Preview: Carlton v Brisbane Lions
The Blues must win to keep their faint finals hopes alive, while the Lions' skipper Jon Brown has urged his team to lift
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday August 11, 7.40pm
LAST TIME: Carlton 23.16 (154) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63), round 2, 2012, at the Gabba
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
The Blues' finals chances took a massive hit with the loss to the Sydney Swans last week and they must beat the Brisbane Lions to keep their slim hopes alive. The Lions' own finals aspirations were snuffed out on the back of losing four of their past five games.
THE FOUR POINTS
Carlton
1. The air might have been let out of the Blues' season, but there's still plenty to play for. It's generally accepted that most of the blame for a disappointing season lies with a hefty injury list, but effort and intensity has also been called into question on occasion. Carlton needs to finish with a strong month on the field to ensure there's no off-field rumblings in the off-season if, as expected, they fall short of the top eight.
2. The Blues will be without first-choice full-back Michael Jamison (hamstring) with power forward Jonathan Brown coming to town. It's not great timing, but it could be an opportunity for the club to take a look into the future by recalling young key defender Matthew Watson. It would be a big call to match the 20-year-old against the Lions' veteran, but it would be an invaluable learning experience.
3. Eddie Betts was kept goalless against the Swans and the Blues managed 10 goals in total. Betts has carried most of the scoring burden in the absence of taller forward options, but help is arriving in the form of Jarrad Waite, who kicked two goals on his return from a long-term back injury against the Swans. Andrew Walker (calf) would also be a valuable addition to the forward line.
4. This match will be Marc Murphy's last as stand-in skipper in place of Chris Judd, who will return from a four-game suspension next week. Murphy has enhanced his credentials as the player most likely to take over from Judd when he decides the time is right to step aside. Murphy will be keen to end his short reign with a 3-1 record.
Brisbane Lions
1. If Jonathan Brown's harsh analysis of the Lions' recent form doesn't spark them into action, nothing will. Brown described last week's loss against Richmond as embarrassing and not acceptable. When Brown barks, you generally listen. He said everyone from the leadership group to the youngest players had to take responsibility. Expect a more committed Lions this weekend.
2. For a season that has promised so much, it risks running off the rails. Despite a 7-11 record, the Lions are an unflattering 1-11 against teams above them on the ladder, with the round 10 upset over West Coast buried beneath an average losing margin of 51 points. Too often the Lions have matched strides for two or three quarters, only to be blown away at the back end of matches - like they were against the Blues in round two.
3. The area of the ground that has Michael Voss pulling his hair out is the stoppages. The Lions have been mauled there in the past month, and again coughed up multiple goals against the Tigers directly from centre bounces and forward 50 stoppages last weekend. The number of times an opponent is wandering directly from a tap-out into an open goal is bordering on comical (unless you're Voss). Unless this is rectified, Murphy, Brock McLean, Kade Simpson and co will have a field day.
4. Can the Lions kick a big enough score to trouble the Blues? Aside from Brown (14 disposals, nine marks - six inside 50 - and four goals), the Lions looked pedestrian in the forward half against Richmond. Daniel Merrett has gone back to defence, putting the onus on the likes of Jordan Lisle and Patrick Karnezis to help their skipper out as marking targets. With Brown sure to be double and triple teamed, the Lions need to find other goal sources.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
