Carlton started in promising fashion with two wins from their first three outings before hitting the wall, but they rekindled their dwindling season with inspired back-to-back wins in rounds nine and 10. But they seem a long way off recapturing that form after consecutive thumpings and last week’s disappointing loss to the undermanned Dees. Kicking goals hasn’t been the Blues’ problem, but unfortunately leaking them has.
Recent form:
Round 10 – Carlton 21.12 (138) def Western Bulldogs 19.14 (128)
Round 11 – Carlton 22.9 (141) def Port Adelaide 14.18 (102)
Round 12 – Carlton 12.8 (80) lost to Hawthorn 27.18 (180)
Round 13 – Fremantle 27.11 173 def Carlton 13.18 (96)
Round 14 – Carlton 14.17 (101) lost to Melbourne 19.10 (124)
Last time out:
Sydney 21.10 (136) def Carlton 6.8 (44), round 22, 2006 at the SCG.
Despite having nothing to lose in their final clash for 2006 and with Blues big man Barnaby French playing his last match of AFL football, Carlton was simply horrible. The Blues kicked their second goal at the 21-minute mark of the opening term but failed to kick another until 19 minutes into the final quarter. Adam Goodes dominated for the Swans.
The venue:
After their 92-point deficit in the corresponding fixture late last year, the Blues wouldn’t be looking forward to the return trip to the SCG. However at least they’re playing a more attacking brand of footy and an opponent not quite so white-hot. Heading into round 22 last season the Swans were primed for the finals – this year they’re trying to build for a run at the finals.
Coach: Denis Pagan
"I used to know a boxing coach that said, 'If it was easy, everyone would be doing it’.” Pagan, if those words are anything to go by, is not one to give up lightly.
Last week the Swans faced a team whose coach was under the pump, and this week it’s no different. Pagan is a fighter, and given his thoughts when asked about coaching earlier this week, the home side had better expect a tussle from the Blues on Sunday.
Strengths:
The Blues can move the ball quickly and rack up big scores. On a small ground like the SCG, whether that will be an easier or more difficult task remains to be seen. But what will no doubt be more of an obstacle to Carlton’s pursuit of a winning score will be the Swans’ close-checking tactics. Paul Roos’ side will not want to get into a shoot-out with the Blues. The Western Bulldogs did that earlier in the season – and came off second best.
Missing in action:
The Blues have a couple of long-term injuries but this week the Blues will be sweating to see whether Bryce Gibbs (ankle) and Matthew Lappin (concussion) come up. Both should be right to face the Swans, while Lance Whitnall (knee) is still a few weeks away from resuming.
The key: How will ‘Fev’ respond?
Brendan Fevola is expected to line-up for the Blues on Sunday after serving a one-week, club-imposed suspension. Relations between Fev and his club appear to have been strained but a good performance from the dangerous full-forward will go a long way towards mending whatever damage has been done. Fevola hasn’t been in outstanding form in recent games but after a week’s rest, Blues fans will be hoping he’s ready to fire. He’s a thumping kick, and on the small SCG he won’t need many touches to hurt the Swans.
Ball magnet: Andrew Carrazzo
Carrazzo has become one of the Blues’ most important players through the middle of the ground this season, taking his game to a new level in recent weeks. With Carlton needing ball-winners in the absence of Nick Stevens, Carrazzo’s hard-running has been invaluable and the one-time Geelong discard is starting to forge a name for himself at the top level.
They’re number one … picks that is
The Blues, courtesy of their poor finishes in recent seasons, have been fortunate to receive the last two top picks in the NAB AFL National AFL Draft. Both will be in action this weekend, and while their careers are still in their infancy each has shown he is a player of the future. Marc Murphy is already a proven ball-winner and dangerous midfielder when given space while Bryce Gibbs, being used across half back, shows poise beyond his years.
Inside man: Jason Saddington
While not in the senior line-up at present, Saddington is in just his second season at the Blues so he would still remember his time at the Swans fairly vividly. Whether or not Denis Pagan and his Carlton coaching staff choose to pick the defender’s brain at all this week for any inside information is another matter. But Saddington would have the inside running on exactly how many of his former teammates play and may well be a valuable tool as the Blues try to hammer a nail in the Swans’ finals coffin.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
