IT’S semi final time, as Carlton gets ready to take on Brisbane at Ikon Park.

The Blues will be hoping to take the home-ground advantage into the all-important game against the Lions, with a spot in a preliminary final on the line.

A crucial all-or-nothing clash, the winner of today’s game will take on North Melbourne in the race for finals glory.

While Bluebaggers won’t be able to cheer from the stadium, you can share your pictures, videos and messages on social media using #AllOfUs to let the team know you are cheering them on.

Details: Ikon Park, Sunday 22 March, 1:10pm AEDT.

Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, from 1pm.

The game in focus:

It would have been an uncertain week for both teams heading into today’s game, not knowing whether to prepare for a regular season game, a finals game or no game at all.

However, with huge amounts on the line, the Blues will be looking to strike early against their opponents from up North.

Carlton will go into the game full of confidence and looking to make its fifth win in a row the one that counts.

Returning home after a successful trip to Alice Springs last week, the Blues will look to make the most of their home ground advantage when taking on the Lions on Sunday afternoon.

It will be crucial for the strong connection Blues’ rucks Alison Downie and Breann Moody will both have to play a big role in Sunday’s game, not only in giving first use to the Carlton midfielders, but also by giving additional support to both the forwards and backs throughout the day.

Both teams will be leaning on some ‘inside information’ from Blue turned Lion Lauren Arnell and Lion turned Blue Tayla Harris.

What to watch:

Carlton’s defensive core of Gab Pound, Kerryn Harrington, Charlotte Wilson and Mua Laloifi have proven to be the difference throughout the year.

Expect nothing less from this group as they look to quell the influence of the likes of Jess Wuestchner and Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw, before looking to set-up their Navy Blue teammates up the ground.

The versatility of both Nicola Stevens and Darcy Vescio could also prove to be important on Sunday, with both able to lend a hand down back and also sneak forward and kick goals.

Watch out for the run of Blue Lauren Brazzale who, over the last few weeks, has proven to be explosive in helping the team break out of the defensive 50m.

Blue view:

Everything is on the line for both these teams when they run out onto Ikon Park.

Expect a fast, fiery game played with great intensity as each side looks to make it one-step further in their pursuit of Grand Final glory.

While Carlton was able to quell the Lions the last time these two teams met in 2019, it is always a completely different ball game when it comes to finals.

Carlton will need to assert its defensive dominance early on and then look to get goals on the board through Tayla Harris and Georgia Gee.