Carlton have spent one of the best a part of 10 days reflecting on the horror begin that led to their first lack of the AFL season – and making an attempt to work out a treatment.
The Blues had been steamrolled early by a red-hot Adelaide, who kicked eight of the primary 9 objectives earlier than quarter-time of their round-five encounter.
To say it stung Michael Voss’s aspect is an understatement.
So, if there’s one factor St Kilda can anticipate from Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, it is a sizzling opening to what shapes as an intriguing conflict.
“(Last week) certainly reflected that if you’re a little bit off against a really good team you can get jumped,” Blues assistant coach Ash Hansen mentioned.
“That first quarter certainly wasn’t what we want to stand for and we’re looking forward to a good reply.
“Our contest hasn’t been to the extent that it has been beforehand … and that is a key pillar of any aspect and positively ours.
“We’re looking to build on that.”
Carlton might want to crack open a stingy St Kilda defence that could be a clear No.1 within the competitors for fewest factors conceded beneath returned coach Ross Lyon this season.
The Saints (4-1) have given up a mean of simply 59.4 factors a recreation throughout the opening 5 rounds.
For the Blues, it means discovering extra avenues to aim than Charlie Curnow, who has kicked a team-high 18 objectives this season, and fellow key ahead Harry McKay.
“Those guys are a really strong presence and have shown that they’re capable of taking a mark and position themselves really consistently, so I don’t blame our guys for knocking it into them,” Hansen mentioned.
“But we want to be multi-dimensional going forward because that’s the profile of good teams.
“We’re definitely seeking to work at that and be influential in numerous methods.”
St Kilda have brought back key forward Tim Membrey (knee) and captain Jack Steele (broken collarbone) from injuries, and the tough midfielder is set to do battle with rival skipper Patrick Cripps.
“Historically they’ve gone face to face,” Hansen mentioned.
“Both are nice ball-winners and I feel Ross (Lyon) has already talked about that, in order that ought to be an awesome look ahead to the followers.”
Carlton have managed young tall Tom De Koning, with Marc Pittonet cleared to shoulder ruck duties against Rowan Marshall despite copping a knock to an eye last week.
Mitch McGovern returns from a calf harm to bolster the back-line and mature-age rookie Alex Cincotta will debut as a alternative for dashing defender Adam Saad (hamstring).
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
