IT’S GOOD to see good people, particularly in the Blues’ back half.

So much talk in recent weeks has centred around Carlton’s turnover versus stoppage game. Are they robbing Peter to pay Paul?

Whenever quizzed about the Blues using a two-ruck or one-ruck model, AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss constantly refers to finding the right balance as the Blues continue to search for the best version of themselves.

Almost instantly, the argument turns to the Blues’ improved scores from turnover during that time, which is such a critical part of the modern game.

But a quick look at two other factors might suggest why the Blues have also got their turnover game going in recent weeks, and it comes in the form of two of their best ball users returning in the back half.

Mitch McGovern and Adam Saad have returned from injury layoffs in recent weeks, and as FOX Footy analyst David King put it on Thursday, they look much safer with the duo back behind the ball.

But, by the same token, the Blues are naturally much more lethal going forward.

Carlton was actually narrowly creating more turnovers when McGovern and Saad weren’t in the side. Between Rounds 6 and 10 (McGovern returned in Round 9), the Blues’ opposition averaged 66.8 turnovers, compared to 65.9 with the duo both there.

However, the capacity to hurt teams off the back of it has been a different story.

Carlton is averaging +14 points from turnover (58 v 44) with Saad and McGovern in the team, and +10 points from the defensive half (37.3 v 27.4) in the same time. That figure would be even more inflated when factoring in that Saad was subbed out at half time of Round 5, with McGovern also coming from the ground in the last quarter.

In terms of punishing teams, the Blues are averaging 15 scoring shots from turnover with them in the side, compared to 11 without them.

The Blues are doing a lot of things right, and of course, it’s not just down to the two free-wheeling defenders who have transformed the team’s profile in transition. But it has certainly helped!

Their returns, plus the improved form of youngster Lachie Cowan, has allowed the Blues to trial Zac Williams up forward. With seven goals in his last two games, he may very well stay there.

While Thursday night’s game will be remember for a blistering last quarter on the back of Carlton’s clearance dominance, the game was set up off turnover for the Blues in the opening three terms.

Seven of the Blues’ eight final-quarter goals came from clearances, but prior to three-quarter time, six of their eight gaols came from turnover.