The game as it stands
Sixth versus eighth.
There wasn't much separating the Saints and Blues leading into Round 21, as the two teams prepare to fight it out at a sold-out Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
St Kilda is a high-possession team, sitting first in the league for disposals per game – something Carlton will have to nullify on the back of its pressure game which has been key to their recent resurgence.
In Michael Voss’ 150th game as a senior coach, the main focus will be on playing the game their way which has served them well over the last month and a half.
Mitch McGovern and Adam Cerra will miss due to hamstring injuries, while Paddy Dow and Zac Fisher come into the side to provide leg speed.
Lachie Fogarty will play his 50th AFL game, with the half-forward showing some strong form since returning to the line-up in Round 14 this year, playing his role to a t.
Key match up
In what has been dubbed ‘ruck round’ by Fox Footy, Rowan Marshall certainly looms as a big challenge for the Blues.
Playing every game for the Saints so far this season as one of their standout performers, Marshall's strength is not only in the ruck, but around the ground: he ranks No.1 in the competition among ruckman for disposals per game.
The duo of Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning will have some work to do to negate Marshall’s impact, ensuring they are not only first to the ball, but also putting in the follow-up efforts after the bounce.
Player to watch
Jacob Weitering had a dominant outing last week against the Pies, where the defender delivered 10 intercept possessions and kept Brody Mihocek goalless.
With Max King returning to St Kilda’s team in a tall forward line, Weitering will have another tough challenge ahead of him – but one he's sure to be up to.
Goss from Voss
When speaking to media on Thursday morning, Carlton's AFL Senior Coach was very aware of the threat that St Kilda poses, adamant there'll be no holding back when the ball is bounced on Sunday afternoon.
“The Saints have certainly stated their case, fifth on the ladder playing a home game and they’re going to be close to full strength, so we have to make sure we’re ready,” Voss said.
“They’ve got some obvious strengths: the first part is around the contest, they’ve got a really strong contested game. If we don’t bring that, we won’t get the game that we want.
“Ross [Lyon] himself has said that the ladder doesn’t lie and they’ve been in really solid form, they have a great body of work and that’s what we pay attention to.”
Things we love to see
Lachie Fogarty will play his 50th AFL game this Sunday, with the 24-year-old playing 26 of those games in the Navy Blue.
Coming across from Geelong at the end of 2020, Fogarty was largely a mainstay of the Carlton forward line in 2021, before having an unfortunate run with injuries.
After back surgery in the off-season, Fogarty returned to the senior side in Round 14 this year and has put his best foot forward, getting the most out of himself now that he's back to full health.
There's also be a milestone in the coaches' box, with Voss' 150th game as senior coach after starting his journey with Brisbane. He coached 109 games in Queensland across five seasons.
After eight years with Port Adelaide as an assistant coach, Voss took on the senior role with Carlton at the end of 2021, with Sunday's game set to be his 41st in the chair at the Blues.
