A guide to the AFL semi between Melbourne and Carlton

A GUIDE TO THE AFL SEMI FINAL BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND CARLTON

When: Friday, 7.50pm AEST

Where: MCG

* The type

Melbourne (Regular season – fourth, 16 wins, 7 losses).

The Demons would have been kicking themselves after letting a golden alternative slip by their fingers in final week’s seven-point qualifying ultimate loss to Collingwood. Melbourne received the within 50m rely 69-37, however the dominance did not translate right into a win.

Carlton (Regular season – fifth, 13 wins, 9 losses, one draw)

The Blues led Sydney 48-18 early within the third quarter of their elimination ultimate conflict on the MCG, however the Swans hit again arduous and the ultimate margin was simply six factors. Sydney’s inaccurate goalkicking ensured the Blues’ first finals look in 10 years led to a win.

* Head-to-head

Overall: Melbourne 97 wins, Carlton 119 wins, 2 attracts

In Finals: Melbourne 6 wins, Carlton 2 wins

Last time: Round 22, 2023: Carlton 9.6 (60) beat Melbourne 8.8 (56) on the MCG

* The key gamers

Charlie Curnow (Carlton)

Curnow was restricted to only one purpose in his facet’s elimination ultimate win over Sydney. With Harry McKay sidelined by concussion this week, extra significance can be positioned on Curnow because the Blues try and upset Melbourne. Curnow was restricted to a complete of simply three targets throughout two video games in opposition to Melbourne this season – nicely down on his season common of three.29 targets per match. He faces a tricky activity in opposition to Steven May.

Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

The midfield bull nearly willed his group over the road in final week’s seven-point qualifying ultimate loss to Collingwood. After a quiet first half, Petracca burst to life after the lengthy break, establishing quite a few attacking alternatives for Melbourne. Petracca kicked 2.2 from 24 disposals when the Demons misplaced to Carlton by 4 factors in spherical 22, and he looms as a serious risk each within the midfield and in assault.

Sam Walsh (Carlton)

The No.1 decide from the 2018 nationwide draft made a scorching finals debut, tallying 29 disposals, six clearances, 9 inside 50s and 6 tackles in opposition to Sydney. Walsh is considered one of Carlton’s most harmful midfielders, and is a part of a prolific unit that additionally options Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra, Blake Acres and George Hewett.

* Stat

Melbourne have come up trumps in six of the previous seven finals conferences between these two sides. The most up-to-date one was a qualifying ultimate in 2000, with the Demons prevailing by 9 factors. Carlton’s solely two finals wins in opposition to Melbourne got here in 1962 (a two-point semi-final victory) and 1915 (an 11-point semi-final win). In regards to home-and-away clashes, Carlton’s four-point win over Melbourne in spherical 22 this 12 months broke a run of eight consecutive wins by the Demons..