Carlton’s slim final eight chances go on the line tonight when they travel north to face Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium. We’ll have live scores from 7.40pm AEST.
For a side who were written off six weeks ago and whose coach, Brett Ratten, seems constantly under pressure to keep his job, Carlton aren’t actually travelling too badly of late.
Four wins out of their past five mean the Blues are only four points outside the eight and a win tonight over the 17th-placed Suns would actually seem them slide into eighth spot ahead of Fremantle’s clash with the Kangaroos in Melbourne tomorrow.
A number of players have come back into the side in recent weeks and after a major mid-season slump, seem to be growing in confidence at the perfect time of the year.
Put simply, tonight will not be a problem for Carlton. The second year of the Gold Coast Suns has held some positives at times but after five months of gruelling football their list has been physically battered.
Swallow, Bock, Rischitelli, Prestia, O’Meara, Patrick, Hunt – it’s an horrific injury list, and that’s only half of it. Any AFL side would struggle to compete with a double-digit injury list, and Guy McKenna’s young group is certainly no different.
Back in 2011 the fresh-faced Suns ran out onto Metricon Stadium for their first AFL experience and were ruthlessly savaged by Carlton. The 119-point hiding remains the two sides’ only AFL meeting.
The home side come into this one on a six-day backup after what was a reasonable performance last Sunday when they lost by 64 points to Hawthorn. With Carlton’s percentage possibly becoming a factor at season’s end next week we’re unlikely to see the Blues let their foot off the pedal at any time tonight.
It might not reach the 119-point deficit of their last meeting but then again, it might not be far off.
Antonio
Guest
If you watched the game you could see the vast majority of fans were in fact Carlton supporters. I been to two Gold Coast home games this season and both times the majority of people there were opposition supporters. The club hasn't built a vast following in Queensland and the only people who seem to turn up for the games are not Queenslanders but VIC, SA & WA expats living on the Gold Coast.
Australian Rules
Guest
After seeing that the Pies were going down in the West, I switched to this game and it was thrilling. Watching the young Suns out in front and the Blues coming for them, coming for them...and the young kids *just* managing to hang on. Great drama - great for Gold Coast footy. For a team to have just 2 wins at their home ground in 2 seasons...getting 15,000 to a game this late in the year is a fantastic achievement for the famously flippant Gold Coast public. When the kids grow up and the team starts winning, this team wil be huge.
Brewski
Guest
"The irony is, well, delicious" ....... Bruce Macavaney LOL, Macca you goose.
John D
Guest
Not to mention that half their list was unavailable and they had also banished Jared Brennan to the reserves. Makes the win even more meritorious, I think.
checkside
Guest
Hey Macca - "expansion" - it's a wonderful thing.
Real G
Guest
We had to tank so guys like Antonio can chuck a punt and move out of their car
Lux
Guest
Very true Checkside. A great result for the Suns, against a team that was playing for a finals spot and was almost back to full strength. The Suns's second home win for the season (they've only had two home wins in their history), and for the second consecutive week they attract a 15k crowd at Metricon. Aim for 4 or 5 home wins next season, and they will be averaging 14-15k at home, no sweat. A great result for a sporting team on the Gold Coast. After a sluggish start to their second season in the comp, they're starting to show a bit of their potential.
checkside
Guest
Wonderful weekend of footy so far. Carlton and Collingwood lost!
checkside
Guest
He was warned- "beware the Suns!"
Knoxy
Guest
Looks like Carlton are tanking again.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
?
Grimo
Guest
TY Goldcoast, now Freo can make the finals regardless of what happens tomorrow. Chris Judds chicken wing was one expensive fowl (foul).
Antonio
Guest
Sorry mate are you butt hurt after Gold Coast destroyed the scum organization that is the Carlton Football Club?
DanMan
Guest
I think what Nathan meant to say was that Carlton were disgraceful. Imagine losing to a team of kids who have won 5 games in 2 years while hoping to make it into the finals with an impact. Such a interesting year in AFL.
Real G
Guest
Nathan - close your mouth. And Antonio, your not a real man.
Antonio
Guest
Thank you to Gold Coast for guaranteeing North a spot in the Finals.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant work Gold Coast. Hard, physical footy, great stuff to see from those young players. Never let their heads drop.
Real G
Guest
I had faith in the blues but the just destroyed the hopes dreams of a 9 year old boy. My faith is broken now. Brett Ratten - let Malthouse come in and save us.
DanMan
Guest
Damn where is Macca?
Milz
Guest
Certain irony that if the Suns beat Carlton, it's the side that he's been slagging off all year preventing his side getting in the finals.