Sydney v Carlton betting tips and prediction
Welcome to our Sydney v Carlton betting tips and winner prediction for their AFL Opening Round fixture at the SCG on Thursday night.
The Swans are a $1.36 favourite with AFL betting sites, while the Blues are priced at $3.55, with the line set at 22.5 points, which will attract some interest from punters.
The Swans tuned up for the Blues with a 38-point win over GWS on Thursday afternoon, with this clash highlighted by 32 possessions to Angus Sheldrick and their even spread of goal-kickers, which included two majors to boom recruit, former Blue, Charlie Curnow.
The Swans had star players on restricted minutes in this clash, with Curnow and Errol Gulden, who injured an ankle, playing very little, as coach Dean Cox tries to get his team cherry ripe for this clash.
Carlton fans would also be buoyed by their pre-season form, after defeating Geelong last Wednesday, with Rising Star favourite Jagga Smith gathering 37 possessions to showcase his outstanding skillset.
The Blues only multiple goal kickers were Brodie Kemp and Elijah Hollands, with spearhead Harry McKay failing to kick a major, although things might be different on the traditionally full-forward friendly SCG.
The Blues usual suspects, George Hewett, Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps, all won a mountain of the ball and look ready for Opening Round, while Ollie Hollands and Cooper Lord look like they have gone to a new level. Experienced Swans recruit Oliver Florent and Will Hayward have also added an edge to the Blues.
Sydney v Carlton betting tips
Our AFL betting expert has assessed the markets and found some value Swans v Blues tips:
Charlie Curnow to kick 3+ goals
Curnow has always liked the limelight but has been known to choke on the big stage. He will be hellbent on causing the Blues some pain, but does face a tricky backline, with Jacob Weitering and young gun Harry Dean holding the key back posts. Curnow is paying $2.10 to kick 3+ goals.
Jagga Smith to get 25+ possessions
Expect the Blues to give more minutes to key midfielders this week, but it’s hard seeing Smith not being given plenty of time through there after his outstanding pre-season. Smith, if his body holds up, looks to be in the Daicos mould of running all day and distributing beautifully. While he’s skinny, he has plenty of tricks and looks a natural football. He is paying $1.88 to gather 25 possessions or $3.80 to reach 30 with Australian betting sites.
Angus Sheldrick 25+ possessions
The Swans midfield does boast several stars, including Gulden, who must be under some doubt to play; but Sheldrick offers something different with his tough style. He’s overcome his injury woes that have plagued the first four years of his career and looks ready to blossom into a first-choice mid for the Swans, after his great pre-season. He is paying a juicy $2.45 to gather 25+ possessions with Neds Australia.
Sydney v Carlton prediction
The Swans deserve favouritism for this clash, but the Blues will be full of confidence after a faultless pre-season in Michael Voss’s make-or-break year as coach. The Swans were desperate for a consistent key forward and they secured the brilliant Curnow, but they must not fall into the Blues trap of relying on him too much to kick their goals. This clash is going to give us some serious insight into how both teams will go this year. Our final Sydney v Carlton prediction? Swans by eight points.
