As the 2025 AFL season unfolds, the pressure mounts for Carlton as they face off against the Western Bulldogs tonight at Marvel Stadium. After suffering two consecutive losses to Richmond and Hawthorn, the Blues are desperate to avoid the ignominy of starting the season with three straight defeats for the first time since 2019. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on Michael Voss’s men as they attempt to turn their fortunes around.
Former Hawthorn and Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard has voiced concerns about Carlton’s ability to recover from a poor start. He stated, "I think if you take out (Patrick) Cripps from Carlton, I just don't think they have the depth, but not just the depth. I don't think they have the system that players can just come in and plug that hole." With Cripps being a pivotal figure in the team, his absence could spell disaster for the Blues.
On the other hand, the Western Bulldogs have shown resilience despite missing key players such as Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar. They kicked off their season with a solid win against North Melbourne, followed by a narrow six-point loss to Collingwood, showcasing their competitive spirit. AFL.com.au reporter Nat Edwards believes that even if Carlton falls to the Bulldogs tonight, they could still salvage their season. However, Wingard’s doubts linger, especially regarding the depth of Carlton’s squad.
Adding to the Bulldogs’ strength is the potential return of key defender Liam Jones, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Josh Gabelich reported that Jones, initially expected to miss ten weeks, is ahead of schedule and could significantly bolster the Bulldogs' defense against Carlton's tall forwards, including Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. Gabelich noted, "When you consider they're set to face, not just Charlie Curnow, but Harry McKay in the same forward line for the first time (this season), he's gonna be a massive inclusion, Liam Jones."
Meanwhile, the spotlight is also on Western Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy, who has made headlines with his breathtaking performances. After a stellar showing against Collingwood, where he was dubbed a "weapon" by Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon, Darcy has been a focal point in discussions about the future of the Bulldogs. His coach, Luke Beveridge, expressed admiration for Darcy's talent, saying, "There’s no doubt that you see his highest point stuff and you think, ‘How are they going to stop that?’"
Darcy, standing at 208cm, has drawn comparisons to AFL legends, with former players like Kane Cornes likening him to Wayne Carey. Scott Pendlebury, a veteran of the game, remarked that Darcy is going to be something the competition has never seen before. However, Tom Hawkins has urged patience with the young star, noting that while he is immensely talented, the pressure of expectations can be overwhelming for emerging players.
As the match approaches, Carlton's coach Michael Voss is aware of the challenge that Darcy presents. He acknowledged, "We’ll have our hands full. We have some contingencies in place, as well, that we need to be able to have. In the end, you have to rely on the match-up you’ve been given and the support that you get, because his reach is pretty impressive and he is a strong contested mark."
Phil Davis, a former key defender, emphasized the importance of minimizing the number of contests Darcy can get to, stating, "If he gets near a contest and is balanced, he is going to be very hard to beat." This tactical approach will be crucial for the Blues as they seek to contain the Bulldogs’ offensive threat.
As the game unfolds, Carlton fans will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes, while the Bulldogs aim to capitalize on their momentum and secure a place in the top eight. The clash tonight promises to be an exciting encounter filled with intensity and high stakes.
In summary, as Carlton battles to avoid an 0-3 start to the season, all eyes will be on key players like Cripps and the returning Jones, while the Bulldogs look to continue their strong form led by the emerging talent of Darcy. With so much on the line, it’s a must-watch game for AFL fans.
