Details: Marvel Stadium, Thursday 2 July, 7:40pm (AEST)

Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo, AFL App

Live updates: Twitter, Instagram and the Carlton App

The game in focus: 

After another narrow victory last week, Carlton will once again have a tough task ahead of them as they take on St Kilda on Thursday night.

While the Blues will be looking to keep their winning streak alive, the Saints will be no easy feat as they also enter the game full of confidence after their impressive win over the Tigers in Round 4. 

The return of Harry McKay will undoubtedly be welcomed by his fellow forwards, while Zac Fisher will also add some all-important zip and speed to the Blues' midfield as well as in attack. 

With the Saints favouring a high-possession style of play so far this season, it will be important for the Blues to restrict the opposition's opportunities to control possession and use their fast rebound from the backline to score quickly. 

Last time we met:

Carlton fans won't forget the last time these two teams met in Round 22 of last year. 

The Blues overcame a 24-point deficit to record a memorable 10-point win in front of a bumper crowd of 51,786.

There was an even spread of contributors, with Marc Murphy (three Brownlow votes), Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay all important in helping the Blues steal the come-from-behind victory. 

Blue focus:

Sam Docherty has been nothing short of sensational since making his return from injury in Round 1. 

The co-captain last week recorded arguably his best performances to date, collecting 32 disposals, 10 contested possession and eight rebound 50s as he willed the Blues to a one-point victory over the Bombers. 

While Docherty's clean disposal and leadership in the backline has played a large role in Carlton's improvement over the last three weeks, this week will prove to be a challenge for the talented defender. 

With the return of St Kilda's captain Jarryd Geary this week, expect to see him match-up on Docherty as the opposition desperately try to quell the impact of the Carlton co-captain. 

Get excited about:

It's prime time, Bluebaggers. 

The Blues return to Thursday night football, kicking off the round for the first time since the season opener. 

It gives the chance for all Carlton supporters to tune in via free-to-air and watch as their beloved Blues fight for their third win in a row. 

CARLTON has been outplayed by a ruthless St.Kilda on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium.

The Saints were able to choke the Blues’ ability to move the ball as freely as they have in previous weeks, running out with an 18 - point win 

Jack Martin and Will Setterfield were among the Blues best finishing with 19 and 13 disposals respectively and combining for three goals.

Q1 breakdown:

Both teams took a measured start to the first quarter with neither team willing to take unnecessary risks. Some undisciplined play from Carlton resulted in a number of free-kicks to St Kilda, and helped them take an early two goal lead. The Saints lead the inside 50 count 13 to eight including nine marks to two in their forward half.It looked as though it was going to be a term completely dominated by the Saints before veteran Eddie Betts was able to register the Blues first goal of the game.

Q2 breakdown:

Two more quick goals saw the Saints race away to a 32-point-lead. The Saints continued to outplay the Blues as the term went on, with their pressure and fast-paced ball movement helping them pile on three unanswered goals. There was a special moment for Sam Philp who kicked his first goal of AFL late in the third term. Carlton looked to steady as the quarter progressed, able to string together more chains of play. However, they would still head into the main break trailing by 30 points.

Q3 breakdown:

It was a better start from Carlton in the third term, with Patrick Cripps and Jack Martin combining to kick the first goal of the quarter. However, a quick answer from the Saints put an end to any momentum the Blues may have had. Sam Philp once again found himself getting in on the scoring action, this time helping Will Setterfield kick his first for the day. Setterfield was one of the players who began lift in the third, getting his hands dirty around the contest before kicking his second goal and cutting the Saints advantage to a manageable 18-points. Jack Martin brought the much-needed spark for the Blues with his pressure in the forward line causing panic among the Saints defenders.  

Q4 breakdown:

Any momentum the Blues had heading into the last quarter was quickly dashed when the Saints came out with the same aggressive play typical of their first-quarter efforts. Carlton was able to restore claw back some momentum with goals to Michael Gibbons, Patrick Cripps and Jack Newnes reducing the final margin to 18 points.   

Moment of the match:

Jack Martin's importance for the Blues continues to grow. 

It was Martin who provided a much-needed spark for the Blues in the third quarter, kicking the first goal of the term before using his attack on the ball to force a turnover in Carlton's forward line, resulting in Setterfield's second goal.  

Three things from the game:

1. Will Setterfield continues to build on what has been a consistent 2020. The young midfielder collected 13-disposals and kicked two important goals in the third quarter to help give the Blues a fighting chance. 

2. Jack Martin continues to ooze class around the ground. Martin played wherever the Blues needed him, having a particular impact with his pressure in the forward line while his clean disposal around the contest was essential to any forward movement the Blues were able to generate. 

3. On a tough night for the Carlton back line, Liam Jones worked hard to slow down the impact of the St Kilda forwards. Jones would finish with 13 disposals, 11 marks and nine intercept possessions. 

CARLTON      1.1    2.4    5.6      8.7 (55) 
ST KILDA      4.3    7.4    9.5      11.7 (73)