The Blues have now won three straight to sit just a game outside the top eight. They will be desperate to claim the scalp of a side inside the top half of the ladder to continue their push for a spot in the finals. The only team currently in the eight that the Blues have beaten is eighth-placed Port Adelaide.
Lyon v Malthouse
Two great football minds meet again, and for the first time with Ross Lyon in charge of Fremantle. Lyon and Mick Malthouse know each other very well from recent finals series, including the epic drawn decider and subsequent replay in 2010. One thing is certain, Saturday night’s clash could resemble a game of chess, played out between two masters of their craft.
Crowley and Judd
The last time Ryan Crowley tagged Chris Judd, in round 5 2012, another champion midfielder took a keen interest in the contest. Gary Ablett fired off his famous Tweet, aimed at Crowley’s negating tactics. Time will tell if Crowley gets sent to Judd again, although the Blues’ midfielder is slightly down on form.
Crowley is a joke! Play the ball, not the man! That's why lingy was such a great player he ran both ways! #givejuddafreekick
— Gary Ablett Jnr (@GaryAblettJnr) April 27, 2012
Fort-Ross Etihad
Ross Lyon built an imposing record at Etihad Stadium as coach of St Kilda, and he’s transferred that to Fremantle. Under Lyon, Freo is undefeated at the venue in four starts, including a stirring win over North Melbourne in round 22 last year. Carlton have a 4-3 record at Etihad this season.
Small forward smorgasbord
Saturday night’s game will feature two sides with arguably the most potent small forwards in the business. Fremantle’s Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne, and Carlton’s Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran are dynamite at ground level. The game is likely to be won by the defence that better contains their fleet-footed opponents.
