Details: MCG Sunday 16 May, 3.20pm (AEST)

Broadcast: Channel 7 from 3pm, Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton will be faced with a challenge when they come up against the undefeated Melbourne on Sunday afternoon. 

After playing a fairly dominant three quarters last week, the Blues will be looking to produce a consistent four quarters to end the Demons winning-streak. 

LAST TIME WE MET: 

The Blues fell by the narrowest of margins the last time they faced the Demons, in a delayed Round 2 of the 2020 season. 

Melbourne started strong, taking a 32-point lead into the quarter-time break, with Carlton not slotting a goal until halfway through the second quarter. 

The Blues kept the Demons to one goal in the second half, adding six of their own in the final two terms. 

Marc Pittonet did a solid job against Max Gawn in his Navy Blue debut, while Patrick Cripps took the game into his own hands to get the game back on their terms in the second half. 

Sam Docherty and Jacob Weitering were vital in the backline when Melbourne was firing, helping get the ball back up the ground and into Carlton's possession. 

BLUE FOCUS:

Melbourne sits on top of the league for contested possessions while Carlton sits sixth. 

The Blues will be able to give the Demons a run for their money with the contested work of Sam Walsh and Ed Curnow a highlight of their midfield game, while Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones have the better of the contested work down back.

With Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver floating around the centre, the Blues will need to lock them down to ensure they get their hands on the ball before the star-studded midfield of the Demons. 

Melbourne also hold the number one spot for tackles inside 50, meaning Carlton will have to produce their best forward work to hit the scoreboard and their best defensive work down back.  

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

The last time the Blues faced the Demons, Nic Newman went down with a knee injury.

How fitting that Newman returns against Melbourne again almost a year later, with the defender pulling up well after two games in the VFL. 

Newman’s leadership and defensive prowess was on show with the Carlton Reserves, and will be something on show that Bluebaggers will have sorely missed. 

BLUE VIEW:

Levi Casboult will play his 150th game for Carlton this weekend. 

Having been a fixture of Carlton’s forward line since 2012, Casboult has booted 152 goals as well as having a successful stint in the back half. 

Being the Blues leading goalkicker in 2017 and winning the coaches award in 2019, Casboult has had many successful seasons in the Navy Blue and a fan favourite among Bluebaggers.