Sunday arvo footy at Marvel Stadium sees two wildcard-bound clubs doing as the Western Bulldogs host Carlton.

The Blues have continued their incredible turnaround, ending St Kilda’s 2026 campaign in brutal fashion, 102-62.

This week Carlton can book their ticket to wildcard playoffs, a result no one would have predicted back in Round nine when the Blues had just one win for the season and Vossy was still the head coach.

 Dogs, on the other hand, were embarrassed 100-77 by North Melbourne of all teams… A loss that would have been a reality check for how they’re tracking heading into finals.

Having already booked their wildcard ticket, the Dogs have indicated they won’t be going too hard in this one. Bontempelli is taking a rest, but we can’t help but think they probably haven’t earned the luxury of resting players.

These two last met in Round 10, when Carlton got up 74-62 to hand Josh Fraser a victory in his first match as caretaker coach. How far have these two teams come since then?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Western Bulldogs vs Carlton Blues Round 23 prediction and preview below.

Western Bulldogs vs Carlton Blues Match Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Thanks to their opponents this week, the Dogs are already secured inside the top 10.

St Kilda in 11th cannot catch them, which means the Bulldogs' only real concern heading into Sunday is form and form is precisely where the problems start.

When Marcus Bontempelli is down 10 per cent this side gets very hard to watch and here he isn't playing at all. The reliance on too few has been obvious all season and it becomes glaring with Bont managed and English injured.

For the Baggers, things go from great to amazing with one win across the next fortnight locking them into a Wildcard place.

Last week was an immense performance given the expectation and the stakes attached to it and this is a group that has learnt how to handle both under Fraser.

Blues fans, win here and you're in. From 1-8, you're in. All hail Josh.

Head-to-head prediction: Carlton Blues by 10 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Big H needs to be hitting his straps now if Carlton are going to do anything in finals.

Harry McKay has largely had a quiet year in 2026 but managing to nab three and three in the last fortnight against quality opposition will give him plenty of confidence heading into this one.

Big H to score a goal early in this one.

Betting tip: Harry McKay.

Most Disposals Prediction

Sam Walsh is named among Carlton's followers, which is exactly where you want him when a Wildcard spot is on the line.

The Blues' midfield rolls out with Walsh, Cripps, George Hewett and Adam Cerra and they’re facing a Bont-less Dogs engine room who were handily out-competed by the Roos last week.

We’re expecting the Blues to dictate this contest and Walsh to turn the screws on the Dogs in the second half.

Betting tip: Sam Walsh.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Sam Walsh 31+ disposals, Harry McKay 3+ goals, Carlton to win 1-39, Patrick Cripps 26+ disposals.

Odds are subject to change.*

Western Bulldogs vs Carlton Blues Confirmed Teams

Western Bulldogs Team List

FB: Michael Sellwood, Buku Khamis, Lachlan Carmichael

HB: Lachlan Bramble, James O'Donnell, Bailey Williams

C: Sam Davidson, Joel Freijah, Cooper Hynes

HF: Cody Weightman, Louis Emmett, Arthur Jones

FF: Josh Dolan, Aaron Naughton, Jordan Croft

FOLL: Rory Lobb, Ryley Sanders, Ed Richards

I/C: Oskar Baker, Jedd Busslinger, Lachie Jaques, Luke Kennedy, Tom Liberatore, Lachlan McNeil, Wade Derksen, Rhylee West

Carlton Blues Team List

FB: Billy Wilson, Jacob Weitering, Lachlan Cowan

HB: Oliver Florent, Harry Dean, Mitch McGovern

C: Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps, Matthew Cottrell

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Harry McKay, Talor Byrne

FF: Francis Evans, Brodie Kemp, Cooper Lord

FOLL: Marc Pittonet, George Hewett, Sam Walsh

I/C: Nick Haynes, Jagga Smith, Lewis Young, Jack Ison, Matthew Kennedy, Will Hayward, Jordan Boyd, Blake Acres

Western Bulldogs vs Carlton Blues Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST

Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy / Kayo Sports / Channel 7