The Preview | Round 23 v GWS
Written by Helena Petrou
Carlton’s clash against the GWS Giants this Saturday the 21st of August at 7:40pm will draw a close to the Bagger’s 2021 campaign. It will be a match full of emotion with Carlton legend Eddie Betts taking to the field for his 350th and final game, as the 34-year-old calls time on his illustrious career. Carlton life member Levi Casboult will also hang the boots up after Saturday night. The Giants have hit some incredible form in the back end of the season having beaten the Tigers, Cats and Bombers in the last month, whereas the Blues have suffered a number of disappointing losses. The Bagger’s will be playing for pride, their coach and their retiring teammates this week, which Blues fans hope will be enough to keep the Giants, who are looking to secure their spot in the finals, at bay.
Last time we met
The Giants and the Blues last faced off in round 14 of 2021 where the Blues were handed a 36-point loss. Carlton played one of their worst halves of football for the year to start the match, having only kicked 3.4 goals at the main break to the Giant’s 8.4. Despite this, the Blues started the game with great effort and intent, forcing multiple ball ups in a row but unfortunately they didn’t sustain this pressure for the remainder of the match. Twelve Carlton players failed to register a tackle to half time, indicating the lack of commitment shown by the playing group in a match which could have put them in a great position to attack the top 8. Despite the margin being blown out to 39 points at the beginning of the first quarter, Carlton was able to get themselves within 2 kicks of the lead after slotting 4 consecutive goals in 10 minutes. Although yet again Carlton was unable to sustain their late authority on the game, seeing them get absolutely steam rolled in the final quarter where Jeremy Finlayson and Toby Greene sealed the win for the Giants. The few positives from the soulless performance included Harry McKay kicking 3 goals after signing his contract extension, as well as a return to form from Matt Kennedy who gathered a team-high 27 disposals.
In recent weeks the Giants have shown how committed they are to making a return to finals this season through their spirited performances against quality opposition. Last week GWS dominated the reigning premiers from the first bounce kicking 7 goals to Richmond’s 2 in the first term. Despite an inaccurate second half and a small fight back from the Tigers, the Giants had done all the hard work in the first half to secure themselves the four points. In the absence of star forward Toby Greene Tim Taranto rose to the occasion and kicked a career high 4 goals showing how impactful he can be forward of centre. Josh Kelly also had an incredible game gathering 32 disposals and a staggering 11 tackles. Should the Blues not keep a close eye on the two stars they look likely to cause headaches in defence for Carlton. Should the Blues show up to the game without the intent and commitment required to hunt their opposition and to win as seen last week, the spirited Giants look certain to make the most of it.
Both sides have made two changes ahead of the clash. Carlton has recalled Co-Captain Patrick Cripps to the line-up after he missed last week with quad soreness. Cripps’ will bring leadership and experience to assist Carlton’s developing midfield as they come up one of the strongest centrelines in the competition. Lachie Fogarty returns for his first game since round 17, known for his tackling pressure, he’s set to play a critical role for the Blues when locking the ball inside 50. Paddy Dow has been omitted and Marc Murphy have been managed. The Giants’ inclusions include gun forward Toby Greene and young ruckman Kieren Briggs. Veteran ruck Shane Mumford has been managed in his place, skipper Steven Coniglio has been named as an emergency. The Giants’ win loss percentage with Shane Mumford out of the side drops significantly compared to when he’s playing as a result Tom De Koning will look to make the most of his chances as he battles with another up and coming ruckman.
Five of Carlton’s players who will take to the field this weekend were drafted in the last 3 years and as we welcome the new generation, we say goodbye to another. Veterans Eddie Betts and Levi Casboult will play their final AFL games this weekend, both players Life Members who have contributed so much to the club. Blues fans will be hoping to see one last miracle goal from Eddie Betts this week, a player who has bought smiles to the faces of thousands of AFL fans across the country with his on-field magic. One of the all-time greats of the competition and an all-time great human being, we hope to see Eddie Betts sent out in style by his teammates this Saturday night.
