Where and when: Subiaco Oval, Saturday, July 24, 5.40pm
Head to head: West Coast 16 wins, Carlton 18 wins, no draws
Last time: Carlton 15.15 (105) d West Coast 11.10 (76), round 10, 2010 at Etihad Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
West Coast
Sam Butler (foot) - 4-5 weeks
Bradd Dalziell (finger) - 6 weeks
Darren Glass (abdomen) - season
Ash Hansen (hip) - 3-4 weeks
Jordan Jones (ankle) - 2-3 weeks
Daniel Kerr (hamstring) - 4-5 weeks
Mark Nicoski (shoulder) - season
Luke Shuey (virus) - 1 week
Koby Stevens (AC joint) - 1-2 weeks
Carlton
Matthew Kreuzer (knee) - season
Kane Lucas (hamstring) - TBA
Brock McLean (knee) - 1 week
Rhys O’Keeffe (back) - indefinite
FORM
Carlton: LLWLL
West Coast: LLLLW
SUMMARY
West Coast’s luck seems to have changed, and its fans finally have something to smile about as the club prepares to face a side desperately out of form for the second straight week.
The situation is not so dire at Carlton when compared to the fallout at Windy Hill following the Eagles’ upset 32-point win last Saturday night. But with just one win in five matches, it is quickly heading that way for Brett Ratten’s side.
After early wins over Geelong and St Kilda, the Blues haven’t been the same since Hawthorn gave them a 50-point hiding at Etihad Stadium in round nine, with their only wins since coming against Melbourne, the Brisbane Lions and West Coast.
The Eagles still have plenty of deficiencies, but they were an improved unit against Adelaide a fortnight ago. Mark LeCras’ heroics against the Bombers may have given them the confidence they appeared to be lacking.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
All-Australian selection appears a formality now for 12-goal star Mark LeCras, after his 58 goals last year were deemed too few for the small forward position. Essendon supporters seemed to jump ship and cheer on the star Eagle last week, and he’s sure to receive a warm reception on return to Subiaco Oval.
Bryce Gibbs racked up 45 possessions when these sides met in round 10 playing as a general across half-back, but the sheen has come off the highly-rated Blue in recent weeks. Gibbs’ disposal has not been up to standard in an important part of the ground, and it will be interesting to see how he is used against the Eagles.
QUESTION MARKS
Are the Blues worthy of a top-eight spot? A loss against West Coast would open the door for Adelaide and North Melbourne to pounce.
Is help on the way for Chris Judd in his return to Subiaco Oval? The heat is on Murphy, Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson to support their skipper.
Can LeCras inspire consecutive West Coast wins for the second time this season?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY?
Carlton has played seven of its last eight games at Etihad Stadium, and has not travelled since round eight. Heading west to the wide expanses of Subiaco Oval looks too much of a challenge for the out-of-form Blues against a West Coast outfit that performs much better at home and has now strung two encouraging performances together.
PREDICTION
West Coast by 12 points.
Chat with host Chris Pike and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 5.40pm AWST Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #afleaglesblues
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
