The game as it stands
Under Friday night lights, Carlton is searching for its fifth victory for the year - and a return to winning form - when it takes on Melbourne at the MCG.
While there were a number of forced outs at the selection table, change breeds opportunity for five inclusions, while Adam Cerra was cleared to play and Patrick Cripps pulled up well from a rolled ankle late last week.
Up against the revered ruck duo of Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn, Tom De Koning - supported by Jack Silvagni - has been backed in by AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss.
Currently sitting fourth on the ladder, Melbourne's depth in offensive options is their key strength, ranked first in the AFL for points scored and inside 50s.
With the Blues looking to refine their attacking method after some wasted opportunities in recent weeks, it'll have to be a challenge the team is up for in their search to turn around recent results.
Player to watch
With George Hewett to miss through concussion and the magnets being moved around due to five forced changes, Matthew Kennedy - who has split time between on ball and down back this season - could have more time in Carlton's midfield mix.
He performed strongly against Marcus Bontempelli back in Round 9, and with Christian Petracca looming around the ball, Kennedy's strength and determination will be crucial if the Blues are to get going at the source: a feature of their game which has been strong despite results in the past month.
Key match up
All eyes will be on the big men when the first ball is bounced.
De Koning will have his work cut out for him against the All-Australian duo of Gawn and Grundy, but it's not a role that is unfamiliar for the 23-year-old.
Shouldering the ruck load in the back half of 2021 and the middle portion of 2022, De Koning will be handed the keys on Friday night, calling upon a strong midfield brigade at his feet while looking to challenge his opponents overhead around the ground.
The Demons average a hitout differential of +12 in 2023, so De Koning and Silvagni know they'll have a four-quarter fight on their hands.
Goss from Voss
Michael Voss pointed out the consistency which Melbourne has shown for the past few years, and on Friday night, he is calling on his team to bring exactly that against a strong opponent.
“They’re a good footy team – they’ve proven that they’re proven performers over a long period of time. They’re pretty disciplined in the way they go about it,” Voss said.
“My focus is that we go out [on Friday] night and play good football. We’ve got a game to play and where the focus lies for us is that performance and making sure that we get the best version of ourselves.”
Things we love to see
In the midst of a few key injuries, Carlton will be taking their 'next-man-up' mentality into the clash with Melbourne.
With Lochie O'Brien, Zac Fisher, Jack Silvagni, Lewis Young and Alex Cincotta all returning to the side after impressive VFL stints, the Blues will want to take that mentality and put on a strong, united performance with the 22 - plus the sub - they've selected.
