MCG will play host to Friday's 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 September 15, 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

After last week’s edge-of-your-seat matches, Friday night’s Semi-Final is shaping up to be a must-watch showdown between two long-standing rivals: Melbourne and Carlton.

Melbourne, coached by Simon Goodwin, is coming off a frustrating seven-point defeat to Collingwood. Despite dominating the inside 50 count at 69-37, they fell short due to missed set shots, highlighting their own role in the loss.

Conversely, Carlton fans experienced heart-stopping suspense in the final minute of last Friday’s game against the Swans. Securing a six-point triumph, they clinched their first Finals victory since 2013. While the performance wasn’t always smooth, veterans like Adam Saad and Adam Cerra shone in the crucial final term. Carlton also benefitted from Sydney’s own struggles with goal accuracy.

A mere four weeks ago, these two teams faced off in a grinding, low-scoring match that foreshadows the potential intensity of the upcoming Semi-Final. Carlton emerged victorious by just four points, fueled by three crucial goals in the final term. Melbourne, however, can take solace in the fact that they dominated in hit-outs and clearances, even if they led for only 20 minutes.

Consistently, Melbourne’s season has been marked by doing the “small things” correctly. Yet, their efforts are often undone by costly turnovers, a recurring issue highlighted in their recent loss to Collingwood. Melbourne’s vulnerability with turnovers could spell trouble, especially against a Carlton side that excels in intercept marks, leading the league in that category.

Additionally, Melbourne’s tactical choice to engage in a more aggressive and abrasive style of play, which backfired against Brisbane at the same stage last year, remains a concern.

Unless Melbourne makes some rapid adjustments, the momentum seems increasingly likely to stay with Carlton. All signs point to the Blues’ juggernaut maintaining its course.