Few would have expected both the Hawks and Blues to be 2-0 after two rounds of the AFL season, setting up a mouthwatering clash on Sunday at the MCG.
Best Bet
Carlton -12.5 ($1.92)
The quality of opposition that Carlton and Hawthorn have both played in their unbeaten starts to 2022 are poles apart.
The Blues have recorded wins over Richmond and last year’s Grand Finalists, the Western Bulldogs. The win over the Dogs, in particular, looks very strong given their victory over Sydney on Thursday night. The Blues have scored 100+ points in both games.
In contrast, Hawthorn scored a scratchy win over the wooden spoon favourites in North Melbourne after being down by 20+ points in the first half. You suspect last week’s 10-goal win over Port Adelaide will look less impressive as the season progresses. The Power look a shell of the premiership contending team they’ve been in recent years.
Carlton have a great record at the home of footy. They’ve covered in 11 of their last 14 MCG day games and four of their last five as favourites at the venue.
Back the Blues to continue Michael Voss’s dream start as coach.
Same Game Multi
Carlton -12.5 / P.Cripps & M.Kennedy 25+ Disposals / N.Newman 20+ Disposals / P.Cripps Anytime Goal Scorer
We’ll ride the Patty Cripps heater here. The Carlton skipper has returned to his best in 2022, recording 30 and 35 disposals in his first two games, along with five goals.
Matthew Kennedy is relishing a bigger role in Carlton’s midfield, notching up 31 and 33 disposals to start the year.
Nic Newman picked up 24 disposals last week. With Adam Saad missing, he’ll shoulder more of the load in defence, including for kick ins. Saad has taken 24% of Carlton’s kick ins this year. Expect Newman and Zac Williams to pick up these in his absence.
Value Bet
P.Cripps 2+ Goals ($3.10)
Cripps has been a massive threat forward this season, booting three and two goals. Anything north of $3.00 looks a great price for him to continue his hot goal-kicking run. We’ll be having a nibble at 3+ at around 8s too.
