The game as it stands 

Carlton will be looking to make a strong statement after a disappointing outing in Adelaide last week. 

Looking to defeat the ladder-leading St Kilda, it will take some response to knock off the Saints in the Blues’ first home game at Marvel Stadium for the season.

A 10-day break between outings will ensure the Blues are refreshed and mentally prepared for the challenge that looms. 

The Blues can welcome Mitch McGovern back to the lineup for some much needed defensive depth, as well as debutant Alex Cincotta, who has been rewarded for some impressive VFL form in recent weeks. 

Having been a mainstay in the side through the midfield over the last year, Adam Cerra will line up for his 100th AFL game – the last 23 have come in Navy Blue.

With both Carlton and St Kilda suffering losses last week, there will be no love lost in this clash as both teams have something to prove back in Victoria.

Key match up

Brad Crouch has been a bull so far in 2023 for the Saints, averaging 31 disposals and six tackles per game, as well as being their main clearance winner in the middle.  

How Carlton goes about going head-to-head with Crouch and the Saints' midfield setup will be a wait and see, but the on-ball brigade will have to be mindful of stopping the ball magnet from getting first possession.

The return of Sam Walsh last week is definitely a positive - giving the Blues an extra body around the ball - while both Ed Curnow and George Hewett have played tagging roles so far this season.

Player to watch 

If you haven’t noticed already, Jesse Motlop is becoming an excitement machine in the forward line. 

The electric small forward has natural goal sense and an ability to create something out of nothing.

Kicking six goals in his last four games for the season so far, the proud Larrakia man will be looking to repeat his career-best three-goal showing against the Saints from last year . . . and maybe even showing off his new (revamped) goal celebration in the process. 

Goss from Voss (but it's Ash Hansen)

Speaking to the media in place of AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss, assistant Ash Hansen said that the Blues were hoping their midfield depth would allow them to play around with positioning and ensure they have a handle on the returning St Kilda captain, Jack Steele. 

"That’s the flexibility we have for [midfielders] to play up forward, to support the stoppage and transition game. We’ve seen guys play across half back at different occasions and we’ve certainly got the capacity to shut down a player that starts to influence the game in the midfield," he said. 

"Having flexibility through roles and personnel is really important and we think we’ve got guys that are starting to develop that capacity, which is exciting. 

"Historically, [Cripps and Steele] have gone head to head: they're both great ball winners and I think Ross [Lyon] has already mentioned that, so it should be a good watch for the fans. We’re really grateful and fortunate to be at a sell out again at Marvel, which is exciting for our group and our fans to be a part of that."

Things we love to see

Alex Cincotta will run out with the AFL side for the first time on Sunday, with the 26-year-old earning his chance through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) earlier in the year.

Having been on the Carlton Reserves’ list since 2021, Cincotta proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Blues' VFL side after overcoming injury, and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since then. 

Cincotta has had a hot start to the year in the VFL side, averaging 31.7 disposals, 5.7 marks and 5.3 rebound 50s. 

With Adam Saad missing the game due to a hamstring injury, Cincotta will provide some run and carry to the backline, with the defender also capable of throwing his body around to win or halve contested situations.

CARLTON has fallen by 22 points to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

After dominating the first half without scoreboard return, the Blues were outgunned in the second half, conceding six of eight second-half goals. 

In his 100th game, Adam Cerra was Carlton's best with 39 disposals and a goal, but the Blues were left to rue wastefulness going forward on a day where they had control of the Sherrin from the outset. 

Quarter one 

It was back and forth from the outset on a quick deck at Marvel Stadium. After the ball lived in St Kilda's forward half for the opening six minutes, Carlton was able to reset, with an opportunistic goal from Jack Silvagni putting the Blues on the board. Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay also typically contributed majors under the Marvel Stadium roof, while Sam Walsh produced an electric start with 14 disposals in the first term alone. The play spent a fair bit of time in Carlton's defensive half, but the likes of Nic Newman and Lewis Young were able to hold firm: heading into the second quarter, the Blues held a narrow two-point lead. 

Quarter two 

It was another even quarter, but it was largely defined by Carlton not making the most of its opportunities. With seven lead changes to half time, it was goal for goal, but the Blues had the territory in the second term as opposed to the first. Jacob Weitering took the role on the dangerous Tim Membrey and performed strongly, totalling eight marks at the half-time break. However, some wasteful forward entries for the Blues were constantly, as was the inability to convert in front of goal when opportunities presented. A quick one-two from Curnow took his tally to three for the game, while Corey Durdin continued with his typically manic play, with a crumb and snap getting the Blues' noses back in front at the half.

Quarter three

It was all the Saints in the third term, as they kicked five goals to the Blues’ one. Carlton missed key opportunities in front of goal in the early going, with its opposition making the hosts pay come three-quarter time. Adam Cerra showed composure in his 100th game, slotting a clever goal to round out an impressive individual showing, but that was the best it got for the Blues in the third term. Patrick Cripps attempted to will his team back into the game at the contest with his physical pressure, but as the Saints started to get on top, the damage was inflicted on the scoreboard. Carlton was left to negotiate a 21-point deficit at the final change.

Quarter four 

Looking for fresh legs, Lochie O'Brien was subbed into the game for Ed Curnow at the final change. A free kick and true set shot from Jack Silvagni in the opening minute of the term gave the Blues a glimmer of hope, but a counter-attack goal from Mitch Owens moments later took some life out of the Blues. Blake Acres continued to run willingly in all areas of the ground, often mopping up on the last line to record a career-high 36 disposals, but the Blues were unable to generate the offensive ball movement required to get themselves back in the contest. Cerra and Walsh continued their prolific work around the clearances while Cripps finished with 22 contested possessions, but come the final siren, the Blues fell by 22 points to the ladder leaders. 

CARLTON      3.4     6.7     7.10       8.12 (60)
ST KILDA      3.2     6.3     11.7       12.10 (82)

GOALS
Carlton: C.Curnow 3, Silvagni 2, Cerra, Durdin, McKay

BESTS
Carlton: Cerra, Walsh, Cripps, McKay, Acres