Carlton v West Coast AFL tips & preview | Round 5, 2025

Carlton v West Coast best bets

Carlton Blues v West Coast Eagles Round 5 preview

Carlton face a struggling West Coast Eagles outfit to open Saturday’s AFL action in Adelaide, with both teams desperate to break their winless starts to the season.

The Blues showed plenty of fight in a 17-point loss to Collingwood last week, but their second-half fadeouts remain a big concern for a team that started the year among the premiership favourites with AFL betting sites.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are reeling from a heavy defeat to GWS and remain winless after four rounds. Many of their experienced campaigners have come under fire in recent weeks, and West Coast fans will want to see a big lift in leadership and workrate going forward.

With both sides sitting at 0–4, this looms as a crucial opportunity to get their campaigns back on track. Top AFL bookmakers have installed Carlton as clear favourites, but given some of their efforts to date, this clash remains wide open.

Blues v Eagles R5 team news

Carlton could receive a significant boost this Saturday with Harry McKay expected to return to the forward line, while Alex Cowan (hamstring) is set to miss, potentially paving the way for Matt Carroll to make his AFL debut.

McKay has missed the past three weeks due to personal reasons and illness — a major setback for the Blues, who had hoped to spark a turnaround in their season well before Round 5.

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The big news out of the West Coast camp is the axing of star midfielder Tim Kelly, with first-year coach Andrew McQualter sending a warning shot to the team’s leaders.

The Eagles are also set to regain some key personnel, with gun forwards Jake Waterman and Liam Ryan both making the trip to Adelaide. Jack Hutchinson is also expected to come back into the side after problems with his hamstring.

Carlton v West Coast predictions

This is a must-win for Carlton, but don’t expect a blowout. The Blues have struggled to put teams away, being outscored by 101 points in the second half this season. With both clubs winless so far, the 1-39 margin for Carlton at $2.30 offers solid value with Picklebet.

Eagles co-captain Liam Duggan is always busy across half-back and through the middle, averaging 22.4 disposals in his last five games against Carlton. Take him for 20 or more disposals at $1.97 with online bookmakers.

Jamie Cripps is one of West Coast’s most reliable players, kicking two or more in three of his last five games. With the Carlton defence struggling to contain small forwards this season, he’s a strong chance for two or more goals at $3.90 with Neds.

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