The game as it stands
The big tests keep on coming for Carlton, hosting Melbourne at the MCG in Round 22 action.
Facing the second-placed Demons in what is shaping up to be a Saturday-night blockbuster, the Blues will be entirely focused on the task at hand.
Melbourne currently ranks first in the league for inside 50s, giving a dynamic forward line every chance to kick a winning score: stopping their ball movement out of the middle will be a top priority for Carlton.
Despite missing some key personnel in that area, the Blues have shown in recent weeks that their system can hold up under adversity, dominating the clearances after half time against the Saints.
Carlton will also be keen to continue its winning run in milestone games when Sam Docherty - the heart-and-soul defender-turned-midfielder - to play his 150th game in the Navy Blue which he wore growing up in Phillip Island.
Key match up
There haven't been many better defensive pairings in recent years than Steven May and Jake Lever, who both individually and collectively are among the best backmen in the league.
As they have already done this year, Melbourne's defence has the capacity to cause headaches for the Carlton forwards, so their offensive unit will need to be on song.
The small forwards - led by Jack Martin - will need to bring their trademark pressure which has been so prevalent in recent weeks to thwart the Melbourne backline from exiting defensive 50 with speed.
Player to watch
Zac Fisher had a stellar return to the AFL level last week, gathering a career-high 32 disposals and using his lethal impact by foot to get the Blues out of trouble.
In what was a new role across half-back, Fisher brought his trademark speed and class by foot in a strong performance, but he'll be one of a number of Blues who'll need to back that up for the team to get over the line.
Goss from Voss
Clayton Oliver and Brodie Grundy returning to the Demons line-up poses a clear threat, but AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss said the focus would be on what the Blues could bring to the table themselves.
Speaking to media on Friday morning, Voss said that the Carlton would back in its midfield structure and source pressure to hold them in good stead.
“It’s going to be a big battle, and with [Oliver and Grundy] in there too, that midfield area is going to be a significant part of the game,” Voss said.
“It helps Melbourne with their game and it helps set up our game – there will be some really important battles that are won and lost in [the midfield], but we’re asking to get at it and even that battle in there and give our forwards some looks.
“We can’t be too lost on what they bring - we’re pretty clear on what they offer - what we need to make sure we get done is bring our game to the table and we feel like if we do that, we can measure against some really good teams.”
Things we love to see
Navy Blue, plus green and gold.
There promises to be an amazing atmosphere on Saturday night, and not only for the Round 22 game itself. The MCG is set to be rocking from 5pm when the Matildas' FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final is broadcast live on the big screen, creating a unique experience at the home of football.
