Carlton travels north this weekend to take on the red-hot Suns in its first interstate game of the season.
After a disappointing loss to Sydney in Round 2, the Blues will be hoping to record their first win of the year on Saturday night at Metricon Stadium.
It’s going to be a challenging test for Carlton with Gold Coast coming off two strong wins against Essendon and Fremantle. It’s the first time in the Suns’ history they have recorded wins in the opening two rounds of the season.
Speaking in the lead-up to the match, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton says while the Blues will be looking to “improve” their system, there will also be a focus on the Suns’ midfield.
“They were really special in the centre bounce and they’ve got some really good run-and-carry players, so offensively we need to be on this week,” Bolton told media on Wednesday.
VIDEO: Brendon Bolton fronts the media
One of those players is Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett, with the ‘little master’ averaging nearly 30 disposals in his first two outings – a stat that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I think if required there’s a tag opportunity (for Gary)…we haven’t had match committee yet so we’ll go in and assess that…we do know if Gary is getting the ball forward of centre he can be really damaging.”
Another player Carlton will need to keep a close eye on is key forward Tom Lynch. The newly re-signed tall took seven marks last week and kicked five goals against the Dockers in a match-winning effort.
“Lynch we know is a terrific young fella who can mark the ball, he’s got good leadership as well so that’s a big job,” Bolton said.
Gary Ablett and Tom Lynch have been in sensational touch for the Suns. (Photo: AFL Media)
The last time these two sides met was Round 13, 2015, at Etihad Stadium. Although Lynch booted four goals for the Suns, it was Carlton which recorded back-to-back wins, defeating Gold Coast 14.19.103 to 9.15.69.
In that game Carlton skipper Marc Murphy topped the stats sheet with 32 disposals, including six clearances, while Levi Casboult and Andrejs Everitt kicked three goals each.
It’s not the first time Marc Murphy has starred against Gold Coast, with the midfielder averaging 30 disposals against the Suns in all five meetings.
‘Murph’ also joins Ed Curnow and Kade Simpson as the only Blues to have played in every game against the Suns.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says Carlton has shown some “good form” in its first two matches.
“I don’t think the scoreline last week was a true reflection of their effort and the way they played…they can move the ball quickly and they’ve got a really strong midfield,” Eade said.
“There’s no easy games in this competition so if you don’t bring the effort that’s required you won’t win.”
Carlton has made three changes to its side for Saturday night’s clash, with Irishman Ciaran Byrne, Dylan Buckley and Mark Whiley returning to the side, while Simon White (omitted), Andrejs Everitt (injured) and Jed Lamb (injured) will miss.
VIDEO: Kade Simpson fronts the media at Melbourne Airport
This will be Byrne’s second AFL match since debuting in Round 3 against Essendon last year, after injury dampened the rest of his 2015 season.
Meanwhile Gold Coast has made one change, with new recruit Matt Rosa entering the side for Callum Ah Chee who will miss due to illness.
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