SUMMARY
After their loss to Richmond in the season-opener, the Blues will be determined to bounce back hard as they return to Etihad Stadium for the first time this season. Midfielder Patrick Cripps and athletic forward Charlie Curnow were in sublime form against the Tigers and ruckman Matthew Kreuzer helped set up the early lead before being restricted by injury late in the game. The Suns are on the road again after giving Stuart Dew the perfect start to his coaching tenure in tough conditions at Cazalys Stadium last Saturday. Already they appear to have a harder edge, finishing with more disposals, clearances, marks and inside 50s than the Kangaroos. Key Carlton defender Liam Jones subdued Suns co-captain Tom Lynch when they met in round 13 last season and the pair are likely to lock horns again on Saturday.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, March 31, 1.45pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2017, Carlton 12.11 (83) d Gold Coast 11.7 (73) at Metricon Stadium
R4, 2017, Gold Coast 17.6 (108) d Carlton 12.10 (82) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2016, Gold Coast 13.17 (95) d Carlton 5.11 (41) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2015, Carlton 14.19 (103) d Gold Coast 9.15 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2014, Carlton 14.13 (97) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Tom Lynch starred in the Suns’ round four victory last season, kicking a career-high seven goals. Ex-Blue Bryce Gibbs was the difference when Carlton won in round 13, finishing with 43 disposals, 10 tackles, two goals and the three Brownlow votes.
2. While Carlton did not crack the century against Richmond in round one, the Blues' scoring was impressive compared with 2017. They scored 95 points after averaging only 72 last season and their total of 15.5 (95) was their highest since round six, 2017.
3. Carlton and Gold Coast meet for the ninth time and the Blues hold the advantage, winning five games to three. The 10-point margin in round 13 last season was the closest between the teams.
4. Carlton lost four of six games at Etihad Stadium in 2017, with their only wins being against the Giants by one point and the Hawks by seven points. Gold Coast lost two of three games at the venue.
5. The Blues have lost at least the opening two games of every season since 2013. The Suns have won the first two games of a season only once previously in their history – in 2016.
6. Patrick Cripps is Carlton's top-rated player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings (No.26 overall) and he did his burgeoning reputation no harm with a superb display against Richmond last Thursday night.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Marc Murphy becomes only the fifth man to captain Carlton in 100 games on Saturday, joining Stephen Kernahan (226 games, 1987-97), John Nicholls (188 games, 1961-74), Craig Bradley (116 games, 1991-2001) and Chris Judd (105 games, 2008-12). Murphy will be keen to do well and help register the Blues’ first win for the season.
PREDICTION: Carlton by 24 points.
