Offence v Defence

The 15^th placed Blues are tougher to play against than their ladder positioning suggests. Carlton’s game plan is underpinned by strong defence. The Blues apply pressure all over the ground and get numbers back to make it difficult for the opposition to generate effective forward 50m entries. Since Round Six, Carlton has conceded a goal just 22 per cent of the time when the ball goes inside its defensive 50m – ranked No.1 in the AFL. Only one team, North Melbourne, has kicked 100 points or more against the Blues since Round Six.

Adelaide is also defensively sound – ranked third for goals conceded per inside 50m against (23 per cent) in the same period. The Blues (second) and Crows (fourth) are also among the best at limiting the opposition’s marks and effective kicks. Where the Crows have the advantage on paper is in attack. The highest-scoring team in the competition, Adelaide (1,508) has scored 568 more points than Carlton - the lowest-scoring team - this season (940) but will attack or defence prevail on Saturday?

Can the Crows cover their Lynch-pin?

An integral member of Adelaide’s potent attack is Tom Lynch, who will miss the clash with Carlton after being struck down with viral meningitis. Often referred to as a ‘connector’ or ‘link-man’, Lynch works tirelessly to provide a lead-up option for his teammates across half-forward. The 26-year-old has found more marking targets (20) with his forward 50m entries than any other player in the League. He’s kicked 20 goals and is equal-12^th in the competition for score assists (19). The return of versatile forward Mitch McGovern could help offset the loss of Lynch, while Riley Knight will also need to step up in the absence of Charlie Cameron (wrist).

Ball-winning backs

Two of the most creative backmen in the AFL will be in action at the MCG on Saturday. At one end, Champion Data’s highest-ranked defender, Sam Docherty, will be trying to set-up play for Carlton. At the opposite end, Adelaide will be attempting to get the ball in the hands of Rory Laird – the fourth-ranked defender in the competition. They are both big possession-winners: Laird is averaging 31.5 possessions and Docherty 28.2. Docherty leads the League for kicks (284), effective kicks (220) and marks (127). He also ranks fourth for metres gained (6,902) and combined inside/rebound 50ms (104) just ahead of Laird (100). Laird is No.1 for handball receives (229) and boasts the highest disposal efficiency (81.4 per cent) of the top 50 ball winners in the competition.

We are the Navy Blues … red and gold

There’s a fair bit of shared history between these two teams. Last year, Eddie Betts and Sam Jacobs reminded Blues fans what they were missing out on, combining for six goals in Adelaide’s 60-point win at the MCG. This week, Carlton has recalled midfielder Sam Kerridge to tackle the Crows. Kerridge, who could even get the job on Rory Sloane in the absence of another former Crow Ed Curnow, will join forward Matthew Wright in lining up against his old team. The Blues also have ex-Crows Senior Coach Neil Craig and CEO Steven Trigg in their camp, and then there’s the matter of last year’s trade period … Both teams will be keen to respond to disappointing losses last week, but who will walk away with bragging rights?