Skoda Stadium in the wilds of Sydney’s west serves as the uncharacteristic backdrop for the Carlton players this Sunday afternoon – and for those with an historic bent, it’s the 31st venue at which the Blueboys vie for Premiership points in the 117 seasons of League competition.
The Giants, buoyed by Saturday’s 45-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba, will fancy themselves in midfield where they rank No.2 in the comp for both hit-outs and centre clearances, and No.1 for clearances period.
Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock faces his greatest challenge yet, in Shane Mumford. Will “Mummy” be Warnock’s “Daddy”? it’s one of the great questions posed in the lead-up, with Mumford averaging most hit-outs per game in the comp and as adept as big Robbie in his follow-up work.
GWS’ hard-edge captain Callan Ward also poses a serious threat to Marc Murphy and Co. in midfield. Feeding off Mumford’s exceptional handiwork, is it any wonder the former Bulldog is the Giants’ chief disposal winner and ranks No.1 for contested disposals, clearances and centre clearances?
Then there’s Adam Treloar, in line for game no.50 and rivalling his captain in almost every disposal stat. Treloar also averages the most inside 50s per game for the Giants and second for tackles, so ‘Murph’ and his merry midfielders will know they’re in a contest.
