We are now just one week away from the big dance and this Saturday features one of the premiership favourites in the Brisbane Lions and the underdog Carlton that has come from fifth spot to make it to the season's penultimate weekend.
Since 2000, Brisbane has ultimately been the better of the two clubs with their early three-peat and not much to show for Carlton. However, both sides struggled throughout the 2015, 2016, and 2017 campaigns, and will go from battling each other for the wooden spoon to battling for a spot in the 2023 Grand Final.
Just days before this Saturday's preliminary final, we've listed our top 10 best games between Brisbane and Carlton since 2000.
9. Round 13, 2002
Final Score:ย Brisbane 19.10.124 Def. Carlton 16.13.109
As Brisbane hunted for their second premiership in a row, the Lions and Blues met in a game that held high expectations of a Brisbane massacre.
Carlton was sitting last on the ladder with just a win and 11 losses heading into this fixture but gave the Lions an almighty fright in a high-scoring clash.
It was raining goals at the Gabba with a total of 35 goals kicked. Carlton held the lead at quarter-time but not for the rest of the match, though they kept the game well in reach for the final three quarters.
Best-on-ground for Brisbane: Simon Black with a goal, 25 disposals, and 12 clearances.
Most goals for Brisbane: Des Headland with six goals.
Best-on-ground for Carlton: Brett Ratten with two goals, 28 disposals, and 10 clearances.
Most goals for Carlton: Brendan Fevola, Micheal Mansfield, Justin Murphy, Brett Ratten, and Lance Whitnall all tied for two goals each.
