back Hawthorn to cover the line of -15.5 points at $1.91 with BetOnline.

Carlton wingman Blake Acres has become a constant goal threat recently, with six goals in his last six games. He has also scored a goal in each of his last six meetings with the Hawks, so back Acres to slot another one this weekend at $2.25 with major sports betting sites.

After being held goalless against the Swans, Hawks small forward Nick Watson bounced back last Friday with three majors. With three or more goals in five of his last six matches, the second-year player presents as the biggest threat in this clash. The Blues were torn apart by the Richmond smalls in Round 1, so back Watson to do the same with three or more goals at $3.10 with Neds.

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