The GIANTS will be hoping they can celebrate skipper Toby Greene’s 250th game in winning style while the Blues will be out to continue their push for a spot in the top eight.
AFL Round 11
Blues v GIANTS
Saturday, May 24 at 12:35pm
Marvel Stadium | Wurundjeri Country
What It Means For The GIANTS
The GIANTS (5-5) have a knack for rebounding strongly following a down performance and they’ll be hoping to do so again this weekend when they head south to take on the Blues in front of their passionate home crowd.
Last week the GIANTS were a little off their game and were beaten by the Dockers by 34 points in a rare loss at ENGIE Stadium.
Despite last week’s upset loss the GIANTS still sit inside the top eight and ahead of Saturday’s clash will be confident they can rediscover the brilliant form shown just two weeks ago when they beat the Cats in a thriller in Geelong.
Adding to the occasion of Saturday’s meeting is a special milestone for the GIANTS, with the side eager to celebrate captain Toby Greene’s 250th game in winning fashion.
An inaugural GIANT and now the club’s inspirational skipper, Greene has become synonymous with the orange and charcoal and no doubt he and his side will look to lift on Saturday for the special occasion.
The Opposition
Carlton sits 11th on the ladder heading into round 11, following a mixed but largely frustrating start to the season.
They’ve recorded four wins year to date, with only one of those coming against a top eight side in a hard-fought battle against the Cats back in round seven.
The Blues will face the GIANTS coming off the back of a tough 16-point loss to the Swans last week at the SCG.
The Blues led for the first three quarters and looked set for an upset away win before a match-winning quarter by Swans star Isaac Heeney left them to rue what could have been as they fell a game outside of the top eight.
Carlton will be hoping it can be more efficient ahead of the footy against the GIANTS on Saturday, with the Blues registering just three scores above 80 throughout its first 10 games despite possessing star twin tower duo Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
Recent History
The GIANTS will be hoping to replicate the success of their last meeting with the Blues in round 17 of 2024; a two-goal win which sparked a seven-game win streak and secured a top four ladder position.
Carlton shot out to a 33-point lead in the first quarter of that match, before the GIANTS clawed back to snatch the narrow victory in front of a home crowd at ENGIE Stadium.
While the two teams have shared the chocolates over their last four encounters, the Blues taking a narrow 3-2 advantage in wins since 2022.
It’s the first match for the GIANTS under the roof at Marvel for season 2025, a stadium where they hold a narrow winning ratio over Carlton through the past decade.
Key Match Up: Dazzling Darcy Looking To Run Riot
A bright spot in a disappointing outing against the Dockers, Darcy Jones’ return to the GIANTS’ side last week proved a nightmare for Fremantle’s defenders.
Jones featured with two goals in a best on ground performance for the home side and could again prove a thorn in the side of the Blues with key lockdown defender Jordan Boyd ruled out of Carlton’s side.
Carlton’s defensive unit does, however, boast the likes of former GIANT Nick Haynes who is enjoying a stellar season for the side and leads the competition for marks taken from his role at half-back.
While unlikely to get the matchup on Jones, Haynes could be part of another key match-up in Saturday’s game, with a potential dual with former captain – and milestone man- Toby Greene a possibility.
GIANTS Player To Watch: Toby Greene
The GIANTS’ skipper enjoyed a blistering start to 2025, drawing early comparison to his 2023 form which saw him named the All-Australian captain for the first time.
Known for his match-winning antics and big game performances, Greene’s 250th match could serve as the catalyst for the team’s return to winning form.
One of the competition’s most lethal small forwards, Greene has been spending more time up the field in 2025, showing leadership and adaptability by starting around the ball for centre bounces and providing relief to the GIANTS engine room with Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly still sidelined through injury.
Despite splitting his time between the forward 50 and on the ball, Greene has still banked 18 goals for the season while averaging an elite ranking for both disposals and handballs at 17.6 and 11.8respectively.
With the GIANTS eager to return to the winner’s list and firmly entrench themselves in the top eight, expect a customary big game from the GIANTS’ skipper.
In The Mix
With Finn Callaghan ruled out for four to six weeks after suffering a minor shoulder dislocation against the Dockers, an opportunity presents for some of the squad’s young midfielders to prove their mettle.
A host of players have put their name up for AFL consideration against the Blues following impressive form in the VFL.
While suffering their first VFL defeat of the season on Sunday, the GIANTS had several strong performances once again, with James Leake, Harry Rowston, and draftee Harry Oliver leading the way.
Meanwhile the Blues will be without the footy IQ of Jack Silvagni for Saturday’s contest after he was ruled out through a groin injury, while defender Jordan Boyd will also miss after he entered concussion protocols.
Click here for a recap of last week’s VFL clash.
Team Selection
The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Blues at 6:20pm on Thursday via gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.
Where To Watch
The clash with Carlton will be shown live and free in NSW and the ACT on Channel 7 and on 7plus from 12:30pm, as well as live nationally on Foxy Footy and Kayo from 12:30pm.
