Match day guide and preview for the AFL Round 14 game between the Giants and Blues.
Who, when and where?
GWS Giants vs Carlton Blues
Saturday 19 June 2021 at 7.25pm (AEST)
Giants Stadium, NSW
All time head-to-head record: Played 10. Giants 7 wins. Blues 3 wins.
Ladder position and recent form
GWS Giants 10th – 93.9% | 976 points for |1039 points against | 5 wins, 5 losses & 1 draw | DLWLW
The Giants have mixed their form in recent weeks with a solid win over the Eagles followed by a thumping at the hands of the Lions.
They returned from a bye with a dramatic draw against the bottom-placed Kangaroos last week. They trailed for most of the contest before a late fight back almost saw them snatch victory in the dying seconds.
Josh Kelly was the standout with 39 disposals and two goals while Nick Haynes was outstanding down back with 9 intercept marks.
They now sit a game and a half outside the top eight and need a win to keep their finals hopes alive.
Carlton Blues 14th – 92.4% | 1016 points for | 1099 points against | 4 wins & 8 losses | LLWLL
It’s never a good sign when a club decides to conduct a mid-season review but that’s where the Blues find themselves right now. They have been one of the most disappointing sides in 2021 and look set to miss finals once again.
Carlton have shown the ability to score but their inability to defend continually lets them down and is the reason coach David Teague finds himself under so much pressure.
They are fresh off a bye and if they are to salvage something out of the season, they must win here.
Team selection
The Giants
IN: Harry Perryman, Kieren Briggs, Phil Davis
OUT: Jake Stein (omitted), Lachie Ash (omitted), Shane Mumford (injured), Xavier O’Halloran (omitted)
The Giants have two big inclusions with Perryman and Davis returning from injury while Briggs comes in for Mumford and should spend time in the ruck and up forward.
Ash is somewhat of a surprise omission after a strong start to the season while Stein drops out and O’Halloran was the unused medical sub last week.
The Blues
IN: Lachie Fogarty, Luke Parks, Matthew Kennedy
OUT: Jack Newnes (Medi-Sub), Marc Murphy (omitted), Matthew Cottrell (omitted), Will Setterfield (injured)
The Blues bring back former Giant Kennedy along with small forward Fogarty and defender Parks.
Veteran Marc Murphy has been dropped again in what could be his last season for the club. Cottrell has also been omitted while Newnes played the majority of their last game after coming on as the medical sub and will likely be used in that role again.
Key players
Giants – Nick Haynes
The 2020 All-Australian is having another very good season for the Giants down back and was the reason they were close enough to salvage a draw against the Roos.
His ability to read the play is as good as anyone in the AFL and he will most likely sag off his man to help defend Harry McKay.
The Blues could use a Jack Silvagni type to tag Haynes and nullify his impact, but he’s good enough to still find a way to help his teammates out.
Blues – Harry McKay
The recently re-signed McKay has been outstanding for the Blues up forward and is currently leading the Coleman Medal race with 38 goals.
His height and athleticism make him almost impossible to defend one on one and with the Blues lacking a second key forward, McKay has often had to compete against two defenders.
While McKay has been in great form, the Blues need another tall to step up and help ease the burden on their young star.
Last 5 meetings and Giants Stadium history
- 2020 Round 15 – Giants 6.12 (48) defeat Blues5.9 (39) at Metricon Stadium
- 2019 Round 9 – Giants 20.18 (138) defeat Blues7.3 (45) at Giants Stadium
- 2018 Round 20 – Blues 7.4 (46) defeated by Giants 23.13 (151) at Marvel Stadium
- 2017 Round 12 – Blues 10.11 (71) defeat Giants 9.16 (70) at Marvel Stadium
- 2016 Round 6 – Giants 18.19 (127) defeat Blues 9.11 (65) at Giants Stadium
The Giants have been a much better side than the Blues in recent years so it comes as no surprise to see them dominate the recent encounters.
The Blues only win was a one-point thriller back in 2017, while the Giants average winning margin across their four victories is over 67 points.
They have met at Giants Stadium just the four times in their history with the Giants winning all four matches by 8, 81, 62 and 93 points.
Pre match predictions
Flynn Diesel: Matt Flynn to back up his performance last week with another two-goal effort.
Saad to happy: Adam Saad to turn around his poor form with 25 disposals and a goal.
Other match details
Saturday’s match will be shown live on 7mate in the ACT and NSW and the Seven network across Australia. It will also be on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally from 7pm.
Gates open at 6.25pm.
The Giants will wear their Indigenous jumpers designed by Bobby Hill.
Click here for more match day information.
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