AFL Media's Callum Twomey previews Carlton's clash against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday:
SUMMARY
Richmond faces an in-form Blues outfit this weekend at the MCG with the Tigers coming off the back of a tough loss to the Swans after they gave up a six-goal lead. Carlton coach Brendon Bolton has the Blues' defensive set-up firing, with Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty proving tough to shut down behind the ball in recent weeks. However, the Tigers' speedy small forward line of Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler and new addition Shai Bolton will be out to keep them honest. Dustin Martin's output was slightly down last game with 23 disposals so look out for a reply. Alex Rance will head into the clash with great confidence after blanketing Swans superstar Lance Franklin and keeping him to just one goal. If the Blues win this one, can they be talked about as a serious finals chance? The Tigers will head in as favourites in a game they should win if they want to cement themselves as a top-eight side.
WHEN AND WHERE: MCG, Sunday, June 25, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2017, Richmond 20.12 (132) d Carlton 14.5 (89) at the MCG
R1, 2016, Richmond 14.8 (92) d Carlton 12.11 (83) at the MCG
R15, 2015, Richmond 10.11 (71) d Carlton 5.11 (41) at the MCG
R1, 2015, Richmond 15.15 (105) d Carlton 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R2, 2014, Richmond 14.14 (98) d Carlton 12.14 (86) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Dustin Martin will be firmly on Brendon Bolton's pre-game radar. The Richmond superstar finished the club's Round 1 clash with the Blues with 33 disposals and four goals in a best afield performance.
2. The Tigers head into Round 14 ranked last for disposal efficiency, going at 70.9 per cent. The Blues sit only slightly better at 72.8 per cent, and whichever team can use the ball more effectively will go a long way to winning this one.
3. Carlton will be out to upset the trend on Sunday, with Richmond coming away victors in the last five meetings between the two clubs.
4. The Blues are ranked last for inside 50s in 2017, and they will want to give their forwards the best chance of kicking a winning score with Alex Rance patrolling the Richmond defence this weekend.
5. Carlton has found a way to win three from its four games decided by fewer than three goals this season. In contrast, Richmond hs played seven matches decided by three goals or less, winning only three of them.
6. Matthew Kreuzer started the year as the 14th-ranked ruckman in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. His recent form has seen him rise to 10th spot, and Richmond’s Toby Nankervis will have his work cut out stopping Kruezer’s influence around the ground.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Levi Casboult
The Blues' power forward has had a lean couple of weeks, kicking just the one goal in his last two outings. Casboult will face the best key defender in the game in Rance this week and will be in for a battle. Bolton’s game-plan makes it tough for his key forward to dominate, however if his form doesn't lift soon young Harry McKay is waiting in the wings at Carlton.
