The game as it stands

A month of firsts. 

After their inaugural Good Friday clash last week, the undefeated Blues head to Adelaide Oval for the first ever Gather Round clash. 

With all 18 AFL teams headed to South Australia, Carlton will play in front of a packed out Adelaide Oval to kick off the exciting new fixture on the AFL calendar.

To add to the enthusiasm, Sam Walsh will make his return to football after having back surgery in the off-season. 

Blake Acres will return after suspension and Matt Kennedy will play his first game since Round 2, rounding out Carlton's midfield mix.

Key match up 

Taylor Walker, Izak Rankine and Josh Rachele kicked a collective total of 10 goals last week in a blistering win over Fremantle: they've combined for 27 goals so far this season, ranked No.3 in the competition for most prolific forward trios.

A strong suit of Carlton's form so far this season, their backline - led by the likes of Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman and Adam Saad - will have to be at the top of their game to quell the home-ground advantage in Adelaide.

With Newman and Saad playing solid roles for the Blues’ backline over the last few weeks, it will be up to them to tackle the small forwards, while Weitering will take on a very formidable forward in Walker. 

Player to watch 

Mitch McGovern played a dominant game for Carlton last week, with the dynamic defender totalling 27 disposals, 11 intercept possessions and gaining 438 metres. 

A rock in defence, McGovern put together one of best all-round performances after a solid month to open the 2023 campaign.

Having some familiarity on Adelaide Oval - spending four years on the Crows’ list - McGovern is one to watch as he comes up against his old side. 

Goss from Voss

Speaking on the occasion of Gather Round and the recent form of the Crows, Michael Voss said the Blues would need to bring their A-game to come away with four points for the first time at Adelaide Oval.

“There’s a few [Adelaide players] to put some work into, they’ve got a few threats and they’re in some really good form.

“We’re up against a really good forward line and a really potent offence: we’re going to have to play 120 minutes of footy to get this one done.

“Playing at Adelaide Oval, it’s obviously a really important occasion and you can see the excitement and energy that’s come to the city.

“Having been here for quite a period of time, I know this will be important to the city and the state itself, but that won’t stop us from playing our style of football and what we want to bring to it – we’ve got a certain style we want to play and we’ll put that on show tomorrow.

Things we love to see 

Sam Walsh. 

Walsh hasn’t played for the Blues since Round 22, 2022, undergoing back surgery in the pre-season which delayed his start to the 2023 campaign.

A prolific midfielder that has been sorely missed, Walsh will be welcomed back to provide a boost around the ball for the Blues.

Playing in front of a sold-out Adelaide Oval - with a fair share of Carlton supporters making the trip from Victoria - Walsh will definitely feel the love when he runs out for the first time this season.

The connection from Bluebaggers is felt wherever they travel, and with more travelling support than any other team in the competition this weekend, it promises to be quite the spectacle.

Find out more about the game here.