Geelong v Carlton AFL betting tips & predictions | April 27, 2024

Geelong vs Carlton AFL R7 best bets

Geelong Cats vs Carlton Blues AFL Round 7 preview

Two sides with premiership credentials meet on Saturday afternoon as Geelong host Carlton at the MCG in round seven of the 2024 AFL season.

The Geelong Cats continued their unbeaten start last Saturday with an impressive 26-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. In torrential conditions, it was a low-scoring affair, with neither side able to take control throughout the first three quarters. However, the Cats proved too strong in the end, kicking the final five goals of the match, while keeping the Lions to their lowest-ever score at the venue.

After missing the finals in 2023, the Cats have burst out the gate this season to surprise many. However, note that they have faced just one current top-eight side so far, with this weekend’s match shaping as their biggest challenge yet.

Unfortunately for the Cats, they will be missing star defender Tom Stewart, as the five-time All-Australian was concussed against the Lions. With the massive defensive task of facing the twin towers of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, rookie Connor O’Sullivan looks the most likely to return to the side. Veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie is available for selection for the first time this season, but it is yet unclear whether he will return via the VFL.

The Carlton Blues also had an impressive win last Saturday, as they beat the previously undefeated GWS Giants by 19 points at Marvel Stadium. In a high-quality affair, the Blues found themselves down by 20 points midway through the third term, but a run of eight consecutive goals led them to victory. Captain Patty Cripps was best-on with 39 disposals, while the tall trio of Curnow, McKay, and Tom De Koning combined for nine goals.

With an already extensive injury list, the Blues are now sweating on the availability of defensive pair Jacob Weitering (quad) and Zac Williams (Achilles) after they both received knocks last weekend. Already missing four of their best starting defenders, this would leave the likes of Alex Cincotta and Sam Durdin as the most likely replacements.

Geelong Cats vs Carlton Blues betting prediction

Scheduled as a rare home game at the MCG, it couldn’t have been at a worse time for the Cats as they face the red-hot Carlton Blues. All eyes will be on the key position battles at either end of the field, but the Blues should have the ascendency in the midfield, with vastly more experience than the Cats. If this match were being held in Geelong, it might be a different story, but given it’s at the ‘G, take the Blues as slight underdogs at $2.05 with PlayUp.

Playing a new role off half-back in 2024, Geelong youngster Max Holmes has had a great start to the season, averaging over 23 disposals per game. Fresh off a four-year contract extension during the week, the 21-year-old is known for his speed, endurance, and decision-making. Similar players such as Lachie Whitfield, Mitch Hinge, and Jordan Clark have all collected over 25 disposals against the Blues in the past three weeks, so back Holmes to do the same at $2.15.

One of Carlton’s most consistent performers, Blake Acres, has been a key reason for the Blues recent success. Playing on the wing, the former Docker collects plenty of uncontested footy, averaging 25 disposals per game over the past two weeks. In his past two matches against the Cats, he has tallied 26 and 27 disposals, respectively, so expect him to continue his good run with 25 or more disposals at $2.15 with top AFL bookmakers.

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