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Blues ready for undermanned Eagles in AFL

3 minute read

Carlton defender Liam Jones says the Blues will be focused on tackling who is on the field for the undermanned West Coast Eagles, not who isn't.

LIAM JONES.
LIAM JONES. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

West Coast might be missing two star forwards, but Carlton defender Liam Jones knows the Blues will still be in for a fierce AFL battle.

Veteran goal-kicker Josh Kennedy and the versatile Oscar Allen will be sidelined for Sunday's clash at the SCG, which has been moved from Marvel Stadium due to Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdown.

It presents a golden opportunity for the Blues (4-7) to finally claim a top-eight scalp.

Carlton have been in with a chance in all six games against finals contenders this year but have come up short every time.

Despite the Eagles heading to Sydney plagued by injuries, not just to forwards, but to midfielder Tim Kelly as well, the Blues are still preparing for West Coast's best.

"They've still got some great players down there, Jack Darling and their small forwards are really strong," Jones told AAP after Carlton's announcement of Great Southern Bank as the club's co-major partner.

"Jake Waterman's a really good young player as well.

"They have a quality midfield as well and they always provide good use for their forwards."

Making West Coast's job more difficult is they haven't tasted victory at the SCG this century.

They have lost their last nine matches at the SCG - eight against Sydney and one against North Melbourne, by an average margin of 34 points - since their last triumph there over the Swans in 1999.

Additionally, West Coast have a disappointing 1-4 record away from Optus Stadium this season and were over-run at home by Essendon last week.

"We've been inconsistent in last quarters this year. Sometimes it's been on the outside, sometimes on the inside, and sometimes it's been injuries (to blame). But we need to get better," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

Carlton have been based in Sydney since losing a tough contest to the Swans at the SCG last Sunday.

Jones believe the Blues have learned plenty out of some heartbreaking results this season.

"I feel like everyone is looking to minimise those moments where teams get runs on so that we can get over the line in those close games," he said.

"We've shown we're competitive, got the players to be in every game, it's just taking that next step and we're looking forward to doing that sooner rather than later."

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