CARLTON will head into enemy territory when it takes on GWS at GIANTS Stadium today in the Round 9 clash.

The Blues left the MCG unsatisfied after a determined Collingwood snatched the win with minutes to go in Round 8.

While they were able to recapture the form of rounds prior, the Blues are as determined as ever to start racking up premiership points.

The Giants will prove to be a formidable opponent, needing the win to maintain their top-four status.

Details: GIANTS Stadium, Sunday 19 May, 4:40pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.  

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton will face a top-four side for the second consecutive week, but the Blues have shown they can match it with the best over the opening rounds.

Despite a growing injury list focused in their backline, the Blues were inspiring against Collingwood until a break in composure saw them fall at the final hurdle. 

With Nic Newman to return to the side for the clash with the Giants, Carlton welcomes back an experienced head to their young talent pool.

Despite last week’s loss to Hawthorn, GWS has established itself among the sides to beat of 2019 with five wins to its name after Round 8.

It will take a gutsy performance for the Blues to take down the Giants powerhouse on their home deck.

THE FORM SO FAR:

Despite showing plenty of promise over the first eight rounds, Carlton head into the weekend’s clash with the solitary win. 

The Blues have struggled with consistency since their triumph over the Bulldogs in Round 5, but last week’s clash with the Pies saw a return to form despite the loss.

Notwithstanding the convincing defeat to Hawthorn in Round 8, the Giants have made a strong start to their 2019 campaign with five wins.

GWS have established themselves as a high-scoring side, sitting fourth in the competition for points for after Round 8.

BLUE FOCUS:

After two weeks on the sidelines, the Blues will welcome back experienced defender Nic Newman to the backline.

The last three rounds have seen a string of injuries to Carlton back six with Nic Newman, Kade Simpson, Liam Jones and Lachie Plowman all taking stints on the sidelines.

Backline responsibilities were well-managed in the hands of the Blues’ youngsters, but Carlton will benefit from the composure of an experienced head down back.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Fans will be pleased with the long-awaited return of rangy defender Harrison Macreadie to the side after more than a year on the sidelines.

The youngster was impressive in his debut season in Navy Blue, playing eight senior games over 2017.

After sitting out the majority of last year with calf and hamstring injuries followed by a back injury during pre-season, Macreadie has strung together form in the VFL worthy of a senior call-up.

BLUE VIEW:

Last week it was an old rival, this week a new one.  The history these two sides share may be a short one but has seen its share of dramatic finishes.

The time is now for the Blues to show they can match it with the best, and there is no better challenge than the heavily favoured Giants to prove that.