The highly anticipated clash between Carlton and Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night promises to be a significant encounter in the AFL season. With both teams separated by just one win inside the top eight, this match is critical for their respective top-four and top-eight ambitions.
Carlton enters this game on the back of a hard-fought 19-point victory over North Melbourne last week. The win saw Michael Voss’ Blues reclaim second spot on the ladder, setting them up strongly for a top-four bid. However, the victory came at a cost, with key player Tom De Koning ruled out for the rest of the home and away season due to a foot injury.
Port Adelaide also comes into this match with momentum, having secured a 41-point win over Richmond. The Power were neck and neck with the Tigers until they pulled away in the final term. Ken Hinkley’s side now sits just four points behind Carlton, making this encounter a crucial one under the Marvel Stadium roof.
The last meeting between these two sides was in Round 12, where Carlton emerged victorious with a 36-point win in Adelaide. Sam Walsh was instrumental in that game, racking up 34 disposals and laying 13 tackles. His midfield partner, captain Patrick Cripps, has been in remarkable form, amassing 171 disposals and 59 clearances in his last five games. However, Cripps has averaged only 23 touches in his last four outings against Port Adelaide, which could be a concern for the Blues.
The midfield battle will be key in this matchup, with Carlton’s trio of Cripps, Walsh, and George Hewett facing off against Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee, Zak Butters, Ollie Wines, and Jason Horne-Francis. Whoever gains the upper hand in the midfield will have a significant advantage in feeding their forwards.
Carlton’s forward line, led by Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, has been in fine form, while Port Adelaide’s Charlie Dixon returned to form with four goals last week. Mitch Georgiades has also been impressive, kicking 18 goals in his last six games, including four against the Blues in their Round 12 meeting.
Carlton has won the last three clashes against Port Adelaide, who had previously won six in a row over the Blues. With second place hosting seventh, this game is set to be a tight affair given what’s at stake in terms of top-four and top-eight positioning.
Port Adelaide boasts a strong recent record at Marvel Stadium, winning 10 of their last 11 matches there. However, Carlton’s current form and home advantage could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this match.
Fans can expect a thrilling contest as both teams battle it out for a crucial victory under the Marvel Stadium roof on Friday night.
