Carlton Blues vs Port Adelaide Power Prediction - Round 23 2025

What’s there to gain from a second-last round clash between two teams out of finals contention and crawling toward the finish line of a tough season? Maybe just a little something for the soul — especially for the fans in the stands.

That’s what Carlton and Port Adelaide are playing for when they meet at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues gave their supporters yet another headache last weekend, going missing for three quarters before finally turning it on in the last quarter against Gold Coast. Once they released the handbrake and played something that resembled modern footy, they actually made the Suns sweat a bit — and left fans wondering, “Where’s that been all year?”

While it wasn’t a win, there was a bright spark — the Franky Evans legacy game. In one of the more surprising breakout performances of the year, the little bloke from Brunswick lit up Marvel and definitely won over some new fans.

Meanwhile, Cooper Lord continues to impress. His run-with role on Noah Anderson was super effective — he limited one of the Brownlow favourites and showed again that he's been a real silver lining in an otherwise forgettable season for the Blues.

Port Adelaide, on the other hand, showed a bit more fight last week. They built a decent lead against Freo and looked the goods for most of the day… before being run over right at the end. Still, it was probably their most spirited performance in a month.

Now, with just two games left under Ken Hinkley in 2025, they return to Marvel — a venue where they’ve been pretty handy. The Power have lost just four games under the roof since 2022.

In selection news, the Blues could get a major boost with Sam Walsh potentially returning after a long layoff. Elijah Hollands starred in the VFL last week after returning from personal leave and could also be in line for a senior recall.

Port’s injury list continues to pile up, with Jack Lukosius and Jase Burgoyne both now ruled out for the rest of the season. Jeremy Finlayson is likely to return after a strong SANFL performance, while young gun Christian Moraes could also be elevated into the 22.

There’s not a whole lot at stake here — and not much to lose — but both sides will be hoping to avoid any major injuries and maybe give their fans one last thing to cheer about before the season wraps.

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Blues vs Port prediction and preview below. 

 

Carlton vs Port Adelaide Predicted Teams

 

Carlton Predicted Team List

B: Billy Wilson, Jacob Weitering, Matt Carroll

HB: Lachie Cowan, Nick Haynes, Adam Saad

C: Ollie Hollands, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh

HF: Francis Evans, Ashton Moir, Zac Williams

F: Jesse Motlop, Harry McKay, Corey Durdin

Foll: Tom De Koning, George Hewett, Cooper Lord

Int: Hudson O’Keefe, Lucas Camporeale, Elijah Hollands, Flynn Young, Lewis Young

 

Port Adelaide Predicted Team List

B: Kane Farrell, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Josh Sinn

HB: Connor Rozee, Allir Allir, Will Lorenz

C: Joe Berry, Willem Drew, Mani Liddy

HF: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jeremy Finlayson, Travis Boak

F: Jed McEntee, Mitch Georgiades, Joe Richards

Foll: Jordon Sweet, Ollie Wines, Zak Butters

Int: Willie Rioli, Ollie Lord, Jackson Mead, Jack Whitlock, Christian Moraes

 

Carlton vs Port Adelaide Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Blues still hold sway in the head-to-head, winning three of the past five matches, but the Power have won the past two meetings. When they met only seven weeks ago, the Power dished out a 50-point hiding…. A result that actually flattered the Blues.

Truth be told, both these sides have been among the two most disappointing sides of the year, and therefore, we’re not expecting this game to reach any great heights.

Some big things to look out for, though? Will Cooper Lord continue his tagging education and go stand next to Zak Butters from the opening bounce? Can Mitch Georgiades finish off an amazing season in front of goal and add more to his tally? He kicked five the last time he played the Blues and was unstoppable that night. 

It might come down to who has more of a side left.. It’s a 50/50 call, but we’re going with the Blues.

Betting tip: Blues

 

First Goal Prediction

It’s been a career season for Mitch Georgiades. 53 goals and counting. 

After Ben King kicked a bag of six on Jacob Weitering last week, Georgiades will be out to follow the same blueprint under the lid and add to the bag he kicked on the All-Australian defender just under two months ago.

Betting tip: Mitch Georgiades

 

Most Disposals Prediction

Last time these teams met, Patrick Cripps was significantly under the weather and, as a result, was heavily tagged and beaten badly by Miles Bergman.

With Bergman not playing, Cripps feeling better, in some good touch to finish the season, and out for some revenge, we’re backing the Blues skipper in for a monster game here. A late three-vote game for the road!

Betting tip: Patrick Cripps 30+ disposals

 

Carlton Blues vs Port Adelaide Power Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025.

First Bounce: 1:20pm AEST.

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.