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Carlton and Melbourne will play at the home of football on Sunday afternoon. Join our live blog with scores and commentary from MCG at 3.15pm AEST.
Melbourne’s descent in to irrelevance threatens to continue if the Demons play poorly this weekend.
After a woeful opening three rounds Melbourne was able to get a win over GWS and put in a reasonable performance against the Lions at the Gabba last week.
But their real issue has been based on their media coverage.
The Demons have only been talked about this year in the context of the tanking inquiry, their dismal on-field efforts, Mark Neeld’s job security and their involvement in the drugs scandal.
Hardly uplifting stuff.
The Blues on the other hand are progressing nicely.
Carlton’s first three matches were creditable losses but they were unable to hold their opposition to less than 106 points.
Since then the Eagles scored 65 points and Adelaide managed 83.
Mick Malthouse’s men appear to be adjusting well to their coach’s defence-first mantra.
This poses serious issues for the Dees, who haven’t kicked more than 60 points against Carlton in their last four matches.
That issue is made even worse with the continued absence of Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes, along with the hamstring injury to Jack Watts that has him sitting out this week.
For the Blues, Bryce Gibbs will miss with a hamstring injury but Carlton fans will be more concerned with Jarrad Waite’s return.
Although his prolonged absence may have seen him slightly overhyped, Waite will provide a tall, athletic target in the forward line.
Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett will be keen to see his return as he should be able to consistently provide a contest.
While the intrigue surrounding the Blues is seeing how good they can be this year, the most exciting prospect for Melbourne is waiting for the next Jeremy Howe screamer.
No doubt they’re good to watch, but Dees supporters have a right to expect more.
Neeld will be looking to rectify this situation by seeing consistency in performance.
If the coach is to have any hope of holding on to his job for 2014, this is the type of match that Melbourne must perform well in.
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