The game as it stands

In the annual Marn Grook at the SCG, Carlton will take on Sydney in the second Sir Doug Nicholls Round for 2023. 

The Swans are currently ranked fourth in the league for tackles per game, so a physical game is sure to be on the cards. 

Tom De Koning and Brodie Kemp will make their way into the 22, delivering a strong aerial presence both around the ground and behind the ball. 

A bit of confidence will go a long way for the Blues - who have lost their last three games  - as they travel interstate for the first time since Round 7. 

Key matchup 

The return of the tall Toms. 

Sydney is set to have Tom Hickey return to the lineup, while Carlton will have De Koning back on the park after returning from a concussion sustained in the VFL. 

It sees both teams shaking up their ruck mix, with De Koning joined by Marc Pittonet and Hickey by youngster Lachlan McAndrew. 

02:48

"He gave me guidance": Voss on 'Mago' McLean's influence

Ex-teammates Michael Voss and Michael 'Magic' McLean sat down to talk about their history and the importance of celebrating Indigenous culture.

Player to watch

Sam Walsh has been firing in the midfield and further up the ground, and will be looking to bring that once again against the Swans. 

With Errol Gulden also delivering an outstanding season, Walsh and the Blues’ midfield brigade will want to be first to the ball, something they’ve been doing well in the past month: the Blues have been +86 in contested possessions in the last five games.

Goss from Voss 

Fronting the media on Wednesday, AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss admitted that while the Club is going through a challenging time on field, their goals haven’t changed.

"We’re going through a tough patch at the moment, which we’re going to work through, and that’s by sticking together and having a strong, challenging environment,” Voss said.  

“We feel like we can work through it. Our goals don’t change, but at the same time, we’ve very much got our sights on this weekend’s game."

10:37

Voss on connection through challenge, strong environments for success

Michael Voss spoke to the media ahead of the Round 11 clash with Sydney.

Things we love to see 

In Sydney’s annual Marn Grook at the SCG, both teams will honour the Indigenous roots of Australian football and recognise the enduring contribution of Indigenous players to the game. 

Exchanging a traditional Tiwi Pukumani Pole to Sydney ahead of the occasion, Carlton will once again be running out in its Indigenous guernsey designed by Tiwi artist Russellina Puruntatameri. 

On National Sorry Day, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders and their contribution to the game is a fitting way to acknowledge their history.