The 2026 AFL Season is flying past; it’s Round 16 already and we’re witnessing what could be an historic run by the Carlton Blues.

Unbeaten under the coaching of caretaker boss Josh Fraser, the Blues will look to maintain pressure in the hunt for the top 10 when they host the West Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Carlton improved to 5-0 since the sacking of Michael Voss by upsetting GWS 88-65 at ENGIE Stadium last Saturday.

The Blues’ midfield was immense en route to that victory, with Sam Walsh (34), Patrick Cripps (33), George Hewett (30) and Jagga Smith (26) combining for 123 disposals, while Francis Evans led the attack with three goals.

West Coast had their bye during Round 15, meaning its latest fixture was a heartbreaking 74-73 loss to North Melbourne at Optus Stadium after Jake Waterman missed a set shot in the dying stages.

This match has huge ramifications for Carlton – with the Blues needing to win well to keep their finals dreams realistic.

But these Eagles CAN play and we’ve seen them pull out a few upsets already this season; there’s no room for complacency from Carlton.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles Round 16 prediction and preview below.

Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Five on the bounce with another one on the way - surely?

The Blues went to western Sydney with a plan and executed it to perfection, chipping the ball around when needed in a fantastic display of midfield skill, whilst their forward never struggled to find goals when needed.

The Eagles have been fairly solid across the season, winning more games than we had expected and growing along the way.

Big losses are still a risk but the core of Shanahan, Duursma, Reid, McCarthy and the injured Ginbey have all Eagles fans excited about the future.

The Blues go in as raging favourites, which has been their achilles heel in the past, with Carlton being terrible frontrunners in the Vossy era.  

They should be winning this match in style in front of their home fans who are all jumping aboard the Josh Fraser full-time bandwagon, one at a time.

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Blues by 31 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

We like Jake Waterman to open the scoring in a tight contest, where the Blues manage to pull away in the second half.

Carlton don't have too many genuine goal kickers in their squad outside of the down-on-form Harry McKay who we need to see more from before we start tipping.

Jake Waterman is in strong goal kicking form and will be keen to make up for missing the winner against North Melbourne a fortnight ago.  

Betting tip: Jake Waterman.

Most Disposals Prediction

As Carlton have trended upwards with five wins on the trot, so has Sam Walsh with 25, 28, 30, 24, and 34 disposals in his last five games.

We're expecting Walsh to take the lead here in distribution with Cripps chiming in against a depleted West Coast outfit.

Betting tip: Sam Walsh.

Odds are subject to change. *

Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles Predicted Teams

Carlton Blues Predicted Team List

FB: Nick Haynes, Wade Derksen, Oliver Florent

HB: Billy Wilson, Harry Dean, Lachlan Cowan

C: Blake Acres, Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Mitch McGovern, Matthew Cottrell

FF: Talor Byrne, Harry McKay, Brodie Kemp

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Patrick Cripps, Jagga Smith

I/C: Will Hayward, Nic Newman, George Hewett, Jack Ison, Francis Evans

West Coast Eagles Predicted Team List

FB: Brandon Starcevich, Rhett Bazzo, Liam Duggan

HB: Liam Baker, Tylar Young, Marcus Herbert

C: Bo Allan, Elliot Yeo, Ryan Maric

HF: Brady Hough, Jobe Shanahan, Tom Cole

FF: Tom Gross, Jake Waterman, Milan Murdock

FOLL: Bailey J. Williams, Harley Reid, Tim Kelly

I/C: Josh Lindsay, Elijah Hewett, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Harvey Johnston, Hamish Davis

Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles Match Details

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026.

First Bounce: 1:15pm AEST.

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.