SUMMARY: Carlton head west having lost their first three matches under new coach Mick Malthouse. The Blues haven't lost their opening four matches in a season since 1989. West Coast has only won one match, against the lowly Melbourne. It is a vital clash for both clubs in the context of the season. Carlton has conceded big scores in the first three rounds, and they will have to contend with another potent force in West Coast coming off their highest score at the MCG against Melbourne. Six-time All-Australian ruckman Dean Cox looms large for the Blues who are missing Matthew Kreuzer, out for six to eight weeks with a broken thumb.

WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Saturday, 5.40pm

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 12, 2012, West Coast 10.19 (79) d Carlton 10.9 (69) at Patersons Stadium
1SF, 2011, West Coast 15.11 (101) d Carlton 15.8 (98) at Patersons Stadium
Rd 14, 2011, West Coast 15.13 (103) d Carlton 10.7 (67) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 17, 2010, Carlton 15.19 (109) d West Coast 11.17 (83) at Patersons Stadium
Rd 10, 2010, Carlton 15.15 (105) d West Coast 11.10 (76) at Etihad Stadium
 
THE SIX-POINTS
1. West Coast won a close game the last time these two sides met, getting home by 10-points in round 12 last season at Patersons Stadium.
 
2. In that meeting the Eagles won the total possession count 346-317, but it was the ruck that proved the difference, 62-39 in the Eagles favour.
 
3. The Eagles have won the past three contests; but the Blues won the previous four before that.
 
4. This will be the 39th clash between the two teams and nothing separates them – 19 wins each.
 
5. Mick Malthouse has coached 95 times at Patersons Stadium with the Bulldogs, Eagles, and Magpies.
 
6. Did you know that John Worsfold and Mick Malthouse have coached West Coast in 502 games between them including five Grand Finals?