Harris Andrews hopes he knows how Carlton feel.
Ahead of Saturday's AFL preliminary final, the Brisbane Lions co-captain has compared this year's Blues side to his team of 12 months ago.
In 2022, the Lions finished sixth, beating Richmond before upsetting Melbourne to get within one win of the decider.
This year, the Blues rose from fourth-last in the 15th round to finish in fifth, then beat Sydney and the Demons to earn their first preliminary final berth since 2000.
The Lions were no match for eventual premiers Geelong in last year's grand final qualifier, Andrews admitting their tough passage took "a little bit of a toll".
"Potentially, yeah," Andrews said on Tuesday when asked if the Blues might be feeling it, too.
"We were in Carlton's position, fighting our way to a prelim through some tough games.
"We came up against Geelong, who were red hot and proceeded to win the flag.
"It did take a little bit of a toll on us, but it's such an exciting time of year and you always find a way to get yourself up.
"We'll be expecting Carlton's best."
The Blues should welcome back livewire Jack Martin and key forward Harry McKay, both able to offer instant sugar-hits after Carlton's emotional defeat of the Demons last weekend.
Andrews said the Blues had "changed the way they play a little bit" since the teams' only clash this season in round eight.
"The way they win the contest and get the ball going forward ... it's very impressive and we need to match them," he said.
"You don't fluke your way into a prelim. They'll be coming up with a great desire to play well."
