The Carlton Blues have a tough assignment – an elimination final against the Brisbane Lions – at Docklands on July 10, 2025. Looking to flip the script after a stormy week, Blues coach Michael Voss seeks to get his side moving in the right direction. The Lions have a huge lead. They’ve won five of their past six meetings and won nine of the past eleven clashes against Carlton. Despite these odds, the Blues are determined to replicate their earlier success from the 2024 season, where they narrowly defeated the Lions by a single point at the Gabba.
As the game develops, early signs depict the Brisbane Lions jumping out to an early lead. At one stage in the first half, the Lions led 3.4 to the Blues 1.0. The pressure shown by the Lions was impressive, with six inside 50s to the Blues’ one inside 50. This trend creates a scary scenario for Carlton as they look to get back on track.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
These are the somewhat cliché stated reasons that Brisbane Lions fans should feel good about their chances coming out swinging against the Carlton Blues. Winning five of their last six games has made them a very dangerous opponent. From an emotional standpoint, the Lions have a good record against the Blues. They have won the last nine of their last eleven encounters!
It’s this recent triumph that has the Brisbane Lions riding high with confidence as they approach such a critical match. The Blues’ recent victory in the 2024 opening round serves as a glimmer of hope, but replicating that performance will require significant effort against a team that has proven its mettle in past clashes.
Match Progress and Highlights
As the game goes on, it starts to look like the Brisbane Lions are flourishing with their offensive gameplan. Zac Bailey, despite an uncharacteristic kick that nearly went out on the full, remains a key player for the Lions. And the Lions, they are coming hot and heavy right now, folks. It was their 17th inside 50 for the game, highlighting their relentless attacking intent.
Key performers have really made their mark, with standout performances to lead the Lions. Charlie Cameron scored a goal that delighted fans, while Logan Morris marked and executed a set shot that further solidified Brisbane’s lead. It was our full forward, Eric Hipwood kicking a goal from close to the right side of 50. He proved he could deliver under pressure! Without the full contribution of their forward line, which saw Cam Rayner bounds into the action with a goal, the Lions may have struggled.
The Blues were able to shock home fans with an unexpected, turning torpedo goal from Marc Pittonet. Carlton for a moment had that individual brilliance to light a sudden spark. It was too little to really turn the tide of momentum in their direction.
Tactical Adjustments and Future Implications
As the match continues, it is evident that both teams are adapting their strategies in response to the evolving dynamics on the field. Forwards coach Michael Voss has some tough tactical changes to make to combat the ridiculous pressure the Brisbane Lions put on the opposition. With six inside 50s to one at one point, finding ways to break through Brisbane’s defensive structure will be crucial for Carlton’s chances.
The ramifications of this match are far wider than just the result itself. For Carlton, a win would represent a huge morale boost after a tough couple of weeks. Brisbane want to win their third game in a row. To do so will ensure they are most feared as title contenders and will provide them psychological edge over their counterpart in the city.
