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We open the split round with a fascinating clash between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos from Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
With just five wins this season, the Blues find themselves stuck on 14th place on the ladder. If they still have finals aspirations, this is surely their last chance.
It wasn’t supposed to be that way this year. After a win and a narrow loss in the finals last year, the Blues felt a premiership window was opening.
They had the highly decorated Mick Malthouse coaching. Chris Judd, a dual Brownlow Medallist, was still going strong. They recruited free agent Dale Thomas. They had a list of keen young players who looked set to take the next step.
Defeats in their first four games meant the Blues have been behind the pace all season, and haven’t looked like catching up. The frustration spilled over as they were belted by the Swans last Saturday, with Malthouse in several heated clashes with the media.
But on their day, there’s no reason they can’t match it with the best. Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy still have plenty of class around the ground. Thomas has played every game but hasn’t been anywhere near his best; if he can turn back his form to the glory days at Collingwood, he can offer the Blues some spark.
For North Melbourne, it’s a welcome return to the spotlight of Friday night. And it’s come at a good time for them, currently in sixth spot.
It’s been an enigmatic season for the Kangaroos. At their best, they’ve challenged the high-flyers; claiming the scalps of Port Adelaide, Sydney, Fremantle and Hawthorn. At other times they’ve crashed to inexplicable losses at the hands of Essendon, Adelaide and Brisbane.
They’re not a team of superstars, but coach Brad Scott has moulded them into an effective unit.
Much of their drive comes from the ruck, with Todd Goldstein furthering his credentials as one of the best ruckmen in the league. In the midfield, Sam Gibson and Ryan Bastinac pick up stacks of touches every week. Joining them in the middle of the ground is Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey. Well into his 30s, when most other players would have given it away, Boomer is still going strong and leading the way.
For Carlton, this is the last chance saloon; a loss here and they can officially kiss their finals hopes goodbye. For North Melbourne, this is a chance to consolidate their position in the top eight as we begin our run home to the finals.
Join us live on The Roar from 7:30pm as we bring you the action, and leave your thoughts, observations and cyber-barracking in the comments below.
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