Welcome to news.com.au’s live coverage of the first semi-final from the MCG.
Melbourne and Carlton are set to square off with a preliminary final berth on the line on Friday night.
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Carlton enter the contest having knocked of the Sydney Swans last weekend while being winners of 10 out of their past 11 matches.
Melbourne fell agonisingly short in their qualifying final against Collingwood and now stare down the barrel of their second consecutive straight sets finals exit if they’re to lose tonight.
These two faced off a month ago with the Blues emerging victorious in a nailbiting four point victory.
The winner will advance to a preliminary final showdown next weekend at the Gabba against the Brisbane Lions.
Don’t miss a second of the action right here.
7.10pm – Dees take chance with tactical sub
Josh Schache will take part is only his third game of the season after being named as Melbourne’s starting sub.
For the Blues they’ve stuck with Oliver Hollands as their starting sub for the match.
7pm – Cornes puts Charlie Curnow on the hot seat
Port Adelaide premiership player Kane Cornes has grilled Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow over his failure to deliver last week.
The Blues star forward failed to fire and now faces an even tougher defensive unit when he goes up against the Demons.
He has gone goalless in five of his past seven quarters – with only two goals outside of that.
“Charlie Curnow is in the gun for me,” Cornes said on SEN.
“He is the best player there and for them to win, he’s going to have to get a hold (of Melbourne).
“I think he was well beaten last week. I thought Tom McCartin was outstanding.
“I just didn’t think he worked hard enough. Didn’t think he got to enough contests. I thought he was out-marked too often.
“He’s going to have to compete like he hasn’t competed before in a long time. It’s going to be against two, it’s going to be against three opponents.
“Can he get up the ground? Can he kick the ball inside forward 50?
“He’s three and one goals in his last two (games). Well beaten by (GWS’ Sam) Taylor and well beaten on the weekend by McCartin.
“He’s going to get a good player in May, but athletically he’s got May covered everywhere.
“But it’s not just going to be May, it’s going to be the other opponents.
“It’s not about winning Colemans, it’s about winning finals. When you’re the best player on the ground, you’ve got to produce a performance worthy of that.”