Head to head: Carlton 125 wins, Sydney Swans 82 wins, six draws
Last time: Carlton 19.10 (124) d Sydney Swans 9.9 (63), round 16, 2009 at Etihad Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
Carlton
Lachie Henderson (corked knee) - test
Matthew Kreuzer (knee) - season
Brock McLean (knee) - 2 weeks
Rhys O’Keeffe (back) - indefinite
Sydney Swans
Craig Bird (foot) - 1 week
Craig Bolton (achilles) - 3-4 weeks
Daniel Bradshaw (hamstring) - 2-3 weeks
Daniel Currie (foot) - test
Campbell Heath (ankle) - 1 week
Matt O'Dwyer (shoulder) - 1 week
Jake Orreal (back) - season
Henry Playfair (back) - indefinite
Gary Rohan (ankle) - 1 week
Mark Seaby (ankle) - 3-4 weeks
FORM
Carlton: WLLWL
Sydney Swans: WWLLW
SUMMARY
This is an intriguing match-up between two sides that aren't in the best of form. The loser of this game will continue to harbour at least some fears over their place in the eight. The Blues' inconsistent season hit a new low last Sunday when the Bulldogs brushed them aside on their way to a record 68-point demolition. The ball came out of their attacking 50 as quickly as it went in more often than not and they'll have to put some pressure on when the ball hits the deck if they're to get back on the winners' list. The Swans bounced back from a poor loss to Richmond, where they gave up a 33-point lead, albeit with a workman-like win over North Melbourne. But the Swans were again challenged late by their opponents and will need to make sure they go in for the kill if they find themselves in such a position against the Blues.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jarrad Waite's first season back from a knee reconstruction has been one to forget. Poor early form has been coupled with undisciplined acts leading to suspensions. Coming back from his latest two-match ban Waite must show that he's ready to bring his talents to the fore and make a contribution.
Adam Goodes has been in uncharacteristically average form of late, but he snapped out of it in grand style against North last week. A move onto the ball sparked the resurgence - will Paul Roos leave him there and allow us to watch him go head to head with Chris Judd?
QUESTION MARKS
Are the Blues done? They've impressed in patches this season, but showed nothing and were made to look second-rate last week by a side just one place above them on the ladder.
Can the Swans kick a winning score? They've been goal kicking by committee with Daniel Bradshaw out and haven't kicked over 100 points since round six.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Swans owned a 12-game winning streak against Carlton before the Blues saluted in round 16 last year. Clearly Brett Ratten's men have their issues with the Swans, but they're a better team than last week's form suggests and should be able to fashion a win. Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran contributed just two goals between them last week, but all three rarely have two bad ones in a row. Paul Bower solidifies a Carlton backline which should be able to restrict the Swans to a manageable score.
PREDICTION
Carlton by 15 points
Chat with host Ben Oliver and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 12.40pm Sunday or join the conversation on Twitter: #aflbluesswans
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
