SUMMARY
The challenge for Melbourne, and the Demons know it, is to produce the type of effort and intensity every week that was displayed against St Kilda. Melbourne has a wonderful opportunity to make it two wins from two starts against Carlton on Sunday, with coach Simon Goodwin already demanding the team rises to a new standard. The Demons' midfield is already firing, led by Max Gawn, who has resumed his All Australian-type form, with young gun Clayton Oliver and experienced heads Jordan Lewis and Nathan Jones also solid contributors. The Blues were gallant in last Thursday's loss to Richmond, but remain a developing side, and coach Brendon Bolton will continue to take a measured approach through 2017. Melbourne has not defeated the Blues since 2014, so after ending its long-running hoodoo against the Saints, it will be looking to right the wrongs again in its first home game at the MCG for the season.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, April 3, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2016, Carlton 11.12 (78) d Melbourne 7.16 (58) at the MCG
R21, 2015, Carlton 12.6 (78) d Melbourne 7.13 (55) at the MCG
R4, 2014, Melbourne 12.9 (81) d Carlton 7.16 (58) at the MCG
R6, 2013, Carlton 18.13 (121) d Melbourne 8.12 (60) at the MCG
R9, 2012, Carlton 15.17 (107) d Melbourne 6.13 (49) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Blues star Patrick Cripps dominated when these teams last played, with 30 disposals, one goal, 13 tackles and 12 clearances which was enough for three Brownlow votes.
2. This will be the 210th contest between the sides. Carlton holds a clear advantage, winning 118 games to 89 with two draws. Since 2008 the Blues have dominated winning nine of the last 10.
3. Carlton's Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs had 94 disposals between them against Richmond in round one.
4. Melbourne and Carlton have clashed exactly 100 times at the MCG with the Blues winning 51 games to 49. This is the Demons' first home game against the Blues at the MCG since 2011.
5. The Demons will be aiming for consecutive wins to start the season for the first time since 2005. If Carlton loses it will be the fifth straight season the Blues have lost their first two matches to start a season.
6. Emerging Demon Christian Petracca was the highest-scoring player on the ground in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in Melbourne's 30-point win over St Kilda.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matthew Kreuzer
Carlton captain Marc Murphy said recently teammate Kreuzer had had the best pre-season of his career and was ready to explode in 2017. The challenge is substantial for Kreuzer this week, with Gawn standing in his way. Kreuzer will need to have a major impact against the Demons if the Blues are going to remain competitive.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 36 points
