EXPECT another close one.
If recent history is anything to go by when Carlton and Melbourne meet, it’s that the last quarter makes for box office viewing.
Three of the last four encounters between these two sides have been decided by less than a kick, with a grandstand finish often in store between these two sides.
In fact, there have been six occasions in the last eight seasons which have seen clashes between these two sides end by a single-digit margin: only Essendon and Sydney have played in more close finishes since 2017, but have played off 12 times compared to nine.
Needless to say, expect some fireworks in this one.
After the Blues were overwhelmed at ground level last weekend, expect Michael Voss’ side to come out firing against a Dees outfit coming off a big win over the Cats.
Meaningful forward territory will be the name of the game for the Blues, who have averaged over 54 inside 50s per game so far in 2024. However, the quality of their entries as well as their shots on goal will be key, with no side able to rebound out of defence better than Melbourne this year.
A (literally) central part in that battle will be dictated by the rucks, with Marc Pittonet and Max Gawn squaring off in the middle of the ground.
With Pittonet to be supported by Tom De Koning, the ruck duo effectively restricted a white-hot Gawn in last year’s semi final — but they’ll be well and truly aware that the Melbourne skipper very rarely gets beaten twice in a row.
Pittonet has been a central figure in the Blues’ improved output from stoppages when going forward in recent weeks, averaging six score involvements per game.
In the backline, Nic Newman will look to continue his typically solid form, coming off his best performance of the year last weekend against Collingwood.
The defender scored 144 points in AFL Fantasy last week, while he also registered 138 in Round 22 when the Blues last met the Dees in the home-and-away season. Averaging over 91 points in 2024, the $794,000 Newman is an AFL Fantasy player to watch on Thursday night.
