MCG will play host to Friday's Round 12 AFL game between Melbourne Demons and Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Melbourne Demons heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Demons vs. Carlton Blues game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday June 2, 2023 at 7:50 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Demons vs Carlton Blues Odds
Melbourne Demons vs Carlton Blues Preview
The Blues have again left us with more questions than answers on the back of a fourth consecutive loss to the Swans last week.
The game was there to be won for Michael Voss’ men, but after some basic turnovers and wayward kicking in front of goal, Carlton went on to surrender a 26-point defeat.
Melbourne heads into Round 12 with just as much to prove, Simon Goodwin’s side suffering back-to-back defeats to Port Adelaide and Freo for the first time since exiting the finals in straight sets last year.
Clayton Oliver’s absence has been glaring through the midfield, while Steven May and Jake Lever continue to struggle down back.
The pressure is mounting significantly on and off the field at Princes Park, and although this club once held serious finals aspirations, Voss simply needs to take it one game at a time.
Carlton did a better job of getting the ball inside 50 last week, but Harry McKay’s troubles in front of the sticks remains an ongoing problem for a club that is almost in crisis mode.
Melbourne also needs to adopt a similar approach. The Dees aren’t the same team that won the Premiership two years ago, and it’s fair to say their ball movement is a far cry from the team that was feared back in 2021.
As far as betting goes, this is a tough start to another tricky round.
There hasn’t been a better team at getting the ball inside 50 than Melbourne, and unlike the Blues, the Dees convert their opportunities into goals.
Even without Oliver, the Melbourne midfield is vastly superior to Carlton’s right now, especially with Patrick Cripps in career-worst form. With the Blues two tall targets struggling to score goals, and no real small option up forward, this shapes as another frustrating night for Carlton fans.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $1.42 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Bayley Fritsch at $9.50.
Melbourne Demons vs Carlton Blues Teams
DEMONS
B: A.Tomlinson, S.May, J.McVee
HB: J.Bowey, J.Lever, C.Salem
C: T.Sparrow, J.Viney, E.Langdon
HF: K.Chandler, B.Fritsch, K.Pickett
F: C.Spargo, B.Grundy, A.Neal-Bullen
FOLL: M.Gawn – C, C.Petracca, L.Hunter
I/C: J.van Rooyen, A.Brayshaw, T.Rivers, J.Smith
EMG: J.Harmes, T.Woewodin, D.Turner, B.Brown
In: A.Tomlinson, L.Hunter, J.Smith
Out: J.Harmes (Omitted), M.Hibberd (Injured), T.McDonald (Injured), J.Jordon (Sub)
BLUES
B: A.Cincotta, J.Weitering, B.Kemp
HB: Le.Young, M.McGovern, A.Saad
C: S.Walsh, P.Cripps – C, B.Acres
HF: J.Motlop, C.Curnow, J.Silvagni
F: Z.Fisher, H.McKay, M.Owies
FOLL: T.De Koning, A.Cerra, M.Kennedy
I/C: J.Boyd, S.Docherty, L.O’Brien, M.Cottrell
EMG: L.Fogarty, P.Dow, L.Plowman, E.Curnow
In: A.Cincotta, Le.Young, J.Silvagni, Z.Fisher, L.O’Brien
Out: E.Curnow (Omitted), N.Newman (Injured), C.Durdin (Injured), M.Pittonet (Injured), G.Hewett (Injured), O.Hollands (Injured)