Round 17
Sydney v Carlton
Saturday 12 July
SCG, 7.40pm
Head-to-Head
Played 220
Carlton 127
Sydney 87
Draws 6
Last Five Games
Semi Final, 2013
ANZ Stadium
Sydney 13.8 (86) df Carlton 8.14 (62)
Round 14, 2013
SCG
Sydney 8.17 (65) df Carlton 5.13 (43)
Round 19, 2012
Etihad Stadium
Carlton 10.11 (71) df by Sydney 14.9 (93)
Round 13, 2011
Etihad Stadium
Carlton 15.10 (100) df Sydney 10.6 (66)
Round 6, 2011
SCG
Sydney 10.11 (71) df by Carlton 12.15 (87)
Recent Form
The Blues head into Saturday’s clash with renewed confidence, after their 85-point win over St Kilda in Round 16. The match saw Simon White emerge as another option up forward, combining with Lachie Henderson and Levi Casboult to bag a four-goal haul each.
The win over the Saints broke the drought for Carlton, which has been competitive but unable to secure the four points for much of the season. In a positive sign for the Blues, Troy Menzel became the club's second Rising Star nominee this season.
In contrast the Swans are flying, having won 11 games in a row to have the side sitting on top of the AFL ladder. Carlton coach Mick Malthouse this week labelled Sydney's list the strongest and deepest list he has seen in his 42-years in football, highlighting the massive challenge his men face at the SCG.
The last time the two sides met was in last year's Elimination Final, with the Swans coming out victorious in a tough contest. Saturday's clash will mark the first match for Andrejs Everitt against his old side.
Team Changes
Carlton will be without Rising Star nominee Troy Menzel after he copped a knock to the shoulder against the Saints. Menzel trained fully this week but was still sore, prompting Carlton's medical team to make the decision not to risk him. David Ellard comes in to replace Menzel up forward, after returning from injury through the VFL last weekend.
Blues vice-captain Andrew Carrazzo has also been ruled out after suffering a quad injury against the Saints. The injury will keep him in the sidelines for a fortnight, but his omission has made way for young midfielder Nick Graham who has shown plenty of promise in the VFL. Graham will be running out for his fifth AFL game.
Sydney has made just the one change with forward Dean Towers set to make his debut. Zak Jones has been ruled out with an Achilles injury. The Swans will also be without Kurt Tippett who has an injured knee.
