Where: MCG
* The form
Melbourne (Regular season - fourth, 16 wins, 7 losses).
The Demons would have been kicking themselves after letting a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in last week's seven-point qualifying final loss to Collingwood. Melbourne won the inside 50m count 69-37, but the dominance failed to translate into a win.
Carlton (Regular season - fifth, 13 wins, nine losses, one draw)
The Blues led Sydney 48-18 early in the third quarter of their elimination final clash at the MCG, but the Swans hit back hard and the final margin was just six points. Sydney's inaccurate goalkicking ensured the Blues' first finals appearance in 10 years ended in a win.
* Head-to-head
Overall: Melbourne 97 wins, Carlton 119 wins, 2 draws
In Finals: Melbourne 6 wins, Carlton 2 wins
Last time: Round 22, 2023: Carlton 9.6 (60) beat Melbourne 8.8 (56) at the MCG
* The key players
Charlie Curnow (Carlton)
Curnow was restricted to just one goal in his side's elimination final win over Sydney. With Harry McKay sidelined by concussion this week, more importance will be placed on Curnow as the Blues attempt to upset Melbourne. Curnow was restricted to a total of just three goals across two games against Melbourne this season - well down on his season average of 3.29 goals per match. He faces a tough task against Steven May.
Christian Petracca (Melbourne)
The midfield bull almost willed his team over the line in last week's seven-point qualifying final loss to Collingwood. After a quiet first half, Petracca burst to life after the long break, setting up numerous attacking opportunities for Melbourne. Petracca kicked 2.2 from 24 disposals when the Demons lost to Carlton by four points in round 22, and he looms as a major threat both in the midfield and in attack.
Sam Walsh (Carlton)
The No.1 pick from the 2018 national draft made a hot finals debut, tallying 29 disposals, six clearances, nine inside 50s and six tackles against Sydney. Walsh is one of Carlton's most dangerous midfielders, and is part of a prolific unit that also features Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra, Blake Acres and George Hewett.
* Stat
Melbourne have come up trumps in six of the past seven finals meetings between these two sides. The most recent one was a qualifying final in 2000, with the Demons prevailing by nine points. Carlton's only two finals wins against Melbourne came in 1962 (a two-point semi-final victory) and 1915 (an 11-point semi-final win). In regards to home-and-away clashes, Carlton's four-point win over Melbourne in round 22 this year broke a run of eight consecutive wins by the Demons..
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