The pressure is mounting on Carlton as they seek their first win of the 2025 AFL season against the Western Bulldogs, who are also eager to bounce back after a narrow loss. The match is set to kick off at 7.40pm AEDT at Marvel Stadium on Friday, March 28, 2025, and promises to be a thrilling encounter.
After starting the season with two losses, the Blues are currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder with a 0-2 record and a percentage of 79.6%. Their most recent outing saw them surrender a staggering 41-point lead against Richmond in Round 1, followed by a disappointing performance against Hawthorn last week. The mounting pressure on coach Michael Voss and his team is palpable as they look to avoid an ominous 0-3 start.
Despite the Blues’ struggles, dual Roos premiership player David King noted on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview that the team is "doing a lot right but have nothing to show for it." This sentiment resonates with fans who have witnessed flashes of potential but are still waiting for a complete performance.
On the other side, the Bulldogs, who hold a 1-1 record with a percentage of 105.8%, are hoping to capitalize on Carlton’s misfortunes. They narrowly fell short against Collingwood last week, a game that also marked the celebration of their 100th anniversary. Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the challenges posed by an injury list that includes key players such as superstar captain Marcus Bontempelli and All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar. Bontempelli is expected to be sidelined for three to five weeks due to a calf injury, while Treloar's return is uncertain, with reports suggesting he may not play until mid-season.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the match, Beveridge is optimistic about the return of veteran defender Liam Jones, who will play his first game of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. Jones’s experience will be crucial as the Bulldogs face a Carlton side that is known for its tall forward line, even in the absence of key forward Harry McKay. McKay is out for a second consecutive game to deal with personal issues, leaving a significant gap in Carlton's attacking structure.
In McKay's absence, Carlton captain Patrick Cripps has expressed his support for his friend, stating, "He’s going OK, he’s obviously got a few challenges at the moment, but as a club and as a mate, you just want to make sure he is OK." Cripps remains hopeful that the Blues can turn their fortunes around, emphasizing that two games do not define a season. "If we can fix up the offensive stuff and punish them the other way a bit more - that is what we are looking forward to tonight," he said.
As the teams finalize their lineups, Carlton has made a couple of changes, bringing in J. Boyd and F. Evans while dropping L. Camporeale and C. Lord. The Bulldogs welcome Jones and J. O'Donnell back into their ranks, replacing T. Duryea and A. Jones. The anticipation for the match is palpable, with fans eager to see how both teams will adapt to their respective challenges.
One of the key matchups to watch will be between Carlton's Jacob Weitering and Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy. Voss has indicated that Weitering might need to adjust his role depending on Darcy's movements on the field. "When you watch what he’s done the last couple of weeks, clearly Darcy’s ability to stay flexible and move up the ground is a real strength of his," Voss noted. This adaptability could play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
Furthermore, Beveridge has acknowledged Darcy’s running power and goal-kicking ability, indicating that tracking him will be vital for Carlton's defense. With both teams facing their own sets of challenges, the outcome of this match could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
As the first bounce approaches, fans can tune into the action live on Fox Footy or stream it via Kayo Sports. With both teams hungry for a win, expect an intense battle filled with high stakes and fierce competition. The Blues will be looking to finally get their season on track, while the Bulldogs aim to build on their early-season promise.
In this high-stakes matchup, every moment will count as Carlton strives to shake off the weight of their early-season woes, and the Bulldogs look to capitalize on their opponent's struggles. Who will emerge victorious? The stage is set at Marvel Stadium for what promises to be an unforgettable clash.
