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The Carlton Blues will be hoping to put a drama-filled week behind them with a solid performance, but they come up against a formidable Sydney Swans side hitting top form. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST)
The Swans and Blues kick-off the AFL’s Indigenous Round in the wake of an explosive week for the visiting side.
Adding to the intense media scrutiny following the sacking of Mick Malthouse, the Blues face a red-hot Swans outfit that is coming off a redeeming win in their grand final replay against the Hawks.
Newly appointed Blues interim coach John Barker will be eager to get off to a positive start in charge of his side, as he looks to drive some core competitiveness and an improved work ethic back into the team.
If facing the third place Swans was not daunting enough, the loss of key midfielders Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs to knee and back injuries respectively will compound their woes. However, the Blues may be boosted by the returns of Lachie Henderson and their dashing defender, Andrew Walker.
However luckless big man Matthew Kreuzer looks to be a week or two off his return to the seniors.
Sydney come into the clash with no such issues, and may well remain unchanged after an impressive display last round.
The Swans have dominated this fixture in recent years, having won four of the last five games between the two, including a semi-final in 2013. Those finals days look well past the Blues at the moment though, as we all wonder where their next win will come from.
They are ranked last in tackles, and in the bottom three for disposals and marks, in which Sydney ranks in the top four. The one stat the Blues unfortunately lead however is scores conceded, something which Sydney forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett will be looking to exploit.
Franklin, in particular, should see this game as a chance to regain some form, having been held goalless twice in the last three rounds.
So, will we finally see some improvement from Carlton after a tumultuous week, or will the rampant Swans take full advantage of their lowly opposition?
Prediction
Expect an improved effort from the Blues under their new coach, but the Swans should prove to be too good.
Sydney by 65 points
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage as we follow the action from the SCG live from 7:50pm (AEST). Be sure to share your thoughts on the game in the comments below.
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