Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers Prediction: Blues expected to dominate here

The official Round 1 of the 2024 AFL season kicks off on Wednesday morning with a match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers. This event marks the first game at the MCG this season, with a significant crowd anticipated to be in attendance. In the upcoming sections, I provide a comprehensive match preview and suggest the best bet to enhance your betting chances.

The Carlton Blues achieved a remarkable feat in the opening round by staging a comeback from a 46-point deficit, securing a triumphant 86-85 victory over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. This victory marked a significant achievement, considering that no team accomplished such a turnaround against the Lions throughout the previous season. Charlie Curnow played a pivotal role, scoring four goals on either side of halftime, shifting the momentum in Carlton's favor and disrupting Brisbane's impeccable ball movement that had established a substantial lead in the first quarter.

Key players like George Hewett (27 disposals), Adam Cerra (25), and Patrick Cripps (23) contributed significantly in the midfield, creating opportunities for the Carlton Blues to narrow the gap on the scoreboard. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Blues rewarded their loyal supporters with a one-point victory. However, the triumph comes at a cost as Sam Docherty will be sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to a torn ACL suffered in the opening quarter of the match against Brisbane.

The Richmond Tigers endured a nightmare start to the season with a comprehensive defeat against Damien Hardwick's Suns. Despite scoring the opening goal within the first minute, the Tigers found themselves conceding goal after goal, trailing by a staggering 61 points at halftime. Although they displayed resilience in the third quarter, kicking six goals to nil, the earlier damage proved insurmountable, and they ultimately suffered a 39-point loss with a final score of 60-99.

The Richmond Tigers struggled in various key statistical categories during the defeat, making it challenging to find many positives except for their improved performance in the third term. They were notably outplayed, trailing by 26 in contested possessions (113-139), 82 in uncontested possessions (143-225), 13 in clearances (31-44), and 20 in inside 50s (41-61). The disappointing outcome is likely to prompt significant changes at the selection table. On a positive note, star trio Dustin Martin, Toby Nankervis, and Tom Lynch are expected to be available for selection after missing the Opening Round due to injury.

The annual Round 1 kickoff has treated fans to unforgettable showdowns, and the 2023 encounter, culminating in a draw after the final siren at 58-58, stands as one of those memorable clashes. However, this Wednesday’s matchup is poised to be less closely fought, considering the robust performances exhibited by both teams in the Opening Round. Despite grappling with injuries, the Carlton Blues showcase a formidable presence and, in my assessment, merit a more pronounced favoritism than currently reflected. My inclination is to support them in covering the 13.5-point spread, with expectations leaning towards a high-scoring affair at full-time.