On Friday 31 July 2026, Carlton Blues play Brisbane Lions in the AFL. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Will Hayward (Carlton) Over 0.5 Goals, priced at -278 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Will Hayward (Carlton) Over 0.5 Goals (-278)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Looking at Will Hayward's recent form, it's clear he's itching to make his mark at Marvel Stadium. Averaging 1.4 goals in his last 5 home games, he's been a consistent threat in front of the big sticks. With an impressive 37.0% goal accuracy and 5.2 score involvements per game, Hayward has been a pivotal player inside 50 for the Blues. Facing the Brisbane Lions, against whom he's averaged 1 goal in their last 5 encounters, the stage is set for Hayward to snag another goal. Despite a slight dip in his overall goal average, his recent home form suggests he's primed to split the middle at least once in this matchup. Betting on Hayward to score over 0.5 goals seems like a solid play considering his recent performances and the statistical edge he holds in this game.
Conor McKenna (Brisbane Lions) Over 0.5 Goals (-213)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When it comes to backing Conor McKenna to snag a goal against Carlton, the numbers paint a compelling picture. Over his last five away games, McKenna has been a sharpshooter, averaging 1.6 goals per game. With a solid 54.7% goal accuracy and 3.4 shots on goal per match, he's a constant threat in the forward line. His recent form against Carlton has seen him average a goal per game, showcasing his ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him. McKenna's consistent involvement in scoring plays, with an average of 5.6 score involvements per game, further cements his impact. With a streak of 6 consecutive away games with goals and an overall hit rate of 6 out of his last 7 matches, McKenna is primed to continue his scoring run. Betting on McKenna to score over 0.5 goals is a solid play given his recent form and historical performance against Carlton.
Mitch McGovern (Carlton) Over 0.5 Goals (-333)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
Looking at Mitch McGovern's recent form, it's clear he's locked in and ready to snag a goal when Carlton clash with Brisbane at Marvel Stadium. Over his last five home games, Mitch has been a scoring machine, averaging 1.2 goals per game. With a solid shot accuracy of 40% and an average of 2.6 shots on goal per game, he's consistently threatening the opposition's defense. Moreover, in the last five encounters with Brisbane at home, Mitch has bagged an average of 1 goal per game, showcasing his ability to perform against this specific opponent. His current hit streak of 5 goals and a home hit rate of 7 out of the last 9 games further solidify his goal-scoring prowess. With the odds in our favor and Mitch's hot streak, betting on him to kick over 0.5 goals seems like a safe bet for this showdown.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When the Carlton Blues square off against the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, expect a defensive battle in the second quarter. The Blues, known for their gritty performances at home, have been stingy on defense lately, conceding just 79.4 points on average in their last five home games. They've been disciplined in limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities, averaging only 10.2 behinds and 28 shots at goal per game during this stretch. On the flip side, the Lions have been a scoring powerhouse away from home, averaging a whopping 102.8 points over their last five away games. However, they may find it challenging against Carlton's solid defensive setup. With the line set at 45.5 points, the under looks appealing given the Blues' defensive resilience and the potential for a tighter contest in the second quarter.
Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions: Under 45.5 totals_q4 (-120)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When the Carlton Blues clash with the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, it's a showdown that promises defensive tenacity. Carlton's recent form at home showcases a stingy defense, conceding an average of just 79.4 points in their last five home games. With an average of 83.4 points scored in the same period, they've shown a balanced approach. On the flip side, the Brisbane Lions have been potent in attack on the road, averaging a whopping 102.8 points scored away from home. However, their defensive record has also been solid, allowing just 72.8 points in their last five outings overall. With the Q4 line set at 45.5, expect a tight final quarter where both teams' defensive prowess shines, making the 'Under' a compelling play in this matchup.
Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions: Over 19.5 team_totals_q1 (-132)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When it comes to the Carlton Blues taking on the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium, the stage is set for an explosive start. The Blues have been firing on all cylinders in their last five outings, averaging a solid 83.4 points per game at home and 79.8 overall. With an average of 53.2 inside 50s and 28 shots at goal per game in their last five home matches, it's clear they know how to apply pressure and convert opportunities into points. On the flip side, the Lions have been leaky on the road, conceding an average of 96.2 points in their last five away games and 72.8 overall. This defensive vulnerability could play right into Carlton's hands, especially in the first quarter. With the Blues' potent attack and the Lions' defensive struggles, hitting over 19.5 points in the first quarter seems like a solid bet for footy fans looking for an early scoring frenzy.
That is how our model reads Carlton Blues v Brisbane Lions. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.
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