The game as it stands 

Carlton will be looking to make a strong statement after a disappointing outing in Adelaide last week. 

Looking to defeat the ladder-leading St Kilda, it will take some response to knock off the Saints in the Blues’ first home game at Marvel Stadium for the season.

A 10-day break between outings will ensure the Blues are refreshed and mentally prepared for the challenge that looms. 

The Blues can welcome Mitch McGovern back to the lineup for some much needed defensive depth, as well as debutant Alex Cincotta, who has been rewarded for some impressive VFL form in recent weeks. 

Having been a mainstay in the side through the midfield over the last year, Adam Cerra will line up for his 100th AFL game – the last 23 have come in Navy Blue.

With both Carlton and St Kilda suffering losses last week, there will be no love lost in this clash as both teams have something to prove back in Victoria.

Key match up

Brad Crouch has been a bull so far in 2023 for the Saints, averaging 31 disposals and six tackles per game, as well as being their main clearance winner in the middle.  

How Carlton goes about going head-to-head with Crouch and the Saints' midfield setup will be a wait and see, but the on-ball brigade will have to be mindful of stopping the ball magnet from getting first possession.

The return of Sam Walsh last week is definitely a positive - giving the Blues an extra body around the ball - while both Ed Curnow and George Hewett have played tagging roles so far this season.

Player to watch 

If you haven’t noticed already, Jesse Motlop is becoming an excitement machine in the forward line. 

The electric small forward has natural goal sense and an ability to create something out of nothing.

Kicking six goals in his last four games for the season so far, the proud Larrakia man will be looking to repeat his career-best three-goal showing against the Saints from last year . . . and maybe even showing off his new (revamped) goal celebration in the process. 

Goss from Voss (but it's Ash Hansen)

Speaking to the media in place of AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss, assistant Ash Hansen said that the Blues were hoping their midfield depth would allow them to play around with positioning and ensure they have a handle on the returning St Kilda captain, Jack Steele. 

"That’s the flexibility we have for [midfielders] to play up forward, to support the stoppage and transition game. We’ve seen guys play across half back at different occasions and we’ve certainly got the capacity to shut down a player that starts to influence the game in the midfield," he said. 

"Having flexibility through roles and personnel is really important and we think we’ve got guys that are starting to develop that capacity, which is exciting. 

"Historically, [Cripps and Steele] have gone head to head: they're both great ball winners and I think Ross [Lyon] has already mentioned that, so it should be a good watch for the fans. We’re really grateful and fortunate to be at a sell out again at Marvel, which is exciting for our group and our fans to be a part of that."

Things we love to see

Alex Cincotta will run out with the AFL side for the first time on Sunday, with the 26-year-old earning his chance through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) earlier in the year.

Having been on the Carlton Reserves’ list since 2021, Cincotta proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Blues' VFL side after overcoming injury, and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since then. 

Cincotta has had a hot start to the year in the VFL side, averaging 31.7 disposals, 5.7 marks and 5.3 rebound 50s. 

With Adam Saad missing the game due to a hamstring injury, Cincotta will provide some run and carry to the backline, with the defender also capable of throwing his body around to win or halve contested situations.