The game as it stands
It’s the first interstate trip for the Blues this season, heading to New South Wales to take on the Giants.
Carlton sits with one win and one draw, while Greater Western Sydney has a squared ledger after two rounds.
Whilst the Blues will be looking to back up an impressive performance against the reigning premiers, the Giants will be wanting to bounce back from their away loss to the Eagles, where their second quarter proved costly in the Round 2 clash.
George Hewett returning to the side will bring further physicality to the side – a strength of the Blues who sit fifth in the league for tackles while the Giants sit 15th after two games.
Key match-up
At opposite ends of the ground, two All Australian half-back flankers will be looking to make their mark on the game.
In Navy Blue, Adam Saad will be looking to repeat his impressive performance from Round 2, where the defender earned five coaches votes for his 29-disposal performance (a career high) which also included 10 intercepts and 608 metres gained.
For the Giants, Lachie Whitfield will return to the lineup, missing the previous game due to concussion.
Before being injured halfway through the third term in Round 1, Whitfield had already amassed 17 disposals, delivering three score involvements and gaining 256 metres.
With both having a licence to attack, it'll be hard to look away whenever either of these two excitement machines are in possession.
Player to watch
Blake Acres made his mark in the Navy Blue last week, delivering a strong performance against the Cats.
Acres’ presence was felt in all areas of the ground, contributing 26 disposals, eight score involvements, five intercept possessions and four tackles.
The highest-scoring AFL Fantasy player for the Blues last week, Acres definitely found his feet in his new colours, being a reliable ball user stationed on the wing.
Goss from Voss
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Voss said what he wants to get out of the trip to New South Wales was to see their style transfer to any ground they play on.
“Nothing changes for us in terms of our approach – we want to be able to take it on the road and consistently be able to apply what we want to be able to and play the way that we want,” Voss said.
“We feel like it stacks up against any opposition, we just have to make sure that we get out there and execute it.”
Things we love to see
It will be the first time the Blues will be able to run out in front of the NSW Bluebaggers, playing away from home for the first time this season.
While playing away from home is never easy, the Carlton fans in attendance - both from New South Wales, and those travelling to watch the game - will make it a whole lot easier with their support from the stands.
