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.
3. Round 21, 2016
Final Score:ย Brisbane 15.9.99 Def. Carlton 13.17.95
This game was Brisbane's to lose, though a quick two goals from Carlton early in the first pointed towards a potential upset.
After those two goals, though, was pure Lions dominance with the lead blowing out to 41 points just after half-time.
But just when everyone thought the game was over, an eight-goal-to-three stanza in favour of the Blues brought the game right back into even position.
Unfortunately for Carlton, inaccuracies -- including three behinds in the final few minutes -- gave Brisbane the win in a thrilling contest.
Best-on-ground for Brisbane: Tom Rockliff with two goals, 39 disposals, and 12 tackles.
Most goals for Brisbane: Micheal Close with four goals.
Best-on-ground for Carlton: Ed Curnow with 29 disposals, nine tackles, and nine clearances.
Most goals for Carlton: Levi Casboult with four goals.
