The Preview | Round 14 V Richmond Tigers
The biggest game of the season to date for the Carlton Football Club. A game in which the implications of a win or loss are massive. A win and the Blues are equal top of the ladder and top 4 becomes a real possibility. A loss and the Blues will slip down the ladder and be embroidered in a top 8 race that could end in disaster.
After a year that has been plagued by injuries, Carlton’s next-man-up mantra has been tested to the fullest, it has been tested beyond any reasonable proportion. Carlton has only 5 true key position players fit, and all of them are playing on the weekend. The onus now goes onto those who are fit to get the job done.
Luckless defender Caleb Marchbank has suffered another heartbreaking injury setback. A torn meniscus will see him miss another 6 weeks minimum, after making his return to football after nearly 3 years on the sidelines. This leaves Carlton's key defender stock even emptier than what it already was, as mid-season draftee Sam Durdin will make his debut at Carlton, as he returns to AFL football after playing 21 games for North Melbourne between 2015 and 2020.
These injury concerns aren’t just exclusive to the defensive, as midfielder Adam Cerra went down with a tight hamstring very early against Essendon, which will see him miss out for at least one game. This will see Matt Cottrell elevated to the starting 22 after making an appearance as the sub last week.
These injury concerns for Carlton is a clear microcosm of the season they've had. Despite being able to get the job done, there is always something hindering them from being able to reach their full potential. Whether it 2nd half fade-outs on-field or injuries off it, despite Carlton's brilliant start to the season, there is something holding them back from reaching their full potential.
For the first time this season, Carlton goes into the match as the legitimate hunted. Carlton beat Richmond in round 1 very convincingly, they embarrassed the Tigers and did in a fashion that was shocking. The Tigers are the best team at getting revenge, they have that grit between the teeth attitude and are the best teams at being the hunters. Carlton will have to be focused from minute 1 otherwise the Tigers will put this game beyond doubt and then make it embarrassing.
Carlton could be defined by this game, either they take the bull by the horns, backs against the wall, and pull out an unbelievable performance with a depleted squad. Or they fall on their shield and accept their realistic fate as a side that will be battling for the top 8 deep into the season.
This result will show the mentality of the group that they currently have. This is the biggest game in Carlton season. It is the closest thing that Carlton will have to an 8-point game. This has a two-game swing hinging on this result.
The Tigers will go into this match without star man Dustin Martin; however, they will include tom Lynch as he returns from injury. This, with the absence of Carlton's key defensive pillar in Jacob Weitering, will be a key focus of attack for the Tigers, considering the amount of success they had with their tall forwards in round 1.
This is one of the biggest games of the season, Carlton needs to win. Richmond needs to win. 70+ thousand at the MCG, this is what dreams are made of. Let’s hope the Carlton boys ensure this will be a dream and not a nightmare.
