Head to head: Carlton 118 wins, Richmond 84 wins, two draws
Last time: Carlton 18.12 (120) d Richmond 9.10 (64), round one, 2010 at MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Carlton
Matthew Kreuzer (knee) - season
Kane Lucas (hamstring) - season
Brock McLean (knee) - test
Rhys O’Keeffe (back) - indefinite
Simon White (hip) - season
Richmond
Nathan Foley (leg) - season
Ben Griffiths (shoulder) - season
Tom Hislop (patella) - season
Jordan McMahon (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Richard Tambling (leg) - season
Adam Thompson (groin) - season
Trent Cotchin (suspended) - 1 week
FORM
Carlton: LLWLW
Richmond: WLLWL
SUMMARY
With Melbourne making a charge towards the top eight, this has become a crucial game for Carlton. The Blues are currently in sixth place on the ladder, but they’re only six points clear of the Demons, so they can’t afford a late-season slip-up.
However, Carlton should enter this clash full of confidence after piling on 10 goals in the final quarter against Essendon last weekend. The Blues’ supporters will be hoping for more of the same against one of their fiercest rivals on Saturday.
The Tigers, meanwhile, have little to play for other than pride. But such is the rivalry with Carlton, Richmond’s players will be desperate to put in a good showing and make up for the humiliating defeat they suffered in round one.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Carlton’s small forwards have had an inconsistent year, but there’s no doubting their talent. Last weekend, it was the turn of Jeff Garlett to grab the spotlight. He booted six goals against the Bombers and won a NAB Rising Star nomination for his efforts.
Daniel Jackson has been a much-maligned player since he joined the Tigers in the 2003 national draft. But he’s been an impressive contributor over the past two seasons, and last weekend he did a great blanketing job on Melbourne midfielder Colin Sylvia. Look for Jackson to pick up Carlton skipper Chris Judd.
QUESTION MARKS
Is Carlton ruckman Robbie Warnock starting to live up to expectations?
The big fella has made little impression since being poached from Fremantle, but after a solid display against Essendon last week he might finally be ready to hit his straps.
Can Richmond find some support for Jack Riewoldt in the forward line?
Last weekend against Melbourne, the Tigers had 11 more inside-50s yet lost by five goals. Damien Hardwick tried Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield and Shane Tuck next to Riewoldt in attack, but they had little impact on the contest. This week he’ll need to find a plan D.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
While there isn’t a whole lot more talent in the Carlton team when compared to the emerging Tigers, the simple fact is that the Blues have more to play for. The prospect of sewing up their place in the finals should be enough to inspire a winning performance.
PREDICTION
Carlton by 33 points
Chat with host Murray Belkin and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 1.40pm Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #aflbluestigers
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
