On Friday 7 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 -250 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) Over 22.5 Disposals (-250)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When it comes to reliable midfielders who consistently find the footy, look no further than Patrick Cripps. The Carlton Blues' on-ball bull has been a workhorse on the road, averaging a whopping 28.6 disposals over his last five away games. With a stellar contested possessions average of 13 and a knack for covering the ground efficiently with 349 meters gained per game, Cripps is primed to thrive against St Kilda. In his recent clashes with the Saints, he's been even more impactful, averaging 25.3 disposals. Riding an impressive streak of eight consecutive hits in away games, Cripps is in top form and poised to surpass the 22.5 disposal line comfortably. Backing the skipper to rack up the possessions is a solid bet for this Sunday showdown at Marvel Stadium.
Francis Evans (Carlton) Over 0.5 Goals (-182)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When it comes to the upcoming clash between St Kilda and Carlton, keep a close eye on Francis Evans to snag a goal or two. In his last five away games, Evans has been a consistent threat in front of the big sticks, averaging a goal per game. With an impressive 46.7% goal accuracy and 1.8 shots on goal per game, Evans has the tools to make an impact. His recent form includes 5.6 score involvements on average, showcasing his ability to influence the game when the ball is in his hands. Facing St Kilda, a team against whom he's averaged 0.5 goals in their last five encounters, Evans has a good chance to continue his scoring streak. With the model predicting him to hit over 0.5 goals, the odds are in our favor for Evans to make his mark on the scoreboard.
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) Over 21.5 Disposals (-357)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When it comes to backing a player to dominate the midfield, Patrick Cripps stands tall as a prime contender. His recent form on the road has been nothing short of stellar, averaging a whopping 28.6 disposals over his last five away clashes. With a knack for finding the footy and dictating play, Cripps boasts impressive numbers across the board – from contested possessions to metres gained. Facing St Kilda, a team he's historically performed well against, Cripps looks poised to continue his hot streak. His ability to rack up possessions, coupled with his consistent disposal efficiency, makes the Over 21.5 disposals line seem like a conservative estimate for the Carlton skipper. Backing Cripps to surpass this mark could be a solid bet, given his recent dominance and track record against the Saints.
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
In this clash between the St Kilda Saints and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, the data paints a picture favoring a low-scoring affair. St Kilda, averaging 77.6 points in their last five games, faces a Carlton defense that concedes just 69.2 points on average in away matches. When playing at home, the Saints struggle to hit high scores, managing only 11.4 goals per game. On the flip side, Carlton's offensive output of 77 points in their last five outings doesn't suggest a high-scoring trend either. With both teams displaying defensive prowess and a tendency for lower-scoring games, the under 174.5 total points bet seems like a prudent choice here. The stage is set for a gritty, hard-fought battle where goals might be hard to come by.
St Kilda Saints vs Carlton Blues: Under 44.5 totals_q3 (-118)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When the St Kilda Saints clash with the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, expect a gritty battle where every point matters. St Kilda, averaging 77.6 points in their last 5 games, faces a Carlton defense allowing just 69.2 points on the road. The Saints' 26.2 shots on goal per game will be tested by Carlton's stingy backline. On the flip side, Carlton's offensive prowess, scoring 87 points on average, meets a resilient St Kilda defense conceding only 76.6 points lately. With both teams displaying efficient inside 50 entries (St Kilda 51.4, Carlton 51.6), the third quarter could see a tight defensive struggle. Expect a hard-fought contest where the under 44.5 total points in Q3 looks like a prudent bet.
St Kilda Saints vs Carlton Blues: Under 44.5 totals_q1 (-119)
Odds available at sportsbet at time of publishing
When St Kilda Saints square off against the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, the stage is set for a defensive showdown. Recent trends reveal that the Saints have been tightening up at home, allowing just 76.6 points per game over their last five matchups. On the other hand, the Blues have been stout on the road, conceding only 69.2 points on average. With both teams limiting scoring opportunities for their opponents and boasting solid defensive records, the Under 44.5 in the Totals Q1 market emerges as an enticing prospect. Expect a fierce battle in the early stages with both sides keen on shutting down attacking avenues, making this under bet a strategic play backed by solid defensive performances from both St Kilda and Carlton.
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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