The form of Jacob Weitering and Carlton’s young defensive unit have been shining lights in their gloomy AFL season, while Melbourne’s vaunted attack has largely disappointed this year.
The Blues will seek to secure three wins in four matches under caretaker coach David Teague at the MCG on Sunday, while the 16th-placed Demons will be desperate to avoid being leapfrogged on the ladder.
Weitering’s form in particular has given fans optimism a fourth win is possible, even without injured trio Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
“Jacob has probably been almost our most consistent player to this point,” Blues back line coach Dale Amos said.
“He’s so professional in terms of how detailed he is in his preparation, which I think comes with time and experience.
“He’s certainly taken that to another level. He’d be, arguably, one of our best trainers in terms of his intensity and the way that he goes about it.
“He’s just grown and added things – he certainly wasn’t poor in any area but he’s taken things to the next level which has allowed him to perform really well.”
With the focus on the future and the emerging stars for Carlton, it can be easy to overlook the impact of two stalwarts in Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas.
But they’ve been vital in helping Amos shape an often besieged defensive unit.
“They provide great direction and clarity on what needs to happen in the game, which has been really important,” he said.
“They’re both enormously helpful to me as their line coach without access to the runner.
“They understand that they’re closer to the end than they are the start so they value every opportunity they get and make every week count which is coming out in the way that they’re playing.”
The Blues replaced Curnow with Darcy Lang, while the Demons brought in Jordan Lewis and Kyle Dunkley, who will debut in the clash.