Naturally with a coaching change, the style of the Blues has shifted. Under the tutelage of Malthouse they are favouring long kicking and compared to 2012, they are averaging almost 10 more long kicks a game.
| Year | Long kicks (Average per game) | Competition rank |
| 2012 | 53.9 | 12th |
| 2013 | 63.0 | 2nd |
| Differential | +9.1 | +10 |
Despite Carlton suffering from the absence of Jarrad Waite, its forward structure is still dependent on talls providing a strong target.
An image of its forward 50 setup from the Round 16 game against St Kilda illustrates the importance of Carlton’s key forwards. More often than not, the half forwards would push high up the ground, leaving just three or four forwards the forward 50.
In this image, Lachlan Henderson and Sam Rowe are the two key forwards while Brock McLean and Jeff Garlett work as the smalls.
The extra space around the 50 allows the smalls space to work in and the talls room to lead. Garlett is Carlton’s leading goal kicker with 32; only nine have come via a set shot.
Carlton has also excelled in its forward pressure at Etihad Stadium. In all games at the ground this season, the Blues rank second in time in forward zone. During the week, Kade Simpson suggested the quicker track at Etihad suited the likes of Garlett, Chris Yarran and Eddie Betts with the statistics backing it up.
| Team | Time in forward zone (minutes) | Match % |
| Richmond | 28:05 | 29.3 |
| Carlton | 24:39 | 26.2 |
| Geelong | 24:16 | 26.2 |
Carlton’s forward pressure has been arguably its best attribute and it has the second most score launches (84) from its own forward 50.
The statistics also show an area of concern for North has been conceding scores from its own defensive 50, making it a point of importance for Friday night’s game.
| Team | Score launches against (D50 %) |
| Geelong | 22.7% |
| Gold Coast | 20.7 |
| North Melbourne | 20.4 |
Similar to North, Carlton has struggled to quell opposition run-ons during time-on periods of quarters. Both statistically have one good quarter after the 20 minute mark (North: 1st, Carlton: 4th) with the remaining three where oppositions have enjoyed an advantage.
Carlton tightens up its defence significantly in the last quarter of games as the time-on splits show.
| Quarter | Score conceded in time on (total) |
| 1st quarter | 19.17.131 |
| 2nd quarter | 22.16.148 |
| 3rd quarter | 20.18.138 |
| 4th quarter | 12.14.86 |
It means North will have to be on its game for a full four quarters to bounce back from its loss to Brisbane.
