Details: Gabba, Saturday 19 September, 7:40pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo, AFL App
Live updates: Twitter, Instagram and the Carlton App

The game in focus:

The final game of the season is here.

It’s the last chance for the Carlton side to run out and show the AFL world what they can do in what has been a season to remember for so many reasons.

Not only will the Blues be aiming to get a win for retiring veteran Kade Simpson, but they will be looking to put another win on the board after a disappointing run home.  

Last time we met:

Brisbane sits second on the ladder, so it’ll be no easy feat: however, the Blues will be looking to draw on their experience from last year, where they faced the Lions in a similar fashion. 

It was Round 12 in 2019 when the dejected Blues faced the roaring Lions at Marvel Stadium. Trailing 40-3, it looked to be a disappointing day in store for the Blues.

Not if Patrick Cripps had anything to say about it.

The skipper played arguably the best game of his career against Brisbane, racking up 38 disposals and booting four goals - all of which came in the critical second half. 

With the likes of Sam Walsh and Ed Curnow gathering over 30 disposals and Charlie Curnow kicking three goals, the Blues ended up leading for most of the second half, finishing with an emotional 15-point win. 

Blue focus: 

Brisbane sit third for points scored and inside 50s in the league. 

Scoring has been a struggle for Carlton in recent weeks, despite narrowly trailing Brisbane by sitting fourth for inside 50s across the competition. 

With the likes of Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones leading the back line, Carlton’s strong defence will have to stand up against Brisbane’s forward firepower.

Patrick Cripps will potentially line up against another one of the other best midfielders in the comp: Lachie Neale. Unsurprisingly, the two guns midfielders are both leading their respective sides in clearances and contested possessions.

Get excited about:

Get excited about seeing Kade Simpson run out for the 342nd time.

Get sad about it being the last time you’ll ever see it happen. 

A loyal, consistent competitor for the Club since 2003, Simpson has decided to hang up the boots after an esteemed career in Navy Blue which has seen him become loved by all.

He will no doubt provide his trademark courage and rebound from defence, just as he has done on 341 occasions so far.