CARLTON is set to return to the traditional home of football this Sunday when it takes on Melbourne at the MCG.

With a third win of the season under their belt after downing the Dockers at Optus Stadium, it’s the Demons that stand in the way of the Blues notching back-to-back wins for the first time in over two seasons.

Melbourne will have a point to prove after last week’s loss to Brisbane and eager to make something of the remainder of its season.

With the Blues back on home deck, it’s sure to be a vocal crowd in at the MCG.

Details: MCG, Sunday 7 July, 1:10pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Sunday’s clash between two traditional team represents a turning point for both the Blues and the Demons, with the end of the 2019 season drawing near.

For the Blues, it will be a case of establishing their brand of the free-flowing, offensive game style of recent weeks.

With two wins in its last three games, Carlton has shown significant development in its game despite injuries to key personnel.

For Melbourne, it will be a matter of pride: despite its 2019 campaign not going as planned, last year’s preliminary finalists present a dangerous challenge for any team. 

THE FORM SO FAR:

Melbourne has the upper hand as far as the form goes heading into Sunday’s game.

With four wins to Carlton’s three this season, Melbourne will be desperate to make the last two months of the season count following on from the breakthrough year that was 2018. 

While the Demons sit one rung above Carlton on the ladder at the end of Round 15, it’s the Blues with higher percentage heading into the clash.

The outcome of Sunday’s clash could see the Blues overtake the Demons on the ladder come the end of Round 16.

BLUE FOCUS:

In the absence of Charlie Curnow, the Blues have turned to inside midfielder Darcy Lang to fill the void left by the exciting forward.

Likely to spend his time between the clinches and in attack, Lang - who will play his first senior game since Round 11, and his second for the season - comes in as a reward for strong VFL form.

Lang was everywhere for the Northern Blues in last weekend’s clash with Geelong, finishing the day with 25 disposals and seven clearances.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Carlton supporters would have been feeling nervous when the Blues ran out without skipper Patrick Cripps at Optus Stadium last Sunday.

But without his midfield dominance, a raft of young midfielders stepped up in his absence to prove themselves on the big stage.

With the game now in their hands, fans will be keen to see what the the likes of Sam Walsh, Zac Fisher and Sam Petrevski-Seton can produce for a second straight week against the Demons.

BLUE VIEW:

Young Blues no more. Despite fielding 10 players aged 22-or-under, last week marked a graduation of sorts for the ‘baby Blues’.

Carlton’s midfield have shown that they can stand up when the odds are against them, so today’s game can’t be any different.

It will be a matter of a strong start against the Demons as the Blues look to prove that they can stand up for the whole four quarters.