AFL Media's Howard Kotton previews Carlton's Round 11 clash against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium:
SUMMARY
Morale is sky-high at Ikon Park after Carlton stunned Geelong last Sunday. Many Blues contributed against the Cats with Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer and former Lion Sam Docherty starring, but they are coming off a six-day break at the same venue and cannot afford to be complacent after such an inspirational triumph. One of the most interesting battles on Saturday looms in the Lions’ attack where last year’s No. 2 draft choice Josh Schache will lock horns again with young Blue and No. 1 pick Jacob Weitering. While the Lions have been competitive in four of their five games at home, they have been woeful on the road. Skipper Tom Rockliff will make a welcome return after injuring his hamstring almost a month ago.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 4, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2015, Brisbane Lions 20.11 (131) d Carlton 9.13 (67) at the Gabba
R6, 2015, Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) d Carlton 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2014, Brisbane Lions 14.14 (98) d Carlton 13.13 (91) at the Gabba
R9, 2013, Carlton 13.20 (98) d Brisbane Lions 12.13 (85) at the Gabba
R20, 2012, Carlton 17.11 (113) d Brisbane Lions 10.17 (77) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these clubs played, in round 20 last year, the Brisbane Lions kicked 12 goals to three in the second half, holding the Blues to only three behinds in the final quarter. Mitch Robinson was best on ground against his former side with 33 disposals and one goal.
2. Carlton and the Lions meet for the 47th time and the Blues hold the advantage, winning 27 games to 19. Since 2010 it is five wins to four in Carlton’s favour.
3. The Blues are the worst centre-clearance team after 10 games this season, averaging only 10 a match. But the Lions are only marginally better, ranked 15th at 11.9 a game.
4. At Etihad Stadium there have been eight clashes between the clubs for four wins each. The Lions have struggled at the venue recently, losing their past three and four of their past five.
5. If the Blues win on Saturday it will be the first time since 2013 they would have had six or more wins on the board after 11 games. For the third consecutive season the Lions have two wins or less after the first 10 weeks.
6. Blue Matthew Kreuzer started this season at No. 443 overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, but he has risen more than 100 spots to No. 337 by the end of round 10. He is the 23rd-ranked ruckman, up from 31 at the start of 2016.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Bell. The powerfully built midfielder faces his former teammates for the first time on Saturday after deciding to return home to the Sunshine State at the end of last season. Bell is dangerous around goal as he showed against the Hawks last Saturday and will be keen to get on the scoreboard early against the Blues.
