The Blues will take on the Saints at Marvel Stadium from 3.20pm this Sunday in a clash with big finals implications for the home side. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
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AFL Round 24 Betting Tips
Carlton vs St Kilda
Marvel Stadium, Sunday, 3.20pm (AEST)
The Blues traveled to Perth extremely undermanned last week to take on West Coast. So much so that they started the game as underdogs against the 16th placed Eagles, but still managed to come away with a gutsy 65 point win to maintain their spot in the top eight.
They currently hold onto that spot by just two points over the Dockers, who play their final game of the season at home against the Power directly following this clash. Needless to say, it’s a must win game for the Blues if they hope to keep their destiny in their own hands, while a win could also see them avoid a dreaded trip to Brisbane for an elimination final.
Unfortunately for the Blues, they are still battling the largest injury list in the league, which will see a host of players miss the clash, including Adam Cerra, Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning, Jack Martin, Harry McKay and Jack Silvagni.
The Saints have been one of the more impressive teams in the league over the past few months, winning five of their last seven games and capping off the purple patch with an outstanding offensive display against the Cats last week.
Trailing by 33 points at half time, the Saints went on to kick six unanswered goals coming out of the main break and piled on 13 goals to just five in the 2nd half to run over the top of the Cats and come away 18 point winners.
Rowan Marshall was massive again in the win, racking up 28 disposals, a goal and 21 hitouts while Callum Wilkie accumulated 28 touches and 15 marks. The Saints have made just one change for their final game of the season, as Anthony Caminiti makes way for Mattaes Philipou.
Match Prediction
Tough game to call here. The Blues have so much to play for so you have to think they will come out firing here. However, the Saints have been in such great touch lately and have a near full strength list to call upon here, unlike the battered Blues.
The Saints have been playing a more aggressive style lately given they have nothing to lose, and they have been picking teams apart, particularly in the 2nd half when their fitness comes into play. Only the Swans have won more fourth quarters than the Saints this year, and I think down the stretch, they might have too much firepower for the undermanned Blues.
Saints -3.5
$1.90 (3 Units)
Same Game Multi
Over 151.5 Total Points - As we mentioned above, the Saints have been playing more aggressively over the past few months and their scores have been a testament to that style. They have scored 99 or more points in four of their last five games, and those five games have had an average total of 165.2.
Rowan Marshall 20+ Disposals - Another best on ground performance on the weekend placed him firmly in the conversation for the most in form ruckman in the back half of the season. Has now had 20+ in five of his last six games.
Tim Membrey 2+ Goals - No Anthony Caminiti in the line-up should result in Cooper Sharman having to pinch hit in the ruck more often, which in turn means that Membrey should play closer to home throughout the game here. Has booted 12 goals in his last five games.
SGM Odds: $2.70 at BoomBet
