3 minute read
It is a massive weekend in the AFL as the race for finals hots up, and Carlton get things underway when they entertain Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Carlton sit in second spot on the ladder and will be out to stay there over the remaining weeks of the regular season.
The Blues are 1.25 to stay in the top four, which will be crucial to their chances of going all the way and winning the 2024 grand final.
Port Adelaide also have work to do to make sure they finish in the eight and take their season into September.
They are seventh on the ladder, but are just one win ahead of Western Bulldogs in ninth.
The Power can be backed at 1.80 to make the top eight and an upset win at Marvel Stadium would certainly help their cause.
. What: Carlton v Port Adelaide
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Friday 26th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Carlton 1.50, Port Adelaide 2.60
Blues back to winning ways
Carlton returned to winning ways when edging out North Melbourne last week, and need to back it up against Port Adelaide.
The 19-point win over the Kangaroos was far from convincing, but it was the four points that mattered as they look to secure second spot on the ladder.
It is no surprise that Charlie Curnow was the man to star in front of goal against the Kangas when booting four goals.
The gun forward now has 53 goals for the season and can be backed at 7.50 to kick the first of the game.
Patrick Cripps is another star for the Blues, as he is averaging just under 29 disposals a game.
The midfielder is priced at 2.50 to collect 30+ against the Power.
Carlton have won the last three meetings between the two sides, including a 36-point win at the Adelaide Oval back in Round 12.
The Blues are 6.00 to win by 25-36 points on this occasion as well.
Power search for consistency
Port Adelaide are right in the mix to play finals, but need to find some consistency as they continue to blow hot and cold.
They bounced back from a defeat on the Gold Coast to beat Richmond last week, and have now won three of the last four.
However with games against Carlton, Sydney and Fremantle to come, Ken Hinkley's men will need to produce some of their best footy to get results.
Willie Rioli is back from injury and showed how important he can be when booting a couple of goals against the Tigers.
He can be backed at 17.00 to kick the first goal of the game, or 1.30 to grab one at anytime.
The Power won on their last trip to Melbourne, edging out St Kilda by two points. They can be backed at 6.00 to beat Carlton by 1-12.
