The Carlton Blues have put an end to Melbourne’s hopes of making the finals, recording a 20-point win on Sunday.
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Final score
Carlton 11.12.78
Melbourne 7.16.58
The Melbourne Demons’ unlikely hunt for the finals continues this afternoon at the MCG, as they take on a Carlton Blues outfit in the midst of a losing streak. Follow all the action on The Roar from 1:10pm (AEST).
The Demons have won their last three on the trot, including an upset over ladder-leaders Hawthorn, but need to remain undefeated for their final two games to keep their pursuit of North Melbourne alive.
The Kangaroos have been playing their part so far, having lost their last two, but the Dees need to win every game and for North to lose both of theirs if Melbourne are to make the eight.
Carlton will not be anywhere near the finals this year, currently in the midst of a nine-game losing streak.
While the Blues fought back in impressive fashion last week to finish within just four points of the Lions, they haven’t had a win since beating that same team, Brisbane, back in Round 11.
Despite the standings, Carlton 15th and Melbourne ninth, not to mention the losing streak, the Blues have actually won eight of the last nine games between the two sides, dating back eight years, with four of those victories by more than 50 points.
Carlton also have the second worst attack in the league this year, sitting ahead (or below) Essendon, averaging just under 71 points per game for the year.
Team news
Paul Roos has made three changes to his line-up, with an injury to Jeff Garlett keeping him out of action.
Garlett has been unable to train during the week after a cut on his leg from last Sunday became infected. He will be joined on the sidelines by Cam Pedersen and James Harmes, who have been dropped after last week’s win.
For the Blues, just the one change made by Brendon Bolton, bringing 23-year-old Liam Sumner back into the squad in place of Blaine Boekhorst.
Prediction
It’s hard to go past the Dees on this one.
Carlton have shown a lot of fight in some of their losing efforts after the past few months, especially last week, but the Demons have that hunger for finals footy driving them towards the win.
Melbourne to win by 32.
Macca
Guest
Yes Buzz, sorry I thought it was Col and I having the discussion not you and I.
The Original Buzz
Guest
Col, all I have heard so far is how the Dees lost. Barely a word for how the Blues played.
The Original Buzz
Guest
Leigh Matthews got that right!
The Original Buzz
Guest
Kruezer has teamed well with Phillips and they will be a force to reckon with next year. He needs to stay. Gibbs is having his best year yet and is holding the midfield together with Cripps. He needs to stay. I would trade Rowe and maybe White. We have some room with Jamo and Walker retiring to have some young guns cement a spot.
Darren
Guest
I can't think of one good reason for such a trade Steve. Gibbs is a critical leader and absolute gun and Kreuzer is worth way more than stats show. Also after one full year injury free I think he will only be better next year. They have both shown they want to be part of the reborn team and have a lot to offer. Why trade quality?
Macca
Guest
What's the point Steve, trade a quality player with at least 5 years left on the clock to get what, the possibility of a quality player with 12 years who has to do it all right of the bat. No thanks.
steve
Guest
TBH Macca, I would trade at least one of Kruezer or Gibbs.
Macca
Guest
Very true Col. On a positive note we were right without theory on how you finish one week is how you start the next, Cuningham load another6 tackles to go with his 8 last week and Buckleynow had7 shots on goal in 2 weeks.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Connor, I can't agree with you that a team that needed to win to keep it's finals chances alive took the opposition for granted. Perhaps it was the pressure and great defense by Carlton that affected the outcome.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I recall someone saying he play's 'lazy football' and show's 'poor leadership'. No guesses to who said that!!!
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
He is probably trying to think of something negative to say Macca because we know there will be nothing positive about Carlton coming from him.
Macca
Guest
And to think just last week some were calling for Gibbs to be traded.
Connor Bennett
Editor
The Roar's AFL MVP votes: 3 - Bryce Gibbs 2 - Patrick Cripps 1 - Dom Tyson
Macca
Guest
Blues win, Gibbs racks up 33 possessions and 6 tackles - where is mattyb this week?
Connor Bennett
Editor
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Carlton snap a nine-game losing streak!! They were coming into it with no form, a lot of losses and a bad season, but they've stolen the finals away from Melbourne who are now out of September. The Dees had to win today, but they just took the Blues for granted early on and were playing catchup all day. Carlton played well and deserved the win as much as the Demons deserved to lose it. Melbourne 7.16 (58) Carlton 11.12 (78)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Aaaaaand another one. The last seven scores for the Demons have been behinds. Their finals hopes are gone. Melbourne 7.16 (58) Carlton 11.12 (78)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Well there you go. Petracca with open space. 30 metres out and right in front of goal.... He's missed everything. Just the definition of the Dees final term today. Not even a behind out of it as he shoots it out on the full to the right of the sticks. Melbourne 7.15 (57) Carlton 11.12 (78)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Melbourne have had a shocking time in front of goal in the fourth, but Carlton have done a superb job at shutting them down across the back and suffocating any kind of momentum the Dees have tried to jump on. Melbourne 7.15 (57) Carlton 11.11 (77)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Another behind!! The Demons can't buy a goal in this quarter. If they had any chance before that, it's surely gone now with just under 4 minutes to go. Melbourne 7.15 (57) Carlton 11.11 (77)