Melbourne Demons vs Carlton Verdict
Carlton’s stunning revival will continue when they take on Melbourne in Wildcard weekend.
The Demons dropped into the wildcard spot with their loss to the Bulldogs last weekend, qualifying in 7th spot with a 15-8 win-loss record, while Carlton’s win over Fremantle saw them end with 12 wins, 10 losses and a draw to sit in 10th.
The Blues have been the best-performed side in the competition since Josh Fraser took over, going 11-2-1 across their past 14 matches, and there is little reason to expect them to change what has been working.
With both sides possessing midfielders capable of turning contested possession into immediate attack, Carlton can edge the contest, with Walsh reaching 30+ disposals and Pickett 25+ as the Blues’ remarkable run continues into an Elimination Final against Adelaide in Adelaide.
- Both sides are averaging over 100 points in their past five matches
- Carlton have won 11, drawn one and lost three matches since Fraser took over, Melbourne are 9-5 in that period
- Kozzie Pickett had 33 disposals the last time the two sides met.
- Sam Walsh has had 30+ disposals in his past three matches against Melbourne
Head to Head
Melbourne and Carlton met just once in 2026 with that match going the way of the Demons back in Round 3 by 23 points.
They trailed by 34 at half-time before pouring on 14 goals to four in the second half. Carlton won the four matches prior to that between the two sides, including the 2023 Semi Final by two points.
Melbourne Demons Form
Melbourne have won 10 of 12 at the MCG this season but have lost two of their past three at the venue. The Demons finished 7th on the ladder with a 15-8 win-loss record and have won six of their past eight matches.
The Demons went down 108-87 to the Western Bulldogs last weekend but continue to score heavily, averaging 110 points across their past eight matches.
Their forward line continues to produce multiple avenues to goal, with Harrison Petty kicking three against the Bulldogs, while Tom McDonald and Bayley Fritsch kicked two apiece.
Petty has kicked 2+ goals in eight consecutive matches and has 17 across his past six appearances at the MCG, while Fritsch has kicked 2+ in his past five.
Max Gawn was Melbourne’s best against the Bulldogs with 28 disposals, 59 hitouts and 10 clearances, albeit against a side without a recognised frontline ruckman.
Kozzie Pickett was also prominent with 26 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. Gawn has recorded 25+ disposals in three of his past four matches, while Pickett has had 24+ in his past three.
Melbourne Demons Team News
Melbourne have concerns surrounding Matthew Jefferson and Daniel Turner ahead of the Wildcard Final. Jefferson failed to finish the loss to the Bulldogs after hyperextending his knee, while Turner hurt his knee during the first quarter before returning to play out the match.
Both are set for scans and will need to prove their fitness. The Demons will also be without Jake Lever (foot) and Jacob van Rooyen through suspension.
Carlton Form
Carlton finished 10th on the ladder with a 12-10-1 win-loss-draw record. Josh Fraser took over as coach mid-season and the Blues have gone 11-2-1 since then.
Interestingly, the two losses came at the MCG against Collingwood by 21 points and Hawthorn by 64, with Carlton holding a 4-4 win-loss record at the venue in 2026.
Fremantle already had top spot secured last weekend and rested several players, but it was still hard not to be impressed by Carlton’s 119-82 victory. The Blues overcame an early four-goal deficit before taking control and are now averaging 114 points per game across their past five matches.
There continues to be an excellent spread of contributors, with Francis Evans kicking five goals against Fremantle, Brodie Kemp and Ben Ainsworth three apiece and Harry McKay two. Kemp has kicked 11 goals across his past four matches, while McKay has kicked 2+ in four consecutive appearances.
Carlton’s midfield is also in excellent touch. Sam Walsh had 31 disposals against Fremantle, with Jagga Smith also recording 31 and Patrick Cripps 24 as the Blues controlled the engine room.
Walsh has recorded 25+ disposals in seven consecutive matches and 30+ in his past two, George Hewett has had 26+ in his past four and Smith has recorded 25+ in five of his past six.
Carlton Team News
Carlton came through the win over Fremantle without any fresh injuries and could regain Will Hayward and Nick Haynes for the Wildcard Final.
Hayward missed Round 24 after jarring his ankle against the Bulldogs and had been targeting a return this week, while Haynes was listed as a test with an ankle injury.
Zac Williams remains less certain as he recovers from a fractured larynx, while Nic Newman remains sidelined.