Carlton v Melbourne: the preview
Carlton meet Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, Saturday 1:35pm (AFL, Round 4). Carlton have won 123 of the 223 meetings with Melbourne since 1897.
The big picture
Carlton are 13–11–1 in AFL 2026, averaging 86.2 points for and 85.6 against.
Melbourne are 15–9 in AFL 2026, averaging 98.2 points for and 90.5 against.
Form
Carlton have won three of their last five and most recently lost to Geelong Cats 74–107.
Melbourne have won three of their last five and most recently lost to Carlton 55–74.
Head to head
These sides have met 223 times on our records since 1897: Carlton 123, Melbourne 98, 2 drawn.
Last time out (2026, Wildcard Finals), Carlton won 74–55 at MCG.
Biggest margin between these two: Carlton by 116 points in 1986 (165–49).
Players to watch
For Carlton, watch Sam Walsh (29.1 disposals a game, 8 goals in 2026) and Patrick Cripps (26.2 disposals a game, 16 goals in 2026).
For Melbourne, watch Jake Bowey (24.9 disposals a game, 2 goals in 2026) and Jack Steele (23.5 disposals a game, 4 goals in 2026).
At Adelaide Oval
Carlton have won 1 of their last 3 at Adelaide Oval.
Melbourne have won 1 of 5 at Adelaide Oval.
What the numbers say
On form and history, Carlton have the edge.
Written automatically from Lineball's own match and player database. Not betting advice.
