3 minute read
The race for a spot in the top two of the AFL ladder hots up on Sunday, with both Carlton and Fremantle in action on home turf.
It is tight to say the least, with just two points separating Carlton and the Dockers, while handful of other teams are also in the mix.
A top-two finish boosts your chances of going all the way and winning the grand final, so the stakes are high.
Carlton can be backed at 4.50 to so just that, while Fremantle are 16.00 to go on and win their first-ever grand final.
Fremantle entertain a Melbourne Demons side who are four points below them and who have work to do to make sure they play finals.
The Blues are at home to North Melbourne, who have won just two games all season, but who cannot be taken too lightly.
Dockers look to bounce back
. What: Fremantle v Melbourne
. Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
. When: 15:20 (AEST), Sunday 21st July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Fremantle 1.38, Melbourne 3.10
Fremantle were stopped in their tracks when they slipped to a narrow defeat against Hawthorn in Launceston last week.
Had they taken their chances, Freo's winning streak would have continued, so they will be keen to right the wrongs back on home soil.
Fremantle have won the last two home games against Richmond and Gold Coast, while they also smashed Melbourne by a massive 92 points back in Round 12.
It is likely to be closer on this occasion and Fremantle are 5.50 to win by 13-24 points.
Josh Treacy remains in great form and the Dockers forward can be backed at 9.00 to kick the first goal of the game.
Melbourne will be out for revenge following the Round 12 mauling and have found a bit of form after winning the last two games.
They can be backed at 6.00 to win by 1-12 points.
Carlton must stop the rot
. What: Carlton v North Melbourne
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 16:40 (AEST), Sunday 21st July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Carlton 1.12, North Melbourne 6.25
Carlton have had a rough couple of weeks after losing the last two games and need to get their premiership push back on track.
They may not get a better chance as they go up against a Kangaroos side who have won just twice all season.
However there have been signs of improvement from Alastair Clarkson's side, who beat the Gold Coast by five points two weeks ago.
They also made a fist of it against Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and Collingwood, so cannot be taken lightly by the Blues.
Even so, Carlton are expected to bounce back and are priced at 5.50 to do it in devastating style by 73+ points.
But, if the Kangaroos are to pull off a big shock, they are 11.00 to win by 1-12.
Charlie Curnow is averaging almost three goals a game this season and can be backed at 6.50 to kick the first of the game.
