Carlton has its defensive game in order approaching the finals.
The Blues took another big step towards a top eight finish after overcoming GWS by 36 points on Sunday, their 12th win of the campaign.
Despite fielding a makeshift backline for much of the season, the Blues have been able to hold up well defensively – and one key statistic proves that.
Since Michael Voss’ arrival, Carlton’s defensive structure and work without the ball has improved out of sight.
“You had an extraordinary stat that I think we need to revisit,” Tim Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“And that is about the defensive mechanism that needs to stand up at this time of the year – and this is protecting your D50.
“This means when the ball goes into your defensive 50, how good are you at preventing a score.
“Right now, after the last six weeks, the number one team in the competition that is heading towards the finals and is in great shape is Carlton.
“Extraordinary.”
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SEN Breakfast co-host Garry Lyon further elaborated on Carlton’s ability to prevent opposition scores inside their defensive 50.
“The last six weeks of 2021 the number one team was Melbourne. The last six weeks of 2020 the number four team was Richmond. They were number one in 2019. West Coast were number one in 2018 and Richmond were number three in 2017,” Lyon said.
“You’re going to play the best teams in the competition, essentially, in finals so the ball will get into your backline … and how you hold up will determine, history tells us anyway, how far you go.
“Carlton have put themselves in the same position as Melbourne did last year, as Richmond did when they won their premierships, and West Coast, so that’s a good sign.”
In a timely boost for Carlton, Mitch McGovern returned from a lengthy hamstring layoff against the Giants, his first senior appearance since Round 2.
The Blues will hope McGovern, Jacob Weitering and Lewis Young can build some continuity in the final month of the regular season.
Voss’ side tackle the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.