Which Carlton will show up?

Chris Judd led the good Carlton against Richmond in the second half. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

THESE two teams approach today's game with vastly different momentum.

Carlton comes in on the back of two pulsating wins, Sydney after back-to-back losses to Hawthorn.

One key for the Swans will be to get more outside uncontested ball because this will allow them to capitalise on the opportunities they created last week.

They won in contested possessions and clearances yet, with their lack of run, they were unable to enter the forward 50 enough times to give them a chance to win the game.

If they do run and spread, that will mean Carlton defenders will have to sit under the long, high ball all night, which is a massive challenge because Sydney has a multitude of tall marking targets, in Tippett, Mumford, Pyke and White.

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This battle will be one that will have a massive impact on the game.

The question for football fans is which Carlton will show up?

As good as last week's win was, the Blues' first half was woeful. They were beaten in almost every facet of the game but, to their credit, they turned it around in the second, finishing the game on top of the Tigers in most statistical categories except inside 50s and overall disposals.

If the Carlton from the second half last week shows up against Sydney, it will no doubt make for an extremely hard-fought game.

The Blues showed in this period they have enough experienced stars to trouble any team.

As John Longmire suggested earlier in the week, I suspect Chris Judd will be paid very close attention every time he is injected into the midfield.

Last time Judd played in a final at ANZ Stadium, he tore the game apart, a similar feat to last weekend.

CLEARANCES

IT IS no secret Sydney is one of the best clearance teams in the comp, with a class midfield. Carlton will have its hands full trying to negate Kennedy, Jack and Hannebery around the stoppages. But with the form shown last week from the likes of Gibbs, Judd and Murphy the midfield battle is shaping to be the main event.

Gibbs, in particular, had arguably his most influential game as a Blue. His 12 clearances were the difference. He may have finally found his position as a hard edge inside midfielder. Whoever wins the clearances I suggest may win the game — particularly at centre bounces.

MIDFIELD DEPTH

THIS is where Sydney has a significant edge. The Swans' ability to run multiple players through the middle of the ground should wear down the Blues. There is talk the players are mentally tired but they have the capacity to inject the likes of Parker, Mitchell and Bird if the stars wear down.

On the other hand, Carlton has three small forwards that very rarely go into the midfield. Yarran, Garlett and Betts can't take the pressure off Carlton's prime movers and this will hurt in the end.

TIPPETT v JAMISON

TIPPETT'S height has worried most defenders this year. With the hands in the back and chopping the arm rules it becomes very difficult for key defenders playing against the genuine monsters of the game.

I suspect Tippett won't have two poor games in a row and if the delivery is spot on from up the field Jamison will need help from other defenders zoning off.

Sydney's Kurt Tippett celebrates a goal at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: DailyTelegraph