Languishing in the lower reaches of the AFL ladder, Port Adelaide and Carlton will face off at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night for Round 11 of the AFL Season.

Both traditional powerhouses find themselves in a desperate fight to salvage something from their 2026 campaigns, making this clash a high-stakes baseline for survival.

Carlton responded strongly after the exit of Michael Voss  by upsetting the Western Bulldogs 74-62 at Marvel Stadium last Saturday.

The relief was palpable at the Carlton Football Club - the gritty win snapped a seven-match losing streak and marked their first win against the Bulldogs since 2022.

Captain Patrick Cripps led the way with a masterclass.

 After copping a heap of criticism about ‘not stepping up’ in the lead up to this match, Crippa did just that - with 17 contested possessions and two crucial goals that helped to bring it home for Carlton. 

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide fell 98-73 to Gold Coast in Darwin during Round 10, marking a frustrating fifth loss from its past six matches.

However, we should note that three of those defeats came by three points or less, and no side has managed to top the Suns in the Top End since 2020.

The history books show these two love to trade absolute shellackings when they meet. Port Adelaide won 110-60 when these sides met at Adelaide Oval in Round 16 last season, but Carlton responded with a brutal 118-64 victory at Marvel Stadium in the most recent clash between the clubs.

Did something click last week for Carlton? Or will it be too little too late for the men in navy-blue?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Port Adelaide vs Carlton Round 11 prediction and preview below.

Port Adelaide vs Carlton Blues Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

We are set right up for a fascinating tactical battle under the Saturday night lights. The question on everyone's lips is whether the new manager bounce is a sustainable solution for the Carlton club, or if the deeper psychological scars of their winter slide will reopen on foreign soil.

Winning under the roof at Docklands is one thing, but travelling down to Adelaide to face a prideful Port Adelaide unit is a completely different beast. Patrick Cripps will need to produce another heroic display in the middle, but he faces an explosive opposition engine room eager to restore status.

Port Adelaide's ability to control the general tempo through short, sharp ball movement remains elite despite their recent setbacks. While the hopeful Blues will bring plenty of grit, the home ground advantage should prove to be the ultimate decider.

We expect a tight, contested scrap that goes right down to the wire as both sides fight tooth and nail for absolute survival.

Head-to-head prediction: Port Adelaide by 11 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

With a lot of focus being drawn to the battle between Cripps and Butters; we think big Mitch Georgiades is the perfect candidate to get the home side off to a flyer.

The athletic forward remains a consistent target inside 50 and absolutely thrives at home in Radelaide.

Given that Carlton's defensive structures are still settling into a new routine, Georgiades should find plenty of early space to lead and mark.

Expect his teammates to look for him often to settle the home crowd's nerves with an early major.

Betting tip: Mitch Georgiades.

Most Disposals Prediction

When it comes to finding the football consistently, Zak Butters remains an absolute ball-finding machine at the coalface.

The dynamic midfielder is the engine room of the Port Adelaide setup and rarely has a quiet afternoon regardless of the scoreboard.

With Carlton likely to bring high pressure around the clearances, expect Butters to elevate his work rate to drive the ball forward.

Don't overthink the numbers here; he is the safest bet to lead the stat sheet comfortably.

Betting tip: Zak Butters.

Odds are subject to change. *

Port Adelaide Power vs Carlton Blues Predicted Teams

Port Adelaide Power Predicted Team List

FB: Lachie Jones, Esava Ratugolea, Logan Evans

HB: Kane Farrell, Aliir Aliir, Darcy Byrne-Jones

C: Will Lorenz, Jason Horne-Francis, Ewan Mackinlay

HF: Joe Richards, Mitch Georgiades, Tom Anastasopoulos

FF: Dante Visentini, Jack Whitlock, Corey Durdin

FOLL: Jordon Sweet, Zak Butters, Willem Drew

I/C: Joe Berry, Christian Moraes, Jack Watkins, Ollie Wines, Jase Burgoyne

Carlton Blues Predicted Team List

FB: Oliver Florent, Jacob Weitering, Francis Evans

HB: Nic Newman, Harry Dean, Billy Wilson

C: Oliver Hollands, Patrick Cripps, Zac Williams

HF: Lachlan Cowan, Mitch McGovern, Jagga Smith

FF: Brodie Kemp, Harry McKay, Ben Ainsworth

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Adam Cerra, Sam Walsh

I/C: Will Hayward, George Hewett, Jack Ison, Matthew Carroll, Nick Haynes

Port Adelaide Power vs Carlton Blues Match Details

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

First Bounce: 7:10pm ACST / 7:40pm AEDT

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports