SUMMARY
These teams are on distinctly different paths. Greater Western Sydney (4-2) is on a high after stunning last year's premier Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium, while Carlton's season sunk to a new low last Sunday after its loss to the bottom-placed Lions. The Blues are playing without confidence, passion and intensity and the pressure is on veteran coach Mick Malthouse and his playing group. The Giants won in the opening round at Etihad Stadium this season and appear to have a decided edge on the Blues with their plethora of talented ball-winners and dangerous forwards led by Jeremy Cameron.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 16, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST THREE TIMES
R14, 2014, GWS 15.10 (100) d Carlton 14.8 (92) at Spotless Stadium
R10, 2013, Carlton 22.16 (148) d GWS 8.6 (54) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2012, Carlton 15.20 (110) d GWS 6.7 (43) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Giants Shane Mumford and Callan Ward starred in these clubs' last encounter. Mumford dominated the ruck with 18 disposals and 55 hit-outs and Ward was best on ground with 29 touches and one goal.
2. The Giants have handballed more than any other team this season, averaging 178.2 a game, while they are ninth for kicks at 204.3 a match. Carlton is 16th for handballs with an average of 142.5.
3. The Blues have struggled to score this season, ranked 15th for points a game with 77.5. The Giants are sixth at 89.6 – their average was 80 in 2014.
4. The clubs meet at Etihad Stadium for the third time. In the Giants' favour they have won their past two games at the venue after losing their first six.
5. Carlton's centre clearance work has been impressive this season, ranked first at an average of 15.3 a game. The Giants are equal eighth, averaging 12.7.
6. GWS key forward Jeremy Cameron rose nine spots in the Official AFL Player Ratings, from No. 190 overall to 181, after his seven-goal haul against the Hawks last Saturday.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Bryce Gibbs. He and skipper Marc Murphy have borne the brunt of criticism for the Blues' disappointing finish to last Sunday's game, and this experienced pair needs to lead the way.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 20 points.
