Carlton v Collingwood Preview

The traditional rivals are both up and firing, with a mammoth crowd of up to 90,000 expected
at the MCG. Carlton, who are still missing defenders Mitch McGovern and Adam Saad,
leaked goals at ease in a 13-point defeat to undefeated ladder-leaders Geelong. But the
Blues’ stars forwards, Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, were still able to fire and will surely
cause Collingwood’s back-half some pain. Curnow dominated Collingwood in round 20 last
year, slotting six goals in what was a giant upset at the time. After a sluggish start to the
season, the reigning premiers have responded by moving to a 3-1-3 record, blowing an
opportunity to make it four-straight wins when they drew with Essendon during an Anzac
Day classic.

TIP: Carlton by 6 points, Harry McKay to kick three or more goals



Footy fans love a Carlton–Collingwood argument, and the recent numbers give them plenty to chew on. Collingwood won both 2026 meetings, edging the Blues by five points in Round 6 before taking Round 19 by 21 at the MCG. Carlton showed fight under interim coach Josh Fraser, yet the Magpies’ late-season run kept them in the finals picture. For anyone reading AFL tips ahead of next season, form lines and head-to-head history matter more than reputation. This AFL prediction leans on that pattern, so keep it in mind when weighing up AFL betting tips. Always bet responsibly and set a deposit limit.