The game as it stands
The second biggest game of the year.
Carlton is heading to the Gabba to take on Brisbane in its first AFL preliminary final since 2000, with the winner going on to face Collingwood in the Grand Final.
The Lions haven’t lost a game at the Gabba in 2023, something the Blues will have to deal with when heading into enemy territory.
Carlton has altered its mix at both ends of the ground, with Jordan Boyd included into a smaller defensive lineup while Jack Martin and Harry McKay will provide marking options in attack.
The team isn’t putting anything to chance as they enter the preliminary final, coming in with a fit and healthy 23-man side.
Key match up
The big task will be left to Jacob Weitering this weekend, who is likely to renew acquaintances with Joe Daniher on Saturday evening.
With McKay reunited alongside Charlie Curnow at the other end, Brisbane's own talls in Daniher and Eric Hipwood loom as dangerous prospects, and it will take co-vice captain Weitering's best efforts to keep at least one quiet.
There's no doubt that Caleb Marchbank and Mitch McGovern will be doing everything in their power to assist Weitering in wrangling the Lions' big forwards.
Player to watch
Jack Martin was on a hot streak before he was suspended, with the crafty forward kicking a goal in his last seven games – including three against the Pies.
Martin was pivotal in his efforts in the elimination final against Sydney and his presence as a marking target that was missed in the semi final last week.
Coming straight back into the lineup, Martin will put his pace and his aerial work into place in the forward line at the Gabba.
Goss from Voss
The AFL Senior Coach admitted at his press conference that watching this Carlton resurgence has changed the way that he sees teams who play finals, compared to his previous experience in Queensland.
“What I will say is that I used to believe that you need to be able to play in finals to be able to learn how to win them, but I have a very different experience at Carlton, because we’re playing in games that are big all the time,” Voss said.
“The last couple of weeks, if it gets louder than that, I’ll be somewhat surprised. We feel like we’re ready.”
Things we love to see
Bluebaggers everywhere.
Whether they’re at the Gabba, the IKON Park live site or any gathering in Melbourne, we’re sure that the trademark Bluebagger roar will be loud and proud.
If the scenes from last week are anything to go by, you won’t be able to go far without seeing some Navy Blue pride.
