"The game will be won and lost in the midfield."
It's a nice, broad line that AFL coaches love to trot out when they don't want to talk specifics, but in the case of Carlton's clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium it's particularly valid.
Both teams have 1-5 records but when it comes to some key midfield stats, the Blues are right near the top of the competition and the Roos are bringing up the rear.
Despite the bullocking play of Ben Cunnington, North have struggled to win the ball at stoppages this season, ranking last in clearances with Carlton second.
A candid Brad Scott told reporters this week that he has been dismayed with his side's inability to make better use of the new 6-6-6 rule from centre bounces.
That hasn't been such an issue for the Blues with Patrick Cripps, the No.1 centre clearance player in the competition, leading the way.
"It's a different dynamic with the 6-6-6," Blues midfield coach Cameron Bruce told AAP.
"I think you've got to have guys in that part of the ground who can obviously win the inside ball but then are really quick and have the ability to hunt and follow up.
"We feel like we've got the talent and quality of players in there to give us the best chance.
"But when the Kangaroos are at the top of their game they're an elite clearance and contested ball side."
The loss of Matthew Kreuzer hurts Carlton at the stoppages with his renowned ability when the ball is on the ground.
The ruckman will miss Sunday's contest with an adductor strain picked up in the gut-wrenching loss to Hawthorn, which also claimed Kade Simpson (hamstring), Mitch McGovern (hamstring) and Nic Newman (knee).
Young star Charlie Curnow is back from knee soreness, with Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson and Liam Stocker, who will debut, also in.
Scott shuffled his line-up as he looks for a winning formula, with Shaun Higgins, Marley Williams, Taylor Garner and Jy Simpkin added to the team.
Roos spearhead Ben Brown is coming off a goalless outing in the loss to Port Adelaide but kicked five in an 86-point thumping when the sides last met.
"We certainly want to reduce the amount of times it gets down there because if he gets too many opportunities he's going to have an impact," Bruce said of Brown.
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