CARLTON (4th) vs BRISBANE LIONS (1st)

Where: Ikon Park, Carlton
When: Sunday, 19 March
Time: 3:35pm EDT

COVERAGE

Follow Carlton’s social media channels where we’ll be posting live updates and behind-the-scenes content. FOX Footy will broadcast the match live nationally and it can also be streamed live on the AFL Live app.

FORM GUIDE

Carlton struggled against the determined Fremantle in the West, going down by 16 points. After securing a stunning victory over the Bulldogs a week earlier, the Blues couldn’t replicate an away win after a slow start. The Dockers led at every change and the Round 6 loss appears to have ended the Blues’ hopes of a grand-final berth. 

Conversely, its been a faultless season for the Brisbane Lions who head into the last round without having lost a game. The Lions fought off a fighting Bulldogs outfit by seven points in Round 6 to secure a home grand final. The Lions play an exciting and disciplined style of game with even contributors right across the ground, making them a very formidable outfit. 

WHAT THE STATS SAY

Despite the Lions sitting on top of the ladder, the Blues have actually kick more goals than their opponents (33-26). Brisbane, however, averages five more tackles per game than Carlton (55-50). Damien Keeping’s Blues aren’t shy when it comes to winning the contested ball (96-89 per game) and also lead the disposal count per game (172-165). The Blues take more marks than the Lions, leading in contested marks (7.2-7 per game) and marks inside 50 (6.2-5.2).

SELECTED TEAMS

CARLTON
B: B.Davey, L.Attard, K.Loynes
HB: B.Jakobsson, B.Moody, T.Lucas-Rodd
C: L.Arnell (C)
HF: S.Audley, L.Ayre, H.Trevean
F: J.Ivey, R.Privitelli, D.Vescio
Foll: A.Downie, S.Hosking, K.Gillespie-Jones
I/C: T.Nestor, K.Shierlaw, L.Brazzale, M.Keryk, G.Pound, A.Brown

In: Trevean, Privitelli
Out: Jess Kennedy (omitted), Danielle Hardiman (injured)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: S.Virgo, L.Kaslar, S.Campbell
HB: T.Randall, K.Lutkins, B.Koenen
C: M.Hunt
HF: K.Ashmore, S.Frederick-Traub, K.McCarthy
F: J.Membrey, T.Harris, J.Wuetschner
Foll: S.Webb, E.Bates, E.Zielke
I/C (from): N.Wallace, J.Stanton, N.Hildebrand, S.Goodman, B.Gibson, A.Anderson, D.Kimmince, C.Collins

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CARLTON

Shae Audley
The commitment and tenacity that Audley brought out west was second to none, leading Carlton’s tackle count with seven and picking up seven disposals herself in a tough night. In what has been an impressive season for the midfielder, Audley ranks seventh in the competition for tackles (34) and averages 5.7 per game. Her intensity and commitment to the contest will be vital against a Brisbane team that is yet to drop a game. 

Katie Loynes
A name not often recognised externally, Loynes was one of Carlton’s better performers last round, gathering eight disposals and laying six tackles. Her tackle count was almost equal best of Audley, and the Blues will again really on her intensity in and around the stoppages with the absence of injured midfielder Nat Exon.
 

BRISBANE LIONS

Sabrina Frederick-Traub
The powerfully built key forward has been a revelation for the Lions in the maiden AFLW competition, headlined by her 10-disposal and five-mark performance against the Western Bulldogs last round that also included seven hitouts as a pinch-hitting ruck. Able to hit contests hard and be just as versatile at ground level, Frederick-Traub has quickly become a barometer.

Tayla Harris
One of the Lions’ marquee players, the key forward has worked in tandem with Frederick-Traub to form arguably the strongest attack in the competition. Nine disposals and four marks against the Bulldogs wasn’t her best return for 2017, but she combined with Frederick-Traub for nine marks inside 50.

CONDITIONS

The weather is forecast to be sunny with clear skies, reaching a top of 33 degrees.