On Wednesday 5 August 2026, St Kilda Saints play Carlton Blues in the AFL. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Patrick Cripps (Carlton) Over 22.5 Disposals, priced at -256 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.

Patrick Cripps (Carlton) Over 22.5 Disposals (-256)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to midfield dominance and sheer work rate, Patrick Cripps is a name that resonates through the AFL landscape. In his last five away clashes, Cripps has been a statistical powerhouse, averaging an impressive 28.6 disposals per game. Facing St Kilda, a team he's historically performed well against, with a 25.3 disposal average in their past encounters, the stage is set for Cripps to shine. His recent form includes an 8-game streak of surpassing the 22.5 disposal mark, showcasing his consistency and hunger for possession. With an efficient disposal rate of 57.8% and a knack for gaining crucial metres, Cripps is primed to lead the Blues' charge at Marvel Stadium. Backing Cripps to surpass 22.5 disposals against St Kilda is not just a bet; it's a calculated investment in a player at the peak of his powers.

Francis Evans (Carlton) Over 0.5 Goals (-185)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When it comes to backing Francis Evans to snag over 0.5 goals in the upcoming clash against St Kilda, the numbers paint a promising picture. Evans has been a goal-scoring machine lately, averaging a solid 1 goal in his last five away games. His accuracy in front of the big sticks sits at a respectable 46.7%, suggesting he knows how to split the middle when the pressure is on. With an average of 1.8 shots at goal per game and strong involvement in Carlton's scoring plays, Evans is a key offensive threat. Facing St Kilda, a team he's recently notched goals against, Evans is well-positioned to continue his scoring form. Given his recent hit rates and the likelihood of ample scoring opportunities, betting on Evans to bag at least one goal seems like a smart move for footy punters looking to back a reliable goal kicker.

Patrick Cripps (Carlton) Over 21.5 Disposals (-357)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

Look, when you're eyeing a player prop bet, you need a bloke who's an absolute workhorse on the field. And let me tell you, Patrick Cripps fits that bill to a tee. The Carlton skipper has been tearing it up lately, snagging an average of 28.6 disposals in his last five away games. That's no fluke; the lad's been as consistent as a metronome, hitting that mark like clockwork. Now, when he faces off against St Kilda, he's even more fired up, averaging a solid 25.3 disposals in his last five clashes with them. With a line set at just 21.5, it's like the bookies are practically begging you to take the over. Plus, Cripps is riding an impressive eight-game hit streak on the road, so you know he's in red-hot form. When it comes to backing a player to shine, Cripps splitting the middle with over 21.5 disposals seems like a no-brainer.

St Kilda Saints vs Carlton Blues: Under 174.5 Total Points (-112)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When you look at the recent form of St Kilda Saints and Carlton Blues, it's clear they've been locking horns in a defensive battle. In their last five games, the Saints have been allowing just 77.6 points on average at home and 76.6 overall, showcasing a sturdy defense. Meanwhile, the Blues have been equally stingy on the road, conceding only 69.2 points per game away and 85.8 overall. With both teams limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities and tightening up at the back, the total points in this matchup are likely to stay under 174.5. Expect a fierce contest at Marvel Stadium where every kick, mark, and tackle will count towards keeping the scoreline low.

St Kilda Saints vs Carlton Blues: Under 44.5 totals_q1 (-119)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

The clash between St Kilda Saints and Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium promises a Q1 showdown dripping with defensive grit. St Kilda's recent form at home showcases a robust defense, conceding an average of 76.6 points over their last five games. Their fierce midfield has been relentless, allowing just 9.4 behinds on average and limiting opponents to 53.2 inside 50s. On the flip side, Carlton's away games have seen them tighten their defensive screws, holding teams to an average of 69.2 points against. With their sharpshooting forwards and intense pressure in the forward 50, Carlton aims to stifle St Kilda's scoring opportunities. Expect a low-scoring first quarter as both teams dig in defensively, making the 'Under 44.5' in the Totals Q1 market a tantalizing prospect.

St Kilda Saints vs Carlton Blues: Under 87.5 totals_h2 (-118)

Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing

When the Saints clash with the Blues at Marvel Stadium, the stage is set for a defensive showdown. St Kilda, averaging 77.6 points in their last five home games, faces a Carlton side allowing just 69.2 points on the road recently. With the Saints struggling to consistently hit the scoreboard and the Blues tightening up their defense away from home, the Under 87.5 looks enticing. St Kilda's home games have seen an average of 26.2 shots at goal, but they've only converted 11.4 into majors on average. Meanwhile, Carlton's solid defensive efforts, conceding just 7.8 behinds on average overall, could stifle the Saints' scoring opportunities. Expect a tough, low-scoring battle where both teams struggle to snag a goal, making the Under a smart play for this matchup.

That is how our model reads St Kilda Saints v Carlton Blues. 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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