Details: Marvel Stadium Sunday 9 May, 3.20pm (AEST)

Broadcast: Channel 7 from 3pm, Fox Footy, AFL app, Kayo

THE GAME IN FOCUS:

Carlton will be aiming to back up a positive performance last weekend against a tough opposition in the Western Bulldogs. 

The Bulldogs have been one of the benchmarks in the competition so far, so the Blues will have to counter their opposition's high-octane style of football if they're to come away with their second win in a row. 

With a few players returning from injury and some young Blues having breakout performances last week, Carlton will hope to build on the momentum of last weekend when it takes centre stage at Marvel Stadium this weekend.

LAST TIME WE MET: 

Carlton recorded its biggest win since 2014 against the Western Bulldogs in Round 6 last year.

In a 52-point victory at Metricon Stadium, it was a wet night that should’ve hindered the Blues tall forward line, and yet Harry McKay, Mitch McGovern and Levi Casboult were all able to hit the scoreboard in big ways. 

Eddie Betts slotted four goals while Will Setterfield and Matthew Kennedy battled it out in the midfield while Patrick Cripps dealt with a shoulder injury. 

Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones kept Josh Bruce and Josh Schache scoreless down the other end while Sam Walsh topped the Blues disposal count, but it was the team performance which was the biggest takeaway for David Teague's side in their most complete performance of the season.

BLUE FOCUS:

The Blues sit third in the league for clearance numbers; The Bulldogs sit first. 

Getting the ball out of the middle has always been a strength for Carlton, but how they use the ball going forward will be crucial against the Western Bulldogs. 

The Bulldogs midfield has been touted as the deepest in the competition, with the trio of Marcus Bontempelli, Jackson Macrae and Adam Treloar becoming extremely dangerous around the contest. 

It will be up to the Carlton midfield to get the ball going their way at the source, with a red-hot Sam Walsh central to that. 

The Bulldogs are also ranked No.1 in the AFL for marks inside 50, meaning Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones will have their work cut out for them. With youngster Luke Parks alongside them, the three will be relying on their solid aerial and intercept work to keep the firing Bulldogs forwards quiet. 

GET EXCITED ABOUT:

Jack Silvagni and Zac Williams will return to the Carlton side this weekend, with both adding speed and class to the side. 

Silvagni will be able to add some of his revered forward pressure that the Blues have missed in recent weeks, while Williams’ class with ball in hand will be useful against a smooth-moving midfield in red, white and blue. 

Harry McKay also sits second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard, one goal behind Tex Walker’s 27 goals. 

Should McKay have another big outing in front of goal, he may sit on top after this Round 8 clash. 

BLUE VIEW:

Liam Jones will play his 150th game this weekend. 

After turning his career around (a central point of discussion this weekend), Jones' resurgence to become one of the best key defenders in the competition has emerged as one of the best stories of recent seasons.

Being a fan favourite for the Blues and coming up against his former side, it is sure to be a proud moment for Jones and Bluebaggers alike, who have seen his journey first-hand and seen him succeed at Carlton.