Carlton’s dashing playmaker Adam Saad senses the opportunity.
After a decade in the AFL system, the veteran, who has played for three clubs and made 187 appearances, has never had a better chance of winning the championship.
The high-flying Blues (11-4) begin July in second place, six points ahead of third, after five straight wins.
If Michael Voss and his men get it right at the end of the season, the end of the drought is in sight.
“It’s a lot different to last year, I can tell you that,” former Essendon and Gold Coast defender Saad told AAP.
“I have been playing for ten years and have never been second in the rankings with seven or eight games left.
“We have to take it week by week, but there is still a chance when you are in the top four with eight weeks to go.
“But that’s a result… we’re just going to stick with the process.”
Carlton will face Greater Western Sydney at Engie Stadium on Saturday night and will be keen to avoid a tricky situation with an unpredictable opponent.
The talented Giants are under pressure after a series of subpar performances and have slipped out of the top eight with six losses in their last eight games.
Key Australian defender Sam Taylor (testicle) is missing, as is star midfielder Josh Kelly (calf), but Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan and Tom Green are all capable of tearing games apart.
“It’s always tough when you play against teams like that away from home, but we really believe we can beat anyone, anywhere,” Saad said.
“If we stick to ourselves and play our way, we give ourselves a chance.
“They have stars all over their midfield and attack and they play really good football.”
“We have to do our best.”
All-Australian captain Greene has failed to live up to his high standards this season, but kicked three goals in last week’s loss to Adelaide, taking his season tally to 22 in 14 games.
He remained goalless as the Blues beat GWS in round six.
Greene’s opponent that day, Jordan Boyd, is allowed to play on Saturday after his suspension for violent frontal contact was downgraded to a fine by the tribunal this week.
“(Nic) Newman played with him, Boydy played with him last time … whoever plays with him will get the job done,” Saad said.
Carlton were boosted by the return of their preferred ruckman Tom De Koning, who missed last week’s win over Richmond due to soreness, while Matthew Cottrell was also recalled.
Ruckman Marc Pittonet and midfielder George Hewett were left out of the squad, while Matt Kennedy was included in the squad despite a knee injury sustained in the final quarter against the Tigers.
Aaron Cadman, the No. 1 overall draft pick of 2022, is back with the Giants after two outstanding VFL performances.
James Peatling and inexperienced striker Darcy Jones were also recalled, with Kelly out injured and Callum Brown and Max Gruzewski both out.