CARLTON will return to the MCG on Saturday to host the second-placed West Coast.
While the ‘G hasn’t proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Eagles in recent seasons, we take a look at what will make the visitors formidable opponents.
OVERVIEW
Ladder position: 2nd
Won: 3
Lost: 1
Form: WWWL
Average points for: 110
Average points against: 81
Leading goalkickers: Jack Darling (12), Mark LeCras (10), Liam Ryan (5), Josh Kennedy, Jamie Cripps (5)
AGE BREAKDOWN FOR SATURDAY (CARLTON IN BRACKETS)
Players aged 18-21: 3 (8)
Players aged 22-25: 9 (4)
Players aged 26-29: 7 (7)
Players aged 30+: 3 (3)
FORM
After succumbing to a 29-defeat to Sydney at Optus Stadium in Round 1, the Eagles have rebounded with three consecutive wins to sit in second spot.
Having defeated the Western Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium) and Geelong (Optus Stadium) without star spearhead Josh Kennedy, West Coast has found other avenues to goal to rank first for points scored.
Its attack was only bolstered by Kennedy’s return last week, with the two-time Coleman Medallist booting five goals in the Eagles’ 80-point win over Gold Coast.
INJURY WATCH
West Coast’s resounding win over the Suns came at a cost, with young forward Daniel Venables succumbing to an ankle injury which will keep sidelined for the next two months.
Speedster Lewis Jetta also pulled up sore and hasn't recovered in time to face Carlton.
Vice-captain Luke Shuey (toe), defender Brad Sheppard (quad) and midfielder Jack Redden (shin) were also hampered against Gold Coast, but have been named to face Carlton.
Experienced midfielder Mark Hutchings and youngster Tom Cole have replaced Venables and Jetta as the Eagles' only changes.
GAME STYLE
While Carlton ranks 14th for kicks, West Coast sits at the opposite end of the spectrum.
The Eagles have kicked the footy more than any other team this season, averaging 238.5 a game, while coming in at 17th for handballs.
Despite ranking 13th for disposals, the Eagles are second for metres gained, indicating their desire to transition quickly from defence to attack.
Their attacking brand sees them currently second for inside-50s and marks inside 50 and first for points scored, with small forwards Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan (injured), Mark LeCras and Jamie Cripps combining for 22 goals.
THE QUERY
The Eagles will be keen to arrest a poor record at the home of footy.
They’ve won just one of their past six games at the MCG, with that victory coincidentally coming against Carlton in 2016.
West Coast has fallen by an average of 34 points in its past five losses at the ‘G stretching back to the 2015 Grand Final.
THE DANGERMEN
The Blues have struggled to contain key forwards this season and will need to tighten up the screws against Kennedy on Saturday.
The star tall has booted 18 goals in his past three outings against Carlton and will come up against a defence already missing injured regulars Caleb Marchbank, Sam Docherty, Alex Silvagni and Tom Williamson.
The good news for Carlton fans is that reliable defender Sam Rowe is back from a knee reconstruction in what will mark his first senior game since Round 9 last season.
Elliot Yeo looms as another dangerman, coming off 33 disposals, 11 marks and nine AFL Coaches’ Association votes against Gold Coast, while star ruckman Nic Naitanui continues to build his game time after four AFL matches back from a knee reconstruction.
Nic Naitanui makes the Eagles walk taller. (Photo: AFL Media)
FINAL WORDS FROM THE OPPOSITION
West Coast coach Adam Simpson said his wouldn’t underestimate the winless Blues, who have troubled the Eagles in the past two meetings.
“Every club is different but every club is the same in a sense,” Simpson told the media on Thursday.
“When you’re hit with a bit of adversity you do look to respond on the track and on the field. I’ve got no doubt we’re in for a bit of a battle this week.
“As much as we are about preparing ourselves, we’re preparing for Carlton at their best; home ground, backs-against-the-wall kind of stuff.”
