Final word: Herald Sun footy experts answer the burning questions for Sydney v Carlton

IN Wednesday's Final Word, Robbo, Ralphy and Ando take a close look at the Sydney-Carlton clash.

CAN Adam Goodes rise to the occasion? Can the Swans stop Judd? Our big names answer the big semi-final questions.

SYDNEY v CARLTON
ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7.45pm

1.Are the Swans cooked?

Mark Robinson: Would appear so. Numbers says intensity has dropped off, players are injured, some are carrying injury, and the balance of the side is lop-sided with Tippett, Pyke and White in the same forward line. Need a lift from O’Keefe, Jetta and Hannebery.

Burning questions: Cats v Port

Jon Ralph: Maybe, but it doesn’t mean they will lie down. The Blues have a huge chance given Sydney’s form, but they are a team of proud warriors. The passengers were too numerous to mention against Hawthorn, but John Longmire will be counting on his leaders to stand up. Jude Bolton might be in his last game – surely he will fire up. The midfield was obliterated. Surely it has to respond. The issue will be whether those stars can compensate for those who are battling injury like Dan Hannebery.

Jon Anderson: As premiership aspirants they are but that doesn’t mean they can’t beat Carlton. The reality is they are in far worse physical shape than the same time last year and few “banged-up” teams win flags, apart from the 2003 Brisbane Lions.

2. Should Sydney risk Adam Goodes?

Mark Robinson: Yes. Sub him.

Injury latest for every finals team

Jon Ralph: Depends how desperate John Longmire is. I think if he plays Goodes, he is panicking about just how badly Sydney is going. If he declines Goodes’ request to play, it’s a great sign for the Swans. It means he believes in his players to respond without desperate measures.

Jon Anderson: If Goodes gets through training then clearly he should play, but starting with a green vest on. The problem is Gary Rohan and Lewis Jetta are also short on match fitness so how do you fir three subs into one?

130909S Chris Judd

3. Who plays on Chris Judd? 

Mark Robinson: No one. Rather tag Murphy or Gibbs at the moment. Just make Judd accountable.

Numbers add up for a Blues upset

Jon Ralph: Kieren Jack, but the problem for Sydney is that suddenly it has half a dozen Carlton midfielders to cover. Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy are dominant, Kade Simpson is peeling off half-back with real intent, and even if Judd is proppy second up from his knee injury the Blues might be able to cover him. Don’t worry about Sydney playing four talls, or Waite responding again. This game will be won in the midfield.

Jon Anderson: Sydney often prefers team defence over a straight-out tag but if they go with the latter then Craig Bird could be the man. And as good as Judd was against Richmond, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs weren’t far behind. Plus the Judd of today can play two outstanding quarters compared with four.

Duigan celebrates

4. Can Nick Duigan be a legitimate forward target?

Mark Robinson: No. Despite a heroic performance, it's a one-off for Nick.

Jon Ralph: Yes, but he doesn’t need to be. He is an accurate kick, is courageous, and has good judgement. That means he can be a goalkicker again. But the beauty of his role is that all Carlton needs him to do is go to one of Malceski or McVeigh and curtail them, as he was trying to do with Brett Deledio on Sunday. So if he does that he’s done his job. If he kicks goals, it’s a pure bonus.

Jon Anderson: Duigan will be used as a defensive forward on either Jarrad McVeigh or Nick Malceski. An advantage Duigan has is his overhead ability and based on last Sunday, his goalkicking reliability. Probably need to see him kick straight again before being convinced of his accuracy.