AFL.com.au's Howard Kotton previews Sunday's Round 13 clash between Carlton and Gold Coast...
Carlton has been showing steady improvement in three games under interim coach John Barker and won reward for effort last weekend with a thrilling victory over Port Adelaide. The revitalised Blues are playing with flair, moving the ball quickly and tackling with intent. The Suns' spirits are likely to be buoyed by the return of champion skipper Gary Ablett, who has not played since round two after reinjuring his left shoulder. He will play if he gets through Gold Coast's main training session this week. The job of restricting Ablett is likely to fall to midfield tagger Ed Curnow, but the Suns face as big a challenge to reduce the influence of in-form Blues midfielders Marc Murphy and Patrick Cripps.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, June 28, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: http://www.afl.com.au/broadcastguide
LAST FOUR TIMES
R20, 2014, Carlton 14.13 (97) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2013, Carlton 16.24 (120) d Gold Coast 11.11 (77) at Metricon Stadium
R22, 2012, Gold Coast 15.8 (98) d Carlton 11.20 (86) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2011, Carlton 26.15 (171) d Gold Coast 7.10 (52) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Blues dominated the Suns the last time the clubs met late in 2014, winning more disposals (375-336), marks (111-92), hit-outs (54-32), scoring shots (27-18) and inside 50s (55-47). Jarrad Waite booted five goals and Tom Bell four.
2. Carlton is the No. 1 centre clearance team this season, averaging 15.1 a game. The Suns have also been impressive in this area, ranked fifth with 13 a match.
3. Gold Coast is the worst uncontested possession team this year, ranked 18th at an average of only 187 a game. Carlton is marginally better at 16th with 205 a match.
4. The Suns do not have a good record at Etihad Stadium record, with only two wins from 10 matches. Carlton has not been much better recently, losing its past four at the venue including two by more than 70 points.
5. Both teams have struggled to take the ball inside 50 this season. Carlton is 15th at an average of 47 a game and Gold Coast 17th at 43.7.
6. Ablett will resume his season at No. 12 in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Before reinjuring his shoulder the Suns captain was No. 1 after two rounds.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Gary Ablett. In a season that has deteriorated from bad to worse after a shocking run of injuries, poor form and lack of discipline off the field, the Suns will welcome back their champion skipper, who has been sorely missed.
