The game as it stands

Carlton will be taking on Brisbane for their eighth annual AFL Carlton Respects Game. 

Taking place under lights at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, the Blues will be wearing their special Carlton Respects guernsey as well as the traditional orange socks as they look to back up a big win against the Eagles last week.

In Sam Docherty’s 150th game and Adam Saad’s 50th Carlton game, it will be a fiery contest between the Blues and the Lions, as both look to solidify their status as current top-eight sides.

Brisbane is ranked first in the competition for total clearances per game, so the Carlton midfield will have show the form of last week if they're to prevent the opposition from getting first looks.

Key match up

While Carlton have a powerhouse duo in their forward line, Brisbane also boast some superstars in their forward line, with the threat of Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood looming from a tall-forward perspective. 

Lewis Young and Jacob Weitering will have their work cut out for them, needing to lock down both talls to ensure minimal scoring opportunities, with Daniher also spending more time in the ruck in recent weeks.

With Charlie Cameron likely to be buzzing at the fall of the ball, Adam Saad and Nic Newman will have to be on the lookout for any movement from the Brisbane forward, who is ranked third in tackles inside 50 and goals per game. 

Player to watch

Brodie Kemp played a strong game against the Eagles last week, picking up 22 disposals, 13 marks and five intercept possessions in his first game back in the senior side for 2023. 

Putting his best foot forward in his return performance, Kemp will be put to the test against a strong Lions outfit with no shortage of attacking threats: after some comprehensive performances in the VFL prior to last week, this clash with the Lions arguably marks Kemp's - and the Blues' - biggest test so far.

Goss from Voss

Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss said the inside battle will dictate proceedings at Marvel Stadium.

"[Brisbane has] added Dunkley and Ashcroft, who’s come through as a young talent – we’ll have to be on our game around the middle of the ground.

"We feel like we’ve got our group largely together, last week was the first time we’ve had them all playing together that I can remember: it’ll be a good challenge in the middle of the ground. Every coach says that’s where it starts – it certainly will start there on Friday night, no doubt."

Things we love to see 

Carlton will be running out in its Carlton Respects guernsey, with the orange trim representing the international colour of harmony. 

With the Club raising awareness for gender equality and the prevention of violence against women, the orange guernsey and socks worn by the players go a long way to bring visibility to these issues. 

The Road to Respect digital learning platform was launched late last year, aiming to educate students in the classroom about respectful behaviour and relationships: seeing the team run out championing the cause - as well as seeing Marvel Stadium under orange lights - is always a special moment for the initiative.