This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Tuesday 4
Wednesday 5
Thursday 6
Friday 7
Saturday 8
Sunday 9
Monday 10
Tuesday 11
Wednesday 12
Thursday 13
Friday 14

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL Round 24 Tips - Blues continue to fight for their lives

Jeremy Darke

Editor

Last updated: Thu 21 Aug 2025 08:03

Jeremy Darke 21 Aug 2025

Share this article

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 24 AFL game
The game will be played at MCG, with the bounce at 7:30 PM (AEST)
Harry McKay to have another day out.
Blues have won 5 of their last 6 against the Bombers.

Expired

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL Round 24 Tips

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues, Round 24 2025 - Expert Prediction

The Carlton Blues will maintain their dominance over the Bombers winning by a 1-39 margin on Thursday night at the MCG.

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues, Round 24 2025 - Expert Prediction
Head to Head
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon Bombers Team List
Carlton Blues Form Analysis & Betting Trends
Carlton Blues Team News
Carlton Blues Team List
Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL 2025 Round 24 FAQ’s

The Carlton players and coach for that matter have plenty to play for despite unable to join the party in September that isn’t in Bali. With some of their stars rumoured to be on the trade block and Michael also rallying his troops to save his position in charge, it is expected that the Blues will continue their return to form late in the season.

A big win against Port which followed a good performance against the Suns has given the Blues a boost to end their season and another win against the Bombers this week will help put out the blazing fire that was their 2025 season.

Traditionally matches between the Bombers and Blues are a tight battle so I am following that trend and expecting a 1-39 victory for Carlton. Harry McKay had a blinder last week kicking 7.0 against Port. I am not expecting as many this week but a 3-goal haul is definitely likely.

On the other side, the Bombers will get Zach Merrett back which will help their ball movement, however, they will continue to struggle to score points and fail to reach the 70 mark for once again.

Carlton have won 5 of the last 6 matches against Essendon.
The previous 5 Carlton victories over Essendon have been by a 1-39 margin.
Essendon have scored under 70 points in 7 of their last 9 matches.
Harry McKay kicked a career-best 7 goals last match against Port.

Head to Head

Carlton led from start to finish in Round 13, holding on to beat Essendon 70-78after leading by as much as 38 points in the second term.

The win was the Blues fifth in six matches against Essendon.

The last 6 matches between the two clubs has been decided by a 1-39 margin and the under game total has hit in 4 of the last 6.

Essendon Bombers Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

Last 5 W/L	Last 5 ATS	Last 5 O/U
0-5	3-2	1-4

The Bombers came as close to a win as they have done since their last victory in Round 11, but failed to close the door against St Kilda who snatched a 2-point victory beating Essendon 77-75.

The loss to the Saints was Essendon’s 11th consecutive defeat with their injury list getting the better of them in 2025 crippling them heavily from mid-way through the season with 16 registered injuries on their official list at afl.com.

Simply being in the match was a win for the Bombers against the Saints after being heavily battered over the last couple of months. The 75 points the Bombers scored was also their biggest total since the 81 points they scored on Richmond when they won last.

2025 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-39	40+
8-13	7-14	6-6	0-9

Essendon Bombers Team News

Skipper Zach Merrett is tipped to return from a hand injury in Round 24 which will be a massive boost for the Bombers.

Elijah Tsatas could also make a return from his hamstring injury.

Essendon Bombers Team List

B: A.McGrath, J.Laverde, J.Nguyen

HB: M.Redman, L.Blakiston, A.Roberts

C: X.Duursma, Z.Merrett - C, L.Lual

HF: M.Guelfi, P.Wright, J.Gresham

F: K.Langford, L.McMahon, I.Kako

FOLL: T.Goldstein, A.Perkins, S.Durham

I/C: D.Shiel, J.Prior, J.Menzie, A.Clarke, R.Unwin

EMG: K.Gerreyn, Z.Johnson, S.El-Hawli

In: - Z.Merrett, D.Shiel

Out: - S.El-Hawli (Omitted), B.Hobbs (Omitted)

Carlton Blues Form Analysis & Betting Trends

Recent Form

Last 5 W/L	Last 5 ATS	Last 5 O/U
2-3	5-0	2-3

Carlton played as well as they have all season in the crushing victory over Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon, beating the Power 118-64.

Harry McKay had a career-best night, tying his previous highest goal tally of 7 majors along with 21 disposals for the day. Sam Walsh was also inspirational in his return with 28 disposals, while George Hewett led that tally with 35 disposals and 11 clearances.

It is all too little too late for the Blues who are playing for their jobs instead of a top eight finish in the final rounds of the season after an underwhelming 2025 campaign that has been stricken with injuries and poor performances.

2025 Betting Trends

ATS	Over/Under	1-39	40+
10-12	6-16	5-11	3-3

Carlton Blues Team News

A concussion to Cooper Lord will see him miss the rest of the season, opening up the possibility for Mitch McGovern to return to the side this week.

Carlton Blues Team List

B: A.Saad, J.Weitering, M.Carroll

HB: L.Cowan, L.Young, N.Haynes

C: S.Walsh, P.Cripps - C, O.Hollands

HF: Z.Williams, H.McKay, B.Acres

F: F.Young, T.De Koning, F.Evans

FOLL: H.O’Keeffe, G.Hewett, A.Moir

I/C: B.Wilson, C.Durdin, J.Motlop, L.Camporeale, W.White

EMG: B.Camporeale, M.Pittonet, M.McGovern

In: - L.Camporeale, W.White

Out: - L.Fogarty (Injured), C.Lord (Injured)

Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL 2025 Round 24 FAQ’s

How to watch Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL 2025 Round 24?

You can watch the Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL 2025 Round 24 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL 2025 Round 24?

To buy tickets to the Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues AFL 2025 Round 24 game check the AFL website or the official Essendon Bombers site.

Verdict

Essendon Bombers v Carlton Blues

Harry McKay will kick 3+ goals as Carlton get a 1-39 victory over their rivals Essendon. The Bombers will fail to produce goals scoring less than 70 points in the match

Carlton Blues

1-39 Winning Margin

$2.05 - 3 Units

The GOAT.

Ahead of the Game.

Join Australia's newest online bookmaker with code BETSAU and enjoy exciting new ways to bet. The app is among the fastest in the market. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at betr

Essendon Under 69.5

Team Total

$1.91 - 2 Units

Same Game & Race Multis

Use affiliate code BETSAU

Exciting new betting app now live. Use code BETSAU on sign-up. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. Imagine what you could be buying instead.

Bet at picklebet

Harry McKay

3+ Goals

$1.83 - 3 Units

Use Easyform