CARLTON plays host to a in-form Melbourne in a huge Thursday night clash at the MCG.
The Blues (5-3) have lost their early-season momentum, slumping to three defeats in their past four matches as injuries have mounted up, while the Demons (6-2) come in to the match off the back of a win over the previously undefeated Geelong.
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Carlton went down in a thriller to rivals Collingwood in round eight, and it doesn't get any easier with the red-hot Melbourne up next.
Melbourne stamped its top-four credentials with the impressive victory over the Cats and could now set up its season with a win over Carlton.
The Demons wont need any reminder of the danger that the Blues present after suffering a costly loss to them in round 22 last year before being knocked out of the premiership race in a semi-final thriller a few weeks later.
The Blues have swung the axe with Lewis Young, Orazio Fantasia and David Cuningham dropped and Zac Williams (glute) out injured, as Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern, Ollie Hollands and Jack Martin returning.
The Demons have made just one change with Jake Bowey returning from injury to replace Bailey Laurie.
Carlton v Melbourne at the MCG, 7.30pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: George Hewett
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin
