1. Very happy with our side (basically best team apart from Dusty - actually interested to see who makes way for him next week if no injuries). Been calling for Nank-Balta ruck combo for a while. Gives us so much more flexibility and rotations. Our backline is settled and looking good. If we can get our forward line functioning and don't give up cheap frees and 50's (Yes Shai Bolton - looking at you) I think we will bolt in.
2. Carlton are much improved but still a level below the top teams - mostly because their backline is sub-standard. Honestly think we win in round 1 if Prestia doesn't go down and their other notable win was against the Swans. They had big fadeouts against Power and Hawks and just hung on! Their injuries have them at a bit of a tipping point now!
3. The conditions should suit us and our selections and definitely not suit them.
4. We don't lose twice to the same team in the same year! (Geelong last year only exception since 2016 I believe). The other teams we play twice this year (Essendon, Hawthorn, Port and WCE) we have already beaten. So can only happen in finals this year if we win this one!
2. Carlton are much improved but still a level below the top teams - mostly because their backline is sub-standard. Honestly think we win in round 1 if Prestia doesn't go down and their other notable win was against the Swans. They had big fadeouts against Power and Hawks and just hung on! Their injuries have them at a bit of a tipping point now!
3. The conditions should suit us and our selections and definitely not suit them.
4. We don't lose twice to the same team in the same year! (Geelong last year only exception since 2016 I believe). The other teams we play twice this year (Essendon, Hawthorn, Port and WCE) we have already beaten. So can only happen in finals this year if we win this one!