The game as it stands
A decade in the making.
Carlton will face Sydney in its first elimination final in 10 years, desperate to make an impact in its September return.
Facing their opponent in the Swans is fitting for the Blues, who were Carlton's last finals opponent in the 2013 semi final at the SCG.
A decade on, the Blues have no remaining players from that side featuring on Friday night, but they do take a healthy list into the game. Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty return, Marc Pittonet has been called up and Blake Acres has also been named to play in the elimination final team.
Sydney will definitely bring the pressure to the MCG, ranking second in the league for tackles in the home-and-away season, as well as wanting to redeem themselves from an unfortunate ending to their 2022 finals campaign.
Key match up
Errol Gulden is a definite watch for the Blues as they prepare to face a fast-paced and contested team.
The All-Australian wingman ranks first in the competition for inside 50s and metres gained, using his kicking ability to get things moving for his side.
Acres could loom as a match-up for the young gun, with the West Australian one of five Blues in the side with finals experience, after the ex-Fremantle product starred in back-to-back finals for his old side last year.
Acres has been a valuable asset all year for the Blues, continuously providing effort and determination to every contest, using his physicality to fight through congestion as well as his running ability to provide an outlet both offensively and defensively.
Player to watch
Patrick Cripps said he’s never felt better, and he's had the smile on his face to prove it.
The skipper - who has played 180 games without featuring in a final - is locked and loaded to face up at the MCG, with excitement and determination brewing.
A player seemingly built for finals, Cripps’ composure, leadership and ferocity in the contest will hold him in good stead when the ball is finally bounced on Friday night.
Goss from Voss
AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss is under no illusions that Friday night will be no easy task.
Knowing Sydney’s finals experience and the way they’ve also overcome adversity throughout the 2023 season, Voss was realistic on the challenge that awaits his side when speaking to media on the day before the game.
"They were runners-up last year, so they’re not walking into an environment that’s unfamiliar to them,” Voss said.
“Clearly they’ve got a few threats: they defend really strongly, they’ve got a front half with their smalls that are particularly threatening.
"I heard John [Longmire] talk about contest and pressure, and that’s been something they’ve brought within their game style for a long period of time.
“It’ll be a question that needs to be asked of us, the small things in the game that we need to be able to get done: that’s where the attention goes, the little things make the difference."
Things we love to see
Excited is an understatement.
You won’t be able to turn your head on Friday night without seeing a sea of Navy Blue.
Bluebaggers who have been starved of finals for a decade will pack a sold-out MCG and provide an electric atmosphere under the lights.
The trademark Carlton roar has been on display many times this year already, but we have a feeling it will be unlike anything we’ve heard for a long time come 7:50pm on Friday night.
