CARLTON gave its finals hopes a huge jolt with a victory over Gold Coast that was more impressive than the scoreboard suggested, although a tough run home from this week now looms large.

The Blues have little margin for error in the race to claim a wildcard spot with the Lions up next and the Dockers to come in the last round with the Saints and Bulldogs sandwiched in between.

BLUES v LIONS Follow it LIVE

Brisbane continued on its merry way towards a double chance and perhaps even a pair of home finals as it toyed with Port Adelaide for a half before blowing it away with a 14-goal blitz after the main break.

The Lions have won seven consecutive matches by an average 43 points and appear to be the second-most in-form side at the moment with the Blues, Hawks, Suns and Pies to come.

Carlton v Brisbane at Marvel Stadium, 7.40pm AEST
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Harry McKay returns in a big boost for Carlton but it has lost Nic Newman to a hamstring injury, while the Lions bring in star recruit Oscar Allen alongside Keidean Coleman and Bruce Reville, while Ty Gallop is out suspended, Dayne Zorko managed and James Tunstill omitted.

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Match Previews R21: Carlton v Brisbane

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Blues and the Lions at Marvel Stadium

Published on Jul 28, 2026

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