SUMMARY
Have Carlton reached the lowest point in its proud history? The Blues sacked the game's longest-serving coach Mick Malthouse mid-week so if there's anything to hang their hat on, it's a fresh start. It's hard to imagine that their season could get any worse, but a trip north to face the Swans on their home deck will test the club even further. The players will be happy to get out of the Melbourne bubble, so maybe a miracle can happen under John Barker.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Friday 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2014, Sydney Swans 18.14 (122) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at the SCG
1SF, 2013, Sydney Swans 13.8 (86) d Carlton 8.14 (62) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2013, Sydney Swans 8.17 (65) d Carlton 5.13 (43) at the SCG
R19, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.9 (93) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2011, Carlton 15.10 (100) d Sydney Swans 10.6 (66) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Lance Franklin booted six goals and Sam Reid four in the Swans' big win over the Blues in 2014; Josh Kennedy was best on ground with 41 possessions.
2. After eight rounds, Carlton are ranked in the bottom three for kicks, marks, handballs, total disposals, uncontested possessions, inside 50s and average points per game.
3. The Swans and the Blues clash for the 222nd time and Carlton holds a big advantage, winning 127 games to 88 and six draws. The Swans have won 18 of the 21 games played since 2001.
4. At the SCG the teams have played 22 times with 13 wins to nine in the Swans' favour. Carlton has won at the SCG only once since 1994 – in round six, 2011.
5. Carlton has struggled to score in 2015. The Blues are ranked 16th for points per game with 73. The Swans are ranked 10th, averaging 86 points per game.
6. The Swans have five players inside the top 50 of the AFL's Official Player Ratings: Josh Kennedy (No.8), Lance Franklin (10), Kieren Jack (23), Jarrad McVeigh (38) and Luke Parker (42). Carlton has just one with skipper Marc Murphy ranked No.31.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR ... John Barker
The interim coach is a tough spot to be in but, if Barker wants the senior job at Carlton beyond 2015, he's got the perfect opportunity to show his worth. As long as the injury-hit Blues are competitive and show some heart, it'll be a decent start for the new man in charge.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 65 points.
