Carlton vs Melbourne AFL Round 2 betting tips

Carlton vs Melbourne betting preview

Two of Victoria’s proudest clubs will make their way to Marvel Stadium this Saturday afternoon as the Carlton Blues host the Melbourne Demons.

Both teams are looking to climb the ladder throughout the 2020 AFL Premiership season after finishing in the bottom three last year.

It has been a tough, long break for both clubs, as they haven’t yet been given the chance to make amends for their losses in round one.

SEE ALSO: AFL ROUND 2 BETTING UPDATE

Patrick Cripps and the Blues will have taken plenty from their performance against Richmond nonetheless, as they booted nine goals in the second half to keep the scoreline respectable.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has elected to debut three players for this clash, with Harley Bennell set to play his first game since 2017 alongside draftees Luke Jackson and Trent Rivers.

Online bookmakers have low expectations on both the Demons and Blues, but that could change if either side bolts out of the gates with a strong display on Saturday.

Carlton vs Melbourne disposal tips

The Carlton co-captain made a great return from an extended stint on the sidelines in round one, getting 26 touches and looking sharp in the back six. We rate half-backs very highly this season and their run-and-carry will be crucial to team success. As Docherty will take the bulk of the kickouts for the Blues, the $2.30 for him to top 25 disposals looks like great value.

The year was a tough one for Jack Viney, who carried injuries and played hurt most weeks, but the Melbourne captain looks ready to rumble in 2020. He had the second-most disposals of any player in round one with 34, and we think the odds for 25 or more touches this week are far too high for a player of Viney’s calibre.

Carlton vs Melbourne goalscorer betting

The closed roof at Marvel Stadium makes it an excellent place for forwards to kick at goal. Jack Martin has always been an excellent set shot and field kick, meaning his talents will be further expanded at the Docklands. Blues fans are very bullish about their new recruit after he booted four goals in the third quarter against Richmond.

The level of young talent coming through this draft class is ridiculous, and the classy Kysaiah Pickett is a prime example. A walking highlight package that knows where the goals are, he looms as a real smokey for the 2020 AFL Rising Star award. Pickett kicked two goals and two behinds in round one, so the $4.33 for another brace this weekend feels like easy money.

Carlton vs Melbourne match predictions

Both clubs are known for having great midfielders, but you do not often hear about their defenders. Although there are plenty of capable backmen in the squads, the overall style these teams will implement is not overly defensive. We think both teams will try and take the game on, meaning it should be a high-scoring affair under the roof at Marvel.

It is hard to pick a winner in this match as both sides are expected to climb the ladder this season, but we think the Blues will put up a good fight. If we were to provide an outright tip it would have to be the Demons, but for now we will take the unpredictable Blues at the line.