The game as it stands
The Blues are looking to make it five wins on the trot when they take on the Eagles on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
Unfortunately, what was an impressive win over Port Adelaide left Carlton with a few sore bodies, with Harry McKay, Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps and Jack Martin all coming out of the clash with West Coast clash.
Jordan Boyd will also miss due to suspension.
This sees two youngsters in Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan - the Blues' first two picks from last year's draft - return to the line-up, with the duo making a solid impact for the side in the early rounds of the 2023 season.
Ed Curnow will also come into the side to inject some much-needed experience with the absence of Cerra, Cripps and Matt Kennedy in the midfield, while Josh Honey enters the side for Jack Martin.
As Michael Voss preaches a 'next-man-up' mentality to the Blues, the intent will remain the same regardless of the bodies who run out on game day.
Key match up
Oscar Allen is looming as a dangerous force for the Eagles, with the 24-year-old equal fourth on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.
After an impressive outing last week against the Port Adelaide forward line (six intercept possessions, five spoils), Jacob Weitering is likely to take the role on Allen, aiming to negate his influence in front of goal.
Allen and Charlie Curnow are two of only three players who have kicked a goal in every game this season for their respective sides.
Player to watch
Mitch McGovern has been at his best in the defensive half this last month, delivering a career-high nine rebound 50s, along with eight spoils and seven contested possessions against Port Adelaide in Round 18.
With his aerial game always a strength, McGovern's concerted effort to impact contests in the defensive half and use his skills to generate offence was on display last weekend.
Whilst brother Jeremy won’t be on the field, the younger brother will still have something to prove against the Eagles.
Goss from Voss
With a few senior players out of the side, some emerging Blues will get the opportunity to fill some critical roles.
AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss was particularly keen to see Lachie Cowan return to the back six, lauding his team-first mindset - and recent VFL form - at his press conference on Friday.
“I love Lachie: he’s raw but at the same time, he’s got such power and he’s got great size about him,” Voss said.
“You’ll never have to worry about his toughness, he’ll put his body on the line and he goes back with the flight and hopefully can get a bit of run and dash.
“Being able to get back in the back six or seven, it’s been tough to get back into because they’ve been pretty settled but with ‘Boydy’ out, it gives him an opportunity to come in.”
Things we love to see
It’s the last week of the ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign across the competition, which has brought heaps of Junior ‘Baggers to the football each week.
This week, kids can collect a free Junior ‘Baggers flag, partake in face painting, play inflatable footy games, and create individual footy cards outside Gate 7 from 12:15pm (AEST).
With a family-friendly timeslot, the kids will be out in full force yet again to cheer on the Blues as they take on the Eagles.
