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Last time - Round 5, 2017

Carlton 6.11.47 def by Port Adelaide 20.17.137

I had to go back and watch the highlights to refresh my memory, as I had deleted this game from my mind.

Port controlled and dominated this game from start to finish.

Robbie Gray was incredible, kicking 5.4 on a night where he probably should have had 8 goals.

Cripps led the way for the Blues with 37 possessions.

This week

What I’m excited about

We have an opportunity to build off the effort from last week.

We are playing at the MCG where we play our best footy.

Our draftees are becoming regular contributors, and this is a great chance to add another layer of experience against a very good side who have quality players in every position.

Kade Simpson plays game number 300 for the club and this would be a huge talking point throughout the week for the boys. They will want to put in a good effort for him.

What I’m concerned about

Port Adelaide are somehow underrated in the quality they possess. They haven’t blown teams out, but the reality is they win games of footy against good sides.

Robbie Gray: a super talent, and easily my favourite player outside of the Blues. We don’t really have a matchup for him.

Charlie Dixon: the guy works his ass off and hasn’t really kicked enough goals as what Port would like. However, he does the team thing - chases, tackles, provides a target up forward and brings the ball to ground. He is due to reap the benefits of his hard work and if we aren’t careful, he could kick a bag.

IN

- Andrew Phillips | Darcy Lang | Jarrod Pickett | Nick Graham

OUT

- Matthew Kreuzer | Lachie Plowman | Cam O’Shea | Dale Thomas

Phillips is the obvious replacement for Kreuzer, who may very well get up for this game knowing it’s Simmo’s 300th.

Lang is being rushed into the side, but with the amount of experience we are losing, it’s simply a must to have him.

Pickett’s speed is something we’ve been missing all season and I’m excited to finally have him back.

Graham has gone back and dominated again, therefore should be rewarded.

SUMMARY

In Simmo’s 300th, I can see a very spirited Carlton losing in an honourable fight.

We simply lack the depth to be able to win this game.

Port Adelaide by 37