The Preview | Round 15 V Fremantle Dockers
Redemption. That will be the only thing on the mind of all Carlton players and supporters when the boys step over that white line on Saturday afternoon. This is the second time the Blues play a side twice this year, but the first time they play a side they have lost to previously. They have gone 1-1 with Richmond this year, the Blues will be looking to even the ledger against the Dockers this Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
Carlton will be going into the match heavy underdogs. With at least 7 key defenders out with injuries, the Blues will be looking to, most likely, Brodie Kemp to be the only fit key potion player that isn’t Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay, Lewis Young or Tom De Koning. This is another battle that Carlton will need to overcome in order to beat one of the best teams in the competition.
Fremantle has developed into being one of the best sides in the competition. Diligent, disciplined and exciting all in one, the Dockers will be no easy feat regardless of where you are playing them. Yes, they do their best work playing at home, however, good sides are able to win whenever, wherever, and the Dockers are precisely that. They are a side that is able to win whenever and wherever.
The Blues, don’t have that capability just yet, however, this won't matter come Saturday night. The Blues are undefeated at Marvel Stadium this year and have produced some of their best performances at that venue. Sydney, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and North Melbourne have all felt the wrath of the Blues at Marvel as the fast and dry deck suits the Blues high paced, handballing game style to a tee.
While the Blues have only won once playing interstate this year, they do need to worry about that come Saturday, it's the Dockers that need to worry about it. However, despite previous years telling a different story, the Dockers have been very good when playing interstate. They have only lost once while playing away from Perth, and are undefeated in Melbourne, winning 3 from 3.
The Blues have lost 2 of their last 3 games and have gone through their most emotional and rivalry-driven period of the season in a worse position than what they've started. They sit in 5th position, a position where many Carlton fans would've accepted come the start of the season, however considering the previous month, have been left wanting more.
They have a very tough end to the season. Still having to face Melbourne and Brisbane again, as well as Geelong and St. Kilda, with games against Collingwood and GWS Giants shaping up to be not easy matches either. This is a must-win game for the Blues - an absolutely must-win game.
It won't be easy, as defender Sam Durdin won't play, and nor will Jack Martin. This should see, as aforementioned, Brodie Kemp will see his first game back in the side after a couple of weeks in the twos. Whereas forward Josh Honey will play his first game of the season after overcoming an injury setback.
From a Fremantle perspective, they see four forced changes. As Micheal Walters, Blake Acers, Sam Swintkowski and Darcy Tucker will all miss. Which will see Micheal Fredrick, Matt Taberner and Liam Henry all make their way into the side.
Much like last week - this game could make or break the season for the Carlton Football Club. Win and the season are still very much alive and top 4 could be a serious possibility. Lose, and then the top 4 slip further away and then the top 8 is the real focus for the Carlton Football Club. For what has been a slightly disappointing last three matches, it’s time for the Blues to end the month on a high as they need to down the Dockers at Marvel.
