CARLTON will meet Adelaide for the first time in 2019 looking for what it hopes will be a third consecutive victory.

With the gritty 24-point win over Gold Coast in the bank, the Blues will be eager to continue their winning ways at the traditional home of football.

However, with their finals hopes in the balance, the Crows have plenty to play for heading into the Round 19 clash.

Details: MCG, Saturday 27 July, 2:10pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for the broadcast guide and here for all game day info.

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton have hit its stride in recent weeks, building consistent form as the season draws to a close.

Having ticked off back-to-back victories, Carlton will be desperate to break a five-game hoodoo in a high-stakes encounter against Adelaide.

On the other side, Adelaide will be desperate to get back on the winners’ list to keep their finals hopes alive with five rounds to go.

After last week’s defeat to Essendon, Adelaide will be certain to come out firing from the first bounce.

THE FORM SO FAR:

On face value, the Crows’ win-loss record for 2019 eclipses that of the Blues, posting nine wins compared to five.

But while it’s Adelaide with the higher ladder position, three of its eight losses have occurred in the last month.

Comparatively, three of the Blues’ five wins have occurred in the last month, including two interstate victories.

With Carlton’s momentum heading into the clash, the contest could be more even than the respective ladder positions suggest.

BLUE FOCUS:

Carlton’s defence will have a huge task ahead of them at the MCG when they take on the tall timber in Adelaide’s forward line.

Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering have been in career-best form in the Blues’ backline in recent times, providing a constant presence and getting the Blues going with their intercept game.

With their opponents having a point to prove, the Blues’ defensive duo will have to stem any heroics from Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch if the Blues are to leave the MCG with the four points.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Sam Walsh is a player who has got Bluebaggers excited from when he first set foot on the MCG in Round 1.

The 2018 No.1 draft pick has lived up to the lofty expectations in his 17 senior appearances so far, but it has been his midfield time over the last six weeks which elevated Walsh to new heights.

The frontrunner for the NAB AFL Rising Star award, Walsh has polled more AFLCA votes in 2019 than any other first-year player and has averaged over 27 disposals since Round 12.

BLUE VIEW:

Blues supporters are beginning to get some reward for their loyalty, with the Blues gradually creeping up the ladder with four wins from the last six weeks.

With belief and momentum amongst the playing group growing by the week, Carlton is showing the signs of its true potential.

The Blues will be looking to keep a good thing going against the Crows at the MCG today.

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