Friday night delivers another AFL double-header with Brisbane hosting Carlton at the Gabba, while Port Adelaide take on the Bulldogs in Adelaide.<\/p>\n
This has the potential to get ugly for Carlton, with Brisbane holding a dominant recent record over the Blues at the Gabba.<\/p>\n
However, despite the mismatch on paper, don\u2019t expect a shootout.<\/p>\n
Both Brisbane and Carlton have consistently featured in lower-scoring night games across the last two seasons.<\/p>\n
From Carlton\u2019s last 23 night matches, 17 have finished under the total points line, with the Blues averaging just 71.4 points per game during that stretch.<\/p>\n
The Lions have produced similar trends, with only five of their last 21 night games clearing the over.<\/p>\n
Four of Brisbane\u2019s last five matches have also gone under, making this total feel slightly inflated.<\/p>\n
McKenna has slotted back into Brisbane\u2019s side beautifully after strong VFL form earned him a recall.<\/p>\n
Playing as a small forward, the Irishman has kicked two goals in each of his two games this season.<\/p>\n
Carlton have struggled badly against smaller forwards in 2026, conceding goals to that player type 38% above league average.<\/p>\n
Liam Henry exposed that weakness last week with three goals for St Kilda, and McKenna shapes as another dangerous matchup.<\/p>\n
Port Adelaide pushed Adelaide all the way in last week\u2019s Showdown and continue to build strong form under Josh Carr.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs were more competitive against Fremantle last round, but are still searching for their first win since Round 4.<\/p>\n
Aliir is producing career-best numbers in Josh Carr\u2019s system, averaging personal highs for both disposals and marks.<\/p>\n
The Power defender is averaging 17.2 disposals per game and has reached 15+ disposals in six of eight matches this season.<\/p>\n
Opposition defenders continue to rack up plenty of football against the Bulldogs, making this another favourable matchup.<\/p>\n
Just two weeks ago Patrick McCartin collected 23 disposals in a very similar role against the Dogs.<\/p>\n
Zak Butters is putting together a phenomenal season and the Bulldogs may not have a player capable of slowing him down.<\/p>\n
The Port Adelaide star is averaging 30.6 disposals per game and has now recorded 30+ touches in seven consecutive matches.<\/p>\n
He also has an excellent recent record against the Bulldogs, reaching 30 disposals in three of his last four meetings against them.<\/p>\n
Right now, Butters looks to be in the best ball-winning form of his career.<\/p>\n