The game as it stands
Another challenge awaits the Blues on Sunday afternoon as they take on the Suns at the MCG.
Lachie Fogarty and David Cuningham will return to the lineup after experiencing extended stints on the sidelines, while Marc Pittonet and Nic Newman will also return to the 23 after missing the last fortnight with respective hand and hamstring injuries.
Coming up against one of the best-contested teams in the league, Gold Coast is currently ranked second in the competition for clearances, while also standing up well under pressure, ranking third for rebound 50s.
Carlton will want to be first to the ball against a physical Gold Coast outfit, looking to back itself in at the contest and increasing tackle numbers on the whole.
In an additional Kids Go Free Round, families can bring children 14 and under to the game for free by registering here.
Key match-up
Marc Pittonet’s return to the lineup couldn’t have come at a better time, with the 27-year-old to take on the majority of the ruck work against one of the competition's best ruckmen in Jarrod Witts.
Witts is averaging 41 hitouts a game and is the predominant ruckman - assisted by a familiar face to the Blues in Levi Casboult - for the Suns.
Pittonet - who will be supported by 50-gamer Tom De Koning - will be relishing the challenge against Gold Coast’s co-captain, looking to give his midfielders the best opportunity in the clearance.
Player to watch
The return of David Cuningham is one that Carlton fans have been waiting for, as the 26-year-old has endured an unlucky run with injury over his seven seasons.
However, Sunday's game will mark his first senior outing for 731 days in a testament to his hard work, dedication and resilience.
Delivering a polished performance for the Carlton Reserves last week (27 disposals, seven tackles and two goals), Cuningham’s speed, power and nuance in front of goal could be exactly what the Blues are looking to inject into the lineup.
Goss from Voss
Coming up against Gold Coast is ‘business as usual’ for AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss, who said no drastic measures have been taken to return to winning form.
Performing with consistency and toughness is high on the priority list as the Blues search for their fifth win of the season.
"What I can absolutely assure you is that every team we play gets our full 100 per cent commitment,” Voss said at his press conference on Friday morning.
“Whether the team is in form, or not in form, top of the ladder or bottom of the ladder, we prepare exactly the same way and that’s what we try to establish – that consistency of mindset and having humility in our approach.
"If you just look at recent form, [Gold Coast has] been a strong contested team: they’ve had some recent wins, so there are some challenges for us that we have to get after."
Things we love to see
Harry McKay will run out for his 100th AFL game on Sunday afternoon.
The No.10 has been a vital part of the Blues' forward lineup since breaking through for his debut in 2017 after being selected in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, going on to win the 2021 Coleman Medal as well as All-Australian selection.
Having kicked 192 goals in his 99 games so far, McKay is a Blue for life, having signed on at Carlton until 2030.
