Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium Friday, March 28, 7.40pm AEDT

Last time: Western Bulldogs 14.16 (100) d Carlton 12.14 (86), R18 2024

What it means

Carlton showed some positive signs while challenging Hawthorn last week that at least pointed to a reasonable response to its upset loss to Richmond. But the Blues need to start producing more than just promising performance with the threat of a 0-3 start to the season hanging over them and doubts still lingering after a late-season fadeout last year.

The Western Bulldogs could hardly have pushed Collingwood closer as they celebrated their 100th anniversary since joining the League but the gut-wrenching defeat leaves them among a large group of sides still to prove where they really sit. The Dogs will get a better indication of their standing as they come up a fellow finals hopeful with their evenly-matched midfields set to have a huge say on the game.

Game shapers

Sam Walsh has continued to rack up the possessions with an average 23.5 across Carlton’s opening two matches but has failed to have the sort of impact that made him one of the top midfielders in the game. The 24-year-old is regularly battling away at the coalface while a return to him finding space and delivering the ball inside 50 could be just what the Blues need to unlock their scoring potential.

Matthew Kennedy has quickly proven his worth at the Western Bulldogs after an inglorious exit from Carlton last year. The big-bodied midfielder has averaged 22 disposals and eight contested possessions in his two matches with a Bulldogs outfit managing the absence of captain Marcus Bontempelli, and will carry the extra motivation of showing his former side of what they have lost.