Carlton v Sydney, Etihad Stadium, 3.15pm
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The ladder-leaders take on the battling Blues at Etihad Stadium. Sydney are missing spearahead Sam Reid, and Carlton are strengthened by the return of tall forward Jarrad Waite and midfielder Kade Simpson, but the Swans will start firm favourites. Their midfield depth and rebounding efficiency will trouble the patched-up Blues, who still lack suspended superstar captain Chris Judd.
The last meeting between these teams, in round 13 last year, resulted in a 34-point win to the Blues, and they led by nine goals at the final change. The Blues have shown great courage to eke out narrow wins over the Western Bulldogs and Richmond with under-strength line-ups, and they have won three of their past four matches. Could it be that their form has been underestimated?
HALF TIME Melbourne 10.7 (67) v Gold Coast 4.5 (29)
Four goals each in the second term after Melbourne jumped the Suns to lead by 40 points at quarter-time. The Suns, dominating centre clearances, booted three goals in succession in the middle of the second term to revive their hopes, but with ruckman Zac Smith off with an injured knee and midfielder Michael Rischitelli labouring with a knee injury at full forward, they appear unlikely to mount a winning challenge.
Possessions: Mel: Jones 13, McDonald 13, Dunn 12. GCS: Bennell 22, Ablett 21, Swallow 11.
The Demons have received a boost with two key players and an official re-signing. Click here for details.