Details: Metricon Stadium, Saturday 10 April, 7.20pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
Carlton will be looking to back-up its positive performance against Fremantle last week by putting on a similar showing against Gold Coast.
Gold Coast have been right in the contest throughout the first three rounds, with their young talent such as Noah Anderson and Ben King leading the way.
Carlton midfielders Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh had a particularly impressive game last week, alongside Liam Jones' defensive efforts and Harry McKay’s prominence in front of goal.
The Blues will be looking to see a consistent effort from their leaders, as well as some of their younger talent standing up too.
LAST TIME WE MET:
The last time the Blues faced the Suns was on a humid night in Darwin during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
It was the Blues who secured a 33-point win over the Suns, leading from start to finish with Michael Gibbons - who polled the three votes - and McKay kicking two apiece.
Jack Newnes was strong through the midfield, while Jacob Weitering kept Ben King scoreless in a dominant performance.
BLUE FOCUS:
With Zac Williams coming out of the side, the Blues will want to maintain their speed through the centre against a classy Suns outfit.
Hugh Greenwood laid 13 tackles for Gold Coast last week and gathered 10 clearances, so Carlton’s clean hands around the content will be key to quell Greenwood's input offensively and defensively.
The Blues' ball movement was better last weekend, finding plenty of avenues for scoring opportunities even despite their inaccuracy early.
Creating and capitalising on those opportunities once again will be a key focus for the Blues against a tenacious Suns back line.
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
McKay v King.
Two of the league's best young goalkickers will position themselves at opposite ends of Metricon Stadium, with both tall forwards always capable of turning a game on its head.
After his career-high seven goal outing last weekend, McKay currently sits third on 13 goals for the season while King has contributed 10 from his three games.
Seeing how McKay responds to his dominant showing will be something all Bluebaggers will be keen to witness, while the defensive line-up led by Jacob Weitering will have the job of minimising King’s impact at the opposing end.
BLUE VIEW:
Back to the home away from home.
After last year's extended stay in the Sunshine State, this is the first time Carlton will travel to Queensland since spending the majority of the season there last year.
Queensland Bluebaggers will be able to see their side live again on the Gold Coast when the Blues return to the familiar surrounds of Metricon Stadium.
