CARLTON returns to the MCG for the second time this season to take on traditional rivals Collingwood this Saturday.

The clash presents the Blues with an opportunity for redemption after their disappointing 58-point loss to North Melbourne in Round 7.

Carlton will be hoping to regain the form that saw them within desperate reach of victory in its prior outings.

With the Pies in red hot form, Carlton will be up for the fight against last year’s Grand Finalists — the old enemy.

Details: MCG, Saturday 11 May, 1:45pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.  

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton will need to muster its best performance for the season to take down the in-form Pies in this traditional clash.

The Blues will welcome back three key Blues in Matthew Kreuzer, Mitch McGovern and Will Setterfield to add some experience across the ground.

Collingwood has kicked off its season in much the same style of its successful 2018, coming into the match having won five of its first seven matches. 

The Pies will head home to the MCG full of confidence, having downed Port Adelaide in Round 7 by finishing 39 points the better side. 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET:

The Blues fell 20 points short to Collingwood in a hard-fought battle last time these two sides met in Round 14 of last year.

It was a close slog early in the match, with scores levelled after the first quarter with three goals apiece.

The Blues stuck with the Pies for the majority of the match, hitting the front at one stage in the third quarter.

However, the Pies rallied to hit the front once again and held off the valiant Blues in the final term to finish with the four points.

This was despite the Blues arguably having the two dominant players on the ground. Patrick Cripps was everywhere with 28 disposals and three goals, while Charlie Curnow — who evoked memories of Alex Jesaulenko with a towering grab — was a constant headache for the Pies’ defence.

BLUE FOCUS:

The Blues will celebrate a milestone for one of their most exciting youngsters when they face the old enemy on Saturday.

Sam Petrevski-Seton will pull on the Navy Blue in what will be his 50th AFL game in the Round 8 clash.

The speedy midfielder has built consistency in his third season, playing every game so far and finishing best-on-ground in the Blues’ win over the Western Bulldogs three weeks ago.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Fans will be pleased with the return of three key Blues to the Carlton line-up this week, with Matthew Kreuzer, Mitch McGovern and Will Setterfield.

The talented trio are a welcome addition to the side which is hoping to get its first win since Round 5.

Kreuzer’s return in particular sets up a heavyweight battle against All-Australian ruckman, Brodie Grundy.

BLUE VIEW:

The Blues will go into Saturday with heavy expectations on their shoulders, but to return to their best they will need to recapture the determination of the opening rounds.

Pride will be on the line when Carlton runs out on the hallowed turf of the MCG this Saturday, in what will be game No.257 between the Blues and Pies.