Details: MCG, Saturday 17April, 7.25pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo
THE GAME IN FOCUS:
Carlton will be looking to make it three wins in a row when it takes on Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.
On the back of wins in their last two games over Fremantle and Gold Coast, the Blues will be aiming to keep their winning form going when they face an impressive Port outfit.
Port Adelaide has a talented list that is able to move the ball fast and freely through the corridor: it will be a key are for Carlton to keep under control on the back of a four-quarter effort.
LAST TIME WE MET:
The last time the Blues met Port was in Round 7, where an after-the-siren goal from Robbie Gray saw the Blues fall by three points at the Gabba.
Up until then, Carlton played a compelling game against the top-of-the-ladder Port Adelaide, tying it up in the third quarter before leading for the entirety of the last term before Gray's winner.
It was a banner day for Sam Walsh, who took the mark that won him Mark of the Year in a courageous effort to get the ball back on the Blues’ terms, as well as kicking two goals and laying 10 tackles.
Eddie Betts also kicked his 300th goal in Navy Blue while Harry McKay slotted three majors for the Blues.
BLUE FOCUS:
After coming from the team last week, Zac Williams will return to the fold, giving the Blues some much-welcomed speed and class through the centre of the ground.
After a sluggish game in humid conditions against Gold Coast last week, Carlton will be looking forward to playing some fast, clean footy from the centre bounce that they showed against Fremantle a fortnight.
Of course, it will be no easy task against Port, with their clearance and contested-possession dominance a large reason for their strong form in the last year.
The Blues will need to make the most of their opportunities in attack, with Mitch McGovern to take the field for the first time in 2021.
After an impressive stint in VFL practice matches as he built his game time, McGovern will provide another marking target up forward in the absence of the injured Jack Silvagni.
GET EXCITED ABOUT:
A milestone that's been a long time coming.
Sam Docherty will play his 100th game in Navy Blue on Saturday, after a journey which certainly hasn't been easy for the boyhood Carlton fan.
He won't be the only one enjoying a memorable moment in his career, with Matthew Kennedy to share the milestone day when he runs out for his 50th game.
Then, there's the case of Eddie Betts. Blues fans will see one of their all-time favourites equal Andrew Walker's record for the most games played for Carlton by an Indigenous player.
BLUE VIEW:
Back at the home of football in front of Bluebaggers: what could be sweeter?
Carlton will have a predominantly Navy Blue crowd when they run out onto the MCG on Saturday night, being their first home game against an interstate side at the ‘G in season 2021.
It is definitely going to be loud.
