The GIANTS will be out to burst the Blues’ bubble as we host Carlton for Welcome Game at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday night.
AFL Round 17
GIANTS v Carlton
Saturday, July 6 at 7:30pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country
What it means for the GIANTS
The GIANTS (8-7) sit outside of the top eight for the first time this year following Saturday’s loss to the Crows and will now welcome the second-placed Blues to town who are riding a five-match winning streak.
The GIANTS will need to shake the inconsistency that has plagued them over the past eight weeks if they’re to beat a Blues side that now sits six points clear in second spot to stamp themselves as genuine premiership contenders.
In last week’s clash with Adelaide, the GIANTS were unable to beat the Crows despite winning the first, third and fourth quarters, with a poor seven goal to one second term their downfall in the 16-point defeat.
While sitting outside of the top eight, the GIANTS are only half a game off 8th spot and in a similar position to this time last season where the side went on a record-breaking run to finish less than a kick away from a grand final appearance.
With their back to the ropes and up against the brilliant Blues, the Orange Tsunami must return to its surging best at home on Saturday to get its season back on track!
The Opposition
Carlton (11-4) will enter ENGIE Stadium firing on all cylinders following a five-week stretch where they’ve made light work of the Tigers, Cats, Bombers, Power and Suns.
In their most recent outing, the Blues fought off a valiant Tigers outfit with a blitzing third term to run away with an impressive 61-point win at the MCG.
With star midfield duo Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh leading the way amongst a spread of strong performers, the Blues are near full strength and will be looking to make it six straight wins under the bright lights of ENGIE Stadium on Saturday night.
Recent History
The last time the sides faced off was back in round six where the Blues ended the GIANTS undefeated 5-0 start to the season with a 19-point win at Marvel Stadium.
Holding a nine-point lead at the main break following a strong second quarter, the GIANTS were overrun by the Blues who kicked six goals in 14 minutes in the third term to register a 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98) win.
The prior clash between the sides, held in round 24 last season, saw the GIANTS snap the Blues’ nine-game winning streak and secure themselves a place in finals with a 32-point win at Marvel Stadium.
Key Match-Up: Green v Cripps
Saturday’s match-up will put two of the competition’s best inside midfielders against one another in GIANTS star Tom Green and Blues skipper Patrick Cripps.
Sitting inside the AFL’s top 10 for disposals at 29.2 per game, Green is likely to find himself matched up against Cripps throughout Saturday’s contest, with the Blues skipper enduring a season arguably better than his 2022 Brownlow campaign.
In the round six clash between the sides, it was Cripps who led his side to victory, with the skipper recording 39 touches and 13 clearances as the GIANTS were beaten convincingly by 16 in the clearance count.
With Cripps coming off back-to-back 40 possession games in the last two weeks, Green and the rest of the GIANTS midfield must be on top of their game to quell his influence and give themselves a chance of ending Carlton’s red-hot run.
GIANTS Player to Watch: Connor Idun
Connor Idun is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Crows (23 touches, 11 marks, seven intercept possessions, six rebound 50s) and will need another strong performance to help the GIANTS burst the Blues’ bubble.
While Jack Buckley and Leek Aleer are likely to be tasked with curtailing Carlton star forward duo Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, Idun’s ability to help out and come across as third man up will prove critical to the GIANTS chances of an upset victory.
In the Mix
While star Josh Kelly faces another unfortunate stint on the sidelines, the GIANTS have several exciting pieces performing strongly in the VFL to press their claims to take on the Blues.
Young gun Aaron Cadman and speed machine Darcy Jones are two sure to come into AFL consideration, as are James Peatling and Xavier O’Halloran who both starred in the upset win over Southport last weekend.
Team Selection
The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Blues at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.
Where to Watch
Saturday’s match will be shown live and free on Channel 7 from 7pm nationally, as well as on Fox Footy and Kayo.
Be part of the #BigBigSound in 2024 - For all the latest news, follow @GWSGIANTS on social media: Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
