THE MOST unfamiliar season will see Carlton and Melbourne return in unfamiliar territory this Saturday.
For the first time since 2009, the two traditional clubs will meet at Marvel Stadium, desperate to restart their years on the right note.
Having both gone down in Round 1 to formidable opposition, the Blues and Demons will be looking to build on the positive signs shown in the season opener.
The two teams shared similar stories, unable to capitalise on scoring opportunities despite a strong intercept game in the attacking part of the ground.
With 26 forward-half intercepts apiece, the two teams ranked equal second in the opening round, but struggled to break through the experienced defences of Richmond and West Coast respectively.
It’s clear that efficiency in attack will be the key focus for both sides, while the battle - as always - will start at the coalface.
The battle of two midfield bulls doesn’t get much better than Patrick Cripps and Clayton Oliver, who began 2020 where they left off in 2019.
Cripps will be looking to use his aerial prowess to his advantage in attack, with Carlton’s co-captain and Oliver two of the competition’s standouts when it comes to contested possession.
Cripps’ fellow West Australian will hope to provide a spark of his own in attack after an outstanding start to life in Blue.
Available as a dual position player in AFL Fantasy, Jack Martin hit the ground running in Round 1. After four goals and 86 points, he’s a must-have in your side ahead of this weekend’s return to football.
