Bouncing Back: AFL Round 21 Preview – Clash with St Kilda

The Game as It Stands: St Kilda vs Carlton

Sixth versus eighth. There wasn’t much separating the Saints and Blues leading into Round 21, as the two teams prepare to fight it out at a sold-out Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Playing the Game Their Way

In Michael Voss’ 150th game as a senior coach, the main focus will be on playing the game their way which has served them well over the last month and a half. Carlton has been able to find success through their pressure game, which has been a key factor in their recent resurgence. However, they will face a tough challenge against St Kilda, who leads the league in disposals per game.

Key Matchup: Rowan Marshall vs Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning

Rowan Marshall, one of St Kilda’s standout performers this season, will pose a big challenge for the Blues. Marshall is not only strong in the ruck, but also excels in his disposals per game. To counter his impact, Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning will need to be proactive in their efforts to negate Marshall’s influence. They must be first to the ball and follow up with strong efforts after the bounce.

Player to Watch: Jacob Weitering

Jacob Weitering had a dominant outing last week against the Pies, delivering 10 intercept possessions and keeping Brody Mihocek goalless. With Max King returning to St Kilda’s team in a tall forward line, Weitering will face another tough challenge. However, based on his recent form, he is sure to be up to the task.

Insights from Michael Voss

Speaking to media on Thursday morning, Carlton’s AFL Senior Coach, Michael Voss, expressed awareness of the threat that St Kilda poses. He emphasized the need for Carlton to bring a strong contested game and not underestimate their opponents. Voss acknowledged St Kilda’s solid form and the importance of matching their intensity on the field.

Milestones and Highlights

Lachie Fogarty will be playing his 50th AFL game this Sunday. Since returning from injury in Round 14, Fogarty has shown strong form and has made significant contributions to the Carlton forward line. Additionally, Michael Voss will mark his 150th game as a senior coach, a milestone in his coaching career after starting with Brisbane. Voss took on the senior role with Carlton in 2021 and this Sunday’s game will be his 41st in charge of the Blues.