CARLTON will set out to break its 2019 duck when it heads to Blacktown to take on GWS.

Coming up against an opposition which they have had success against in the past, the Blues — who have welcomed Tayla Harris back into the fray — will have their sights set on kicking a winning score against their hosts.

And with just one win separating top from bottom in Conference B, it promises to be a high-stakes affair even at this early stage of the season.

Details: Blacktown International Sportspark, Saturday, February 16, 4:45pm AEDT

Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide

The game in focus

As mentioned, the Blues have some success over the Giants in previous matches between the two sides.

In the two meetings involving these two teams, the Blues have emerged victorious on both occasions. Carlton’s last AFLW win came against the Giants at Blacktown.

Both teams will be looking to get off the mark for 2019 after losses last weekend. Carlton was much-improved in the home game against Adelaide, but ultimately fell away late as the Crows took charge.

Similarly, GWS were right in the game against the Kangaroos until three-quarter-time. However, a late flurry from North left the Giants sitting at 0-2 heading into the Round 3 clash.

Both sides have showed their young talent in the opening rounds, with Alyce Parker’s opening round NAB Rising Star nomination being matched by Maddy Prespakis last week.

The Blues and Giants will each be calling on their top-end talent to get them over the line. Brianna Davey will continue her progression back from injury with her third consecutive game, while 2018 AFLW Players’ MVP Courtney Gum will look to have a big say in the middle of the ground.

The difference

Carlton’s pressure up forward was a feature last weekend, with the likes of Georgia Gee, Amelia Mullane and Nat Plane providing strong pressure in the middle and forward of centre.

If Carlton’s smaller players can click with the marking prowess of Tayla Harris and Darcy Vescio, it could prove to be too dangerous of a forward mix for the Giants defence to handle.

Blue focus

The performances of Kerryn Harrington and Jayde Van Dyk definitely didn’t go unnoticed by Carlton’s coaching staff last week, and they’ll be looking for more of the same tomorrow.

The way they stood up against a flurry of Adelaide forward entries and got the Blues going was crucial in the battle. Harrington received coaches votes for the performance, while Van Dyk was once again impressive in just her second game.

Against a Giants side which has averaged 25 points in the opening fortnight, the chance to shut the opposition out will have a big say in the Blues’ fortunes.

Blue view

Carlton will need to make the most of its chances in the forward half if it is going to return to the winners list tomorrow.

The two sides couldn’t have been more different in front of goal last week, with the Blues registering 7.2 compared to the Giants’ 2.11. The ability to win the ball out of the middle, generate scoring opportunities and make the opposition pay full price will be pivotal for Carlton’s fortunes.