Carlton v Hawthorn betting tips & prediction | AFL Rd 22

Blues vs Hawks AFL best bets

Carlton v Hawthorn match preview

Carlton will be out to defend their top-eight position on the AFL ladder when they host Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

The Blues have been installed as $1.85 favourites despite their chequered form, while the Hawks are paying $2. The Neds bookmaker has set the line at a paltry 1.5 points.

Carlton have endured a horrible five weeks of football, recording a single win over the lowly Kangaroos and four losses. This form has plunged the Blues down the ladder, and they now cling to eighth spot by a mere two points.

The Blues were eyeing a top-four spot just a few weeks ago, but losses to the Giants, Bulldogs, Power and Magpies have dented their September aspirations. While key injuries have contributed, the squad is playing without the same tenacity and cohesion as it did earlier in the year.

Carlton will be without midfielders Adam Cerra (hamstring) and Matthew Cottrell (shoulder) due to injury. Coach Michael Voss has brought in Lachlan Cowan to shore up the backline, while the versatile Zac Williams features on an extended bench that also includes Jaxon Binns, Jack Carroll and Lewis Young.

Hawthorn squandered what looked a certain win against GWS, throwing the game away in the dying minutes after leading at every break. The loss cost the young Hawks a spot in the eight and makes this a must-win encounter.

Hawthorn have been playing some of the AFL’s most entertaining football, showing dash and daring at every opportunity. They had beaten the Dockers, Magpies and Crows before the heartbreak in Canberra.

Hawthorn midfielder Josh Ward is the only casualty this week, omitted after only 11 touches in the loss to the Giants. Midfielders Harry Morrison, Cam Mackenzie and Finn Maginness are all in the selection mix, while defender Jai Serong fills out the extended squad.

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Carlton v Hawthorn betting strategy

Hawthorn look set to bounce back with a strong effort against a team trending downward. AFL bookies have the game priced at near coin-flip odds, so take the Hawks to get home at $2 with BoomBet.

Hawthorn midfielder Massimo D’Ambrosio booted two goals against GWS in a tough day for scoring. The diminutive former Bomber has found his shooting boots in recent weeks, slotting five majors in as many games, so he looks a solid play at $2 in the anytime goalkicker market at Neds.

With so much to play for, this game may deliver a shootout. Carlton’s Charlie Curnow needs to hit the scoreboard if he hopes to defend his Coleman Medal, and the Hawks have broken 100 points twice in the last three weeks. Back the over 172.5 points at $1.90 on Unibet.

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