THIS is a crucial game for the Blues and the Demons, who are both winless after the first three rounds and coming off six-day breaks. In tough conditions at Spotless Stadium last Sunday, Melbourne showed commendable commitment for three quarters before being overrun by the Giants in the last quarter. While the Blues’ recent record against the Demons will give them some confidence, they were humiliated against a slick Essendon outfit last Sunday night. Carlton has copped plenty of criticism this week and will need to put in a much better all-round effort to record its first win on Saturday.

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 12, 1.45pm AEST

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R6, 2013, Carlton 18.13 (121) d Melbourne 8.12 (60) at the MCG

R9, 2012, Carlton 15.17 (107) d Melbourne 6.13 (49) at the MCG

R20, 2011, Carlton 21.8 (134) d Melbourne 7.16 (58) at the MCG

R10, 2011, Carlton 13.15 (93) d Melbourne 6.10 (46) at the MCG

R11, 2010, Carlton 15.11 (101) d Melbourne 9.6 (60) at the MCG

1. Carlton won by 61 points against Melbourne the last time the teams met, in round six last season at the MCG. Blues skipper Marc Murphy starred with 28 possessions and three goals.

2. Both teams have struggled to win the inside 50 count this year. The Blues are ranked 15th, averaging just 44 a game. Melbourne is second last with 41.7.

3. The Blues have dominated the Demons recently, winning the past seven contests by an average margin of 53 points.

4. Carlton has had the fewest disposals of any team this season with 956, one of only two sides to have fewer than 1000 by the end of round three. By contrast Melbourne is third with 1113.

5.Carlton is ranked fifth for clearances with an average of 42 a game. Melbourne is last,, averaging only 32.3 a game.

6. The two skippers lead the way for their teams in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Murphy is at No. 26 overall and co-captain Nathan Jones is the highest-ranked Demon at No. 109.

Prediction: Carlton by 22 points