SUMMARY
The Giants' top-eight hopes were dashed last week with a heavy loss in the Sydney derby, but the home side would love to finish the year with some momentum - a 12-win season would be a great springboard for 2016. Carlton produced a brilliant upset of Melbourne on Sunday, giving it hope of a strong final two weeks of the season. Many Blues could be playing for contracts and interim coach John Barker would be desperate for another impressive performance before the club announces its next senior coach. But the young Giants might make it a tough trip north for the Blues, which would give them a winning head-to-head record over the struggling club.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: www.afl.com.au/broadcastguide.workstation
LAST FOUR TIMES
R7, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 19.21 (135) d Carlton 9.3 (57) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2014, Greater Western Sydney 15.10 (100) d Carlton 14.8 (92) at Spotless Stadium
R10, 2013, Carlton 22.16 (148) d Greater Western Sydney 8.6 (54) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Carlton 15.20 (110) d Greater Western Sydney 6.7 (43) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Greater Western Sydney's win in round seven could have been even bigger – the Giants had 40 scoring shots to 12; dominated the disposals 418-345; took 116 marks to 89 and took the ball inside 50 an amazing 48 more times (80-32).
2. This game could be won and lost in centre clearances - the Giants are ranked last with only 10.3 per game while the Blues are ranked second, averaging 13.4.
3. Accuracy in front of goal hasn’t been a strength for either side this season - the Giants are ranked 17th going at 46 per cent, while the Blues haven’t been much better, ranked equal 14th at 47.7 per cent.
4. Giants forward Jeremy Cameron booted five goals in round seven and has 54 for the year. He needs another nine goals to pass his career-best season of 62 in 2013, when he was named All Australian.
5. GWS suffered its heaviest defeat of the season - 89 points - last week against the Swans, and it was the third time this year it has been held to six goals or less.
6. Carlton skipper Marc Murphy is the only Blue inside the top 50 of the AFL's Official Player Ratings at No.34. GWS has three players - co-captain Callan Ward (19), Ryan Griffen (29) and Adam Treloar (32).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR
Jeremy Cameron. The star forward has paid the price for a lack of opportunities and some ordinary inside 50 entries in recent weeks but he's still on track for his best season. The 22 year-old should set a new personal best tally in kicks, marks and disposals in 2015 and with a couple of big games can surpass his 62 goals of 2013 which would be just reward for the tough forward.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 43 points.
