CARLTON returns home to take on the Western Bulldogs this Sunday for its Round 5 clash at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues were left bitterly disappointed after falling just two points short to a persistent Gold Coast last weekend.
Still on the hunt for their first win, the Blues again put themselves in the position to win but fell short seconds before the final siren.
Carlton will face a motivated Bulldogs side looking to get back on the winners list, having lost their last two outings.
Details: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, April 21, 1:10pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.
Fresh off a Rising Star nomination and new contract, Sam Walsh is already an integral part of Carlton’s midfield. How he fares alongside Patrick Cripps will be crucial in determining Carlton’s fortunes.
The Bulldogs looked re-energised in their triumphant start to the season, winning their first two matches against Sydney and Hawthorn.
Our hosts enter this weekend eager to get back on the winner’s list after narrow losses to Gold Coast and Collingwood.
Carlton matched the Bulldogs for three quarters last time these two sides met at Marvel Stadium in Round 22 last year.
The Bulldogs dominated in clearances for most of the day (44-19), but the Blues were able to capitalise on their opportunities to stay in the match until the fourth quarter.
Caleb Marchbank was impermeable in defence with 11 marks (three contested) and six rebound 50s to hold off the Bulldogs attack.
Kade Simpson was similarly prolific, while exciting youngster Tom De Koning made his AFL debut.
The Bulldogs ran away in the fourth quarter, kicking four of the last five goals of the match to finish 17 points in the clear.
Fans will be keeping an eye of the Carlton forward line this week after the return of Charlie Curnow last week.
The tall forward combination of Curnow with Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay has been a work in progress over the opening month.
With the trio having only played two full games together, their ability to connect with each other and their midfield teammates will be of keen interest.
Blues fans could see the return of Matthew Kreuzer after missing the start of the season recovering from knee surgery.
Matthew Lobbe and Andrew Phillips have taken ruck responsibilities while the fondly-regarded Blues big man was sidelined.
Kreuzer was impactful in his VFL return last weekend, notching 15 disposals and a goal in his quest for a senior return.
The Bulldogs are a dangerous prospect despite the determination of the winless Blues.
Leading the competition for inside 50s, the Bulldogs are sure to make the most of their scoring opportunities, particularly after pushing Collingwood to their limits last week.
But with the Blues’ defensive chemistry peaking, it will be a game decided through the centre.
The Blues were left bitterly disappointed after falling just two points short to a persistent Gold Coast last weekend.
Still on the hunt for their first win, the Blues again put themselves in the position to win but fell short seconds before the final siren.
Carlton will face a motivated Bulldogs side looking to get back on the winners list, having lost their last two outings.
Details: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, April 21, 1:10pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
The heat is on for the Blues as they head into the Round 5 clash, still in pursuit of their first four points of the season.Fresh off a Rising Star nomination and new contract, Sam Walsh is already an integral part of Carlton’s midfield. How he fares alongside Patrick Cripps will be crucial in determining Carlton’s fortunes.
The Bulldogs looked re-energised in their triumphant start to the season, winning their first two matches against Sydney and Hawthorn.
Our hosts enter this weekend eager to get back on the winner’s list after narrow losses to Gold Coast and Collingwood.
THE LAST TIME THEY MET:
Carlton matched the Bulldogs for three quarters last time these two sides met at Marvel Stadium in Round 22 last year.
The Bulldogs dominated in clearances for most of the day (44-19), but the Blues were able to capitalise on their opportunities to stay in the match until the fourth quarter.
Caleb Marchbank was impermeable in defence with 11 marks (three contested) and six rebound 50s to hold off the Bulldogs attack.
Kade Simpson was similarly prolific, while exciting youngster Tom De Koning made his AFL debut.
The Bulldogs ran away in the fourth quarter, kicking four of the last five goals of the match to finish 17 points in the clear.
Join as at open training this Saturday!
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 18, 2019
⏰10:15am - 11am
Ikon Park
Plenty of Easter eggs going around! #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/cHDOFgmJXY
BLUE FOCUS:
Fans will be keeping an eye of the Carlton forward line this week after the return of Charlie Curnow last week.
The tall forward combination of Curnow with Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay has been a work in progress over the opening month.
With the trio having only played two full games together, their ability to connect with each other and their midfield teammates will be of keen interest.
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
Blues fans could see the return of Matthew Kreuzer after missing the start of the season recovering from knee surgery.
Matthew Lobbe and Andrew Phillips have taken ruck responsibilities while the fondly-regarded Blues big man was sidelined.
Kreuzer was impactful in his VFL return last weekend, notching 15 disposals and a goal in his quest for a senior return.
BLUE VIEW:
The Bulldogs are a dangerous prospect despite the determination of the winless Blues.
Leading the competition for inside 50s, the Bulldogs are sure to make the most of their scoring opportunities, particularly after pushing Collingwood to their limits last week.
But with the Blues’ defensive chemistry peaking, it will be a game decided through the centre.
