Details: Marvel Stadium Saturday 24 April, 4.35pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
The Blues are looking to rebound on the back of a disappointing result last weekend.
With Brisbane playing a very good game in the wet against Essendon last week, Carlton will want to bring its opposition back a peg by reducing the Lions' high-possession, high-scoring game.
Making the most of their opportunities will be crucial for the Blues, who had more scoring shots and won the forward territory battle against Port Adelaide last weekend despite the result on the scoreboard.
LAST TIME WE MET:
It hasn’t been long since the Blues faced the Lions, with the two teams meeting in Round 18 last year at the Gabba.
Brisbane secured a 17-point win on the way to a top-two finish, but it was a young star who showed that he could well and truly mix it with the best.
Young gun Sam Walsh put on a show, topping the disposal count with 31 - two ahead of the next best, Lachie Neale - as well as gathering six clearances and 21 contested possessions.
Harry McKay slotted three goals in a towering final-quarter display, while Lachie Plowman kept the dangerous Charlie Cameron to just 11 disposals and one goal.
BLUE FOCUS:
Brisbane is a side hungry for success after getting so close to the Grand Final last year, and it’ll be up to Carlton to bring them a challenge.
Despite both sides having a 2-3 record after five rounds, the game looms as one of the more intriguing from this week's football with the respective teams harbouring finals ambitions.
It's an all-star cast in the middle of the ground, with the midfield battle to prove crucial with the likes of Cripps and Walsh to come up against Neale and McCluggage.
Then, there's the scoring power and stopping power at either end, with battles between Weitering against Daniher and McKay against Andrews to take centre stage.
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
After enjoying a win in their last game at Marvel Stadium, the Blues will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday evening.
By way of challenges, there aren't too many more exciting than the Lions, who have taken the competition by storm in the last two years.
Now back at Marvel in front of the home crowd, it will give Carlton plenty to play for in their quest for the four points.
BLUE VIEW:
The banner is back.
After a long year of no home crowds, the banner and cheer squad are finally allowed to grace the ground again pre-game.
There's always been the feeling that something has been missing, and with the name of every 2020 member emblazoned on the banner this weekend, it just feels right.
