CARLTON returns to Etihad Stadium this weekend to host the Western Bulldogs. Carlton Media previews the Round 22 clash:
DETAILS: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 19, 1.10pm AEST
BROADCAST: FOX Footy (Channel 504), Coverage from 1.00pm
RADIO: SEN, ABC, ABC Grandstand
THE GAME IN FOCUS
Sunday’s match against the Western Bulldogs will mark the first of Carlton’s two home games to end the season.
The year for both sides has been marked by the willingness to blood youth, as they lead the way for players used under the age of 22.
The clash will pose another challenging test for Carlton, as it comes up against a side not only filled with youth, but also premiership players from two seasons ago.
Despite coming up against a confident Dogs outfit, the Blues should take confidence from a performance in Perth which featured three strong quarters of football.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Carlton 8.11 (59) defeated by Western Bulldogs 11.14 (80) — Round 6, 2018, Etihad Stadium
This Friday night clash was a missed opportunity for the Blues, who narrowly went down to the Dogs under the roof.
After an even start to the game, the Dogs opened up a five-goal lead in the third term.
However, unwilling to let the match pass them by, the Blues fought back to within 16 points in the final term. It could’ve been even closer if not for some missed opportunities late in the game.
Patrick Cripps was Carlton’s best with 32 disposals and 12 clearances. Dale Thomas also shone with a 27-disposal performance.
WHAT TO WATCH
It was the sub-plot the last time these sides met, and it’ll be one of the main attractions again on Sunday.
The Marcus Bontempelli and Patrick Cripps duel was one to behold in Round 6, with both star midfielders willing their respective sides on throughout that game.
Cripps has shone all season and leads the competition for contested possessions, while Bontempelli possesses a similar threat with his clearance work and ability to hit the scoreboard.
With Cripps hitting the 30-disposal mark on 11 occasions this year and Bontempelli kicking six goals in his last fortnight, their individual form-lines heading into Sunday are mouth-watering.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
While young players can taper off in the back-end of the year, Carlton’s young gun Paddy Dow is thriving.
The No.3 draft pick from last year seems to be showing more signs by the week. And Blues fans are loving it.
He ranks first among potential Rising Star nominees for clearances and contested possessions across the competition, while he’s also in the top 10 for inside 50s, disposals and tackles.
Dow has shown himself to be a star of the future throughout his debut year, and he’ll be looking to keep a good thing going at the weekend.
BLUE VIEW
With two games remaining in 2018, the Blues’ younger brigade will be hopeful of making the most of the season’s final fortnight.
Against a team that they’ll be ruing a missed opportunity from earlier in the year, Carlton will have to turn to a mix of its experience and youth to record its third win of 2018.
Both sides have struggled to kick winning scores in 2018, with the Western Bulldogs (16th) just ahead of Carlton (17th) for points scored.
The combination of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay could be central if the Blues are to record their first win at Etihad Stadium this season. They've averaged over six marks and a goal a game each since McKay's return to the senior line-up a month ago.
