CARLTON will head home to Marvel Stadium with a point to prove when they take on the Lions on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues get their opportunity to usher in caretaker coach David Teague with a victory after last week’s disappointing defeat to Essendon.

With the Lions flying high at fifth on the ladder, the Blues get the chance to measure themselves against one of the competition’s best and brightest.

Brisbane will be eager to down the hopeful Blues to give themselves a chance to move up into the top four.

Details: Marvel Stadium, Saturday 8 June, 1:45pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Click here for broadcast guide and here for all game day info.

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton will need to harness its aggression when they come up against the in-form Lions on Saturday afternoon.

After an inconsistent start to the season, the Blues will be hoping to regain the fierce contest style that saw them down the Bulldogs in their first victory.

The Lions head into the clash confident after a remarkable start to their 2019 campaign despite close defeats to Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs in recent weeks.

With their 19-point win over Hawthorn still front of mind, the Lions will be keen to stamp their finals credentials away from home.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET:

The Blues fell 65 points short to the Lions at the Gabba last time these two sides met in Round 16 of 2018.

The Lions proved too strong for Carlton on the day, despite a valiant first quarter effort from the Blues away from home.

Matching the Lions in the first term, the Blues trailed by just two points heading into quarter time.

From then on the Lions piled on the pressure, with injuries to key Blues Jacob Weitering, Kade Simpson and Caleb Marchbank not helping matters.

Despite the best efforts of Matthew Kreuzer and Charlie Curnow, Carlton was no match for the rampant Lions on their home deck.

BLUE FOCUS:

Carlton will welcome back a wealth knowledge in the form of Kade Simpson for this weekend’s hitout.

The Blues journeyman returns to the side after general soreness saw him miss last week’s clash with Essendon.

With the backline sure to benefit from the experience of some older heads, Blues supporters will be eager to see Simpson back.

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Joining returning veteran Kade Simpson for the Round 12 clash will be dynamic key forward Mitch McGovern.

McGovern returns hoping to make an impact in the forward line already serviced by Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

With the Blues struggling to score over preceding weeks, McGovern adds another valuable avenue to goal.

BLUE VIEW:

The Blues' victory over the Western Bulldogs a distant memory, now is the time to stamp their name on the winners list and, with caretaker coach David Teague at the helm, Carlton will run out with a fierce desire to prove their wares on a big stage.