SUMMARY
Carlton is coming off its second victory for the season but faces a different challenge altogether when it hosts Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Giants are among the most in-form teams in the competition, winning seven of their last eight games. The visitors will also welcome back Jeremy Cameron, who has served his five-match suspension and will be raring to go. The return of Josh Kelly and Toby Greene has reinvigorated Leon Cameron's side, which is suddenly back in premiership contention. Patrick Cripps has been in superb form and was again brilliant last week but will have his hands full dealing with one of the deepest midfield groups in the competition. Brett Deledio's impact since returning adds another layer of quality that Carlton will have to deal with at Etihad Stadium, making a repeat of the side's 2017 upset against GWS difficult to foresee.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 5, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 12, 2017: Carlton 10.11 (71) d GWS 9.16 (70) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 14, 2016: GWS 18.19 (127) d Carlton 9.11 (65) at Spotless Stadium
Rd 22, 2015: GWS 20.12 (132) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at Spotless Stadium
Rd 7, 2015: GWS 19.21 (135) d Carlton 9.3 (57) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 14, 2014: GWS 15.10 (100) d Carlton 14.8 (92) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants are one of the best clearance teams in 2018, ranked second and averaging 40.1 per game. It's a long way ahead of the Blues, who are 14th with an average of 35.7.
2. This is the eighth contest between the sides, with the Giants holding the advantage winning four games to three. Five of the seven have been decided by more than 60 points.
3. Carlton held on in a thriller against the Giants in 2017. Matthew Kreuzer starred with 21 disposals, one goal, eight tackles and 33 hit-outs, earning three Brownlow votes.
4. The Giants are one of the best contested-possession teams this season, ranked third and averaging 151.7 per game. It's a long way ahead of the Blues, who are last with only 136.2.
5. It could be the first time since rounds 12-13 last year that Carlton has won consecutive games. GWS will be looking for four straight wins for the first time since rounds 19-22, 2017.
6. In just his second game back from a calf injury, Brett Deledio was the best player on the ground in last week's win against St Kilda according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
After an injury-interrupted pre-season and a campaign that was halted by an ankle problem, young Carlton midfielder Matthew Kennedy is finally starting to find his feet. His form surge has come at the perfect time, with Kennedy coming up against his former side this weekend. Having graduated through the GWS academy, Kennedy left for the Blues after two years and 19 games with the Giants at the end of last season.
PREDICTION: Giants by 45 points
