Melbourne v Carlton AFL semi final betting tips & best odds

Melbourne v Carlton best bets

Demons v Blues AFL finals preview

Week two of the AFL finals series kicks off on Friday night with a blockbuster clash between the Melbourne Demons and the Carlton Blues in front of a sold-out MCG crowd.

Last weekend, the Demons took on the Collingwood Magpies, going down by seven points in a low-scoring clash. After a slow start, the Demons trailed by as much as 27 points in the third term. A late charge had them threatening late, but ultimately, the Dees fell short.

With almost twice as many inside 50s compared to the Magpies, the Demons will feel this was a missed opportunity. Coming up against an in-form Blues side this weekend, they will need to improve their ball use and efficiency inside 50 or they may face a similar outcome.

The Blues faced the Sydney Swans last weekend, holding off a late charge to win by six points at the MCG. A fast start gave the Blues a 29-point lead at halftime as they kept the Swans to just two goals. However, Sydney surged after the main break, dominating the scoring opportunities to bring the game to within a goal.

Despite leading for the duration of the game, Carlton would consider themselves fortunate to be playing this week, as the Swans’ inaccuracy was a key factor. With just one goal from their key forwards, the Blues relied heavily on their midfielders to get forward and hit the scoreboard.

After both sides played very similar matches on the weekend, they both also have very similar reasons for changing their line-ups for this one.

Subbed off early in the game, Demons midfielder Angus Brayshaw will miss this weekend due to concussion, while forward Jacob van Rooyen will miss due to suspension. This may result in the return of either Brodie Grundy or Josh Schache to replace van Rooyen, whereas James Jordon shapes as a likely replacement for Brayshaw.

The Blues lost tall forward Harry McKay due to concussion in the third quarter against the Swans, ruling him out for this weekend. Small forward Jack Martin successfully downgraded his suspension at the tribunal on Tuesday, but he will still miss this week. Jack Silvagni is a chance to replace McKay in the forward line, while Zac Fisher looks a likely inclusion as well.

Recommended!

The Better Bettors!

Australian-owned and operated bookmaker!

Join MarantelliBet

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?

Fast Payouts

50% matched deposit up to USD $5,000

Visit BetOnline

Melbourne v Carlton AFL semi final predictions

With forward efficiency proving so important in week one of the AFL finals, both sides will need to focus on quality rather than quantity of entries inside 50. With two of the top defences in the AFL, the responsibility is on the midfielders to create meaningful opportunities, particularly with injuries to key forwards on each team.

Despite losing last weekend, the Melbourne Demons were better for large stretches of the match. We’re backing them to bounce back against the Blues and book a spot in the preliminary finals against Brisbane next week.

After collecting 31 disposals, 11 clearances and 10 tackles last weekend, Clayton Oliver looks set for another big performance with the Demons’ season on the line. With Max Gawn expected to dominate in the ruck once again, expect Oliver to regularly have the first look at the footy around the stoppages. We’re backing him for 30 or more disposals once again at -153.85 with Palmerbet.

Kept goalless for the first time since round 19 last weekend, Christian Petracca was unable to convert chances against the high-pressure Collingwood defence. Playing a hybrid midfield-forward role, Petracca is always a chance to create an opportunity as he uses his size and explosiveness to run out of packs. We’re looking at him to bounce back this weekend, kicking two or more goals at +195.

Demons v Blues key matchup: Steven May v Charlie Curnow

Steven May vs Charlie Curnow

After being held to just one goal against the Swans last weekend, Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow faces another challenge as he faces one of the best one-on-one defenders in the AFL, Steven May. In the absence of McKay, the pressure will be on Curnow to hit the scoreboard as the primary target for the Blues up forward. Working alongside May in the Melbourne defence, Jake Lever provides excellent assistance to take forwards out of the game with his intercept marking. If Curnow doesn’t get some assistance from his teammates up forward, it could be another tough night for him inside 50.

More sports betting tips