Details: SCG, Saturday 30 May, 3.20pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Channel 7 from 3pm, Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
Carlton will be looking for its second win in a row when they come up against Sydney this week.
While the Blues played impressive football in parts against the Hawks, their efficiency going forward will be key against the Swans, as well as their ability to defend the entire ground on Sydney's home deck.
The Blues will be well aware of what they're up against: a hard and fast Sydney outfit hungry for a big win in the top-eight race.
The two sides will run out through a joint banner to celebrate the Marn Grook game, where both 2021 AFL Indigenous guernseys will be on display for the first time.
50 games coming up on the weekend to one of the best celebrators going around, Sam Walsh!
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 27, 2021
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It was the perfect excuse to look at some of the all-time great Navy Blue goal celebrations...
LAST TIME WE MET:
Bluebaggers might remember this game by the mark, goal and celebration from Matthew Cottrell.
The Blues fought back from a 39-point deficit to snatch a five-point victory over the Swans at Metricon Stadium. Sam Walsh was everywhere on the wing, while his good mate Will Setterfield played an important role in getting Carlton back into the game.
Harry McKay slotted two important goals in the comeback, while in the absence of Marc Pittonet, Tom De Koning rose to the occasion as the sole ruckman.
It was left to the boyhood Bluebagger to write the final chapter: Cottrell sealed the game with a huge grab, followed by his second career goal that got the Blues over the line.
BLUE FOCUS:
It's been a new-look Sydney which has taken the competition by storm at stages this year: they've got no shortage of players that can either hit the scoreboard or transition the ball from defence to attack.
Carlton’s defensive work will need to be tight, not only in their back half, but just as important in their forward half to eliminate Sydney’s movement in transition.
The Swans are ranked number one in the league for tackles inside 50, so the Blues will have to be on their game and back the likes of Liam Jones and Jacob Weitering to win the ball in the air and avoid it hitting ground level.
While the Blues have the better of stoppage clearances, the Swans have better numbers in the centre clearances, so the midfield group will need to get to work to get their hands on the ball first.
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
Jack Martin will be returning to the line-up this week after sustaining knee injury in Round 2.
Martin will add some much valued speed and goal threat to the Blues' forward mix, known for hitting the scoreboard and sharp delivery into the forward 50.
Sam Walsh will also play his 50th game this weekend for Carlton.
Having already won the 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star, 2019 AFLPA Best First-Year Player, 2020 AFLCA Best Young Player and finishing second in the 2020 John Nicholls Medal, Walsh has had quite a start to his career, but we have a feeling the best is yet to come.
BLUE VIEW:
Carlton will be taking part in the Marn Grook game this weekend when they face Sydney.
The two teams will participate in a smoking ceremony pre-game before running out together through a joint banner.
Marn Grook at the SCG honours the Indigenous roots of Australian football and recognises the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the game.
The Swans have hosted their Marn Grook game since 2002, and the Blues are honoured to be included in the game this year.
The Blues will be wearing their Indigenous guernsey for the first time in a two-week stretch, with both Rounds 11 and 12 marking Sir Doug Nicholls Round in 2021.
