THE defenders had their time in the spotlight: this week, it was all about the midfielders. 

And what a week it was. 

You know that football is around the corner when match simulation heats up: here's all the AFL news which came out of Ikon Park last week.

Some Monday morning candy

We're not sure it's the healthiest way to start the week, but we'll allow it.

Did someone say training gallery?

Carlton and ABBA?

It's 1977 all over again.

Cop a serve

02:21

Who's the Nick Kyrgios of the Carlton Football Club? Zac Fisher reveals all in the latest edition of Blues Banter.

Walsh takes over Twitter

The best of the Rising Star's Twitter takeover. 

Just in case ABBA wasn't good enough

 

Finbar deserved some Mariah love.

Stuck in the middle with you

Which midfielders are tracking well so far in pre-season?

New ground for Kade?

Who knew that was possible. 

The greatest tragedy there ever was

Order is restored... very quickly

 

"Why not?"

Sam Philp is entering his debut season without any limitations.

This is going to be good

Insert the old cliche: the skipper is in career-best shape.

Look away now

Mids catch Murphy's eye

The man knows a fair bit about emerging midfielders in Navy Blue.

Speaking of emerging midfielders...

This. Many times. On repeat.

This is big

Match simulation AND a new website for The Carlton Shop? It doesn't get much better than this.

It's everything you never knew you needed

How long until Round 1?

Get 'em, 'Teaguey'

01:31

More midfield love

The perfect way to sign off