The game as it stands
Searching for four in a row.
Carlton will take on Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Michael Voss’ team itching to continue its winning form.
With Tom De Koning back in the side, the Blues will have a recognised ruckman on the field for the first time since before the bye, with Jack Silvagni lending a hand where needed.
Heading into the game with 13 wins in a row, the strength of the second-placed Port Adelaide is no secret, ranking second in the league for inside 50s and conceding the second least marks to the opposition.
Having spent eight seasons at Port as an assistant coach under Ken Hinkley, Voss will have his focus purely on the Blues continuing their strong form from the last three games.
Key match up
Aliir Aliir will be matching up against one of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, who will have their work cut out for them against the with Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow looking to out body the 2021 All-Australian defender.
In the absence of Trent McKenzie, Aliir - who ranks second in the competition for intercepts - will be flanked by returning captain Tom Jonas against Carlton's twin towers, who both rank No.1 in the AFL for contested marks (38 each).
The aerial prowess of the Blues' forward will be put to the test, and then they'll need to convert when it matters most.
Player to watch
Brodie Kemp has re-signed with the Blues for another two years, with the defender proving himself this season in a career-best season after impressing for the Carlton Reserves earlier in the year.
Kemp has provided solid support to Jacob Weitering and Mitch McGovern as a key part of Carlton's defensive setup, showing more confidence at the level with each passing week.
Now with a new contract under his belt, Kemp will be looking to keep a good thing going.
Goss from Voss
Given previous experience, Voss knows exactly how dangerous Port Adelaide can be.
When speaking to media on Friday morning, Carlton's AFL Senior Coach lauded the opposition's ability to fight through personnel issues, and he expected no different for the Round 18 clash.
“Based on personnel that is there or not there, that should make no difference to how we approach it. If nothing else, the respect comes to the football team by the sheer fact that based on results, they’re probably the best team in the competition,” Voss said.
“They’ve been able to navigate challenges and threats that come their way and still be able to be on the positive side.
“We’re still trying to develop ourselves and still trying to grow and look for that element of consistency in our game and this presents a pretty good challenge and an exciting challenge for us.”
Things we love to see
Jacob Weitering will play his 150th game on Saturday, with the No.1 draft pick from the 2015 AFL Draft becoming a highly regarded leader of the Club.
The 25-year-old co-vice captain has been a mainstay of Carlton’s backline, being one of the most consistent opponents in the league for opposition tall forwards.
A much-loved teammate and a fan favourite, there will be plenty of support for Weitering when he runs out on Saturday.
