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Well the Blues had their chances late in the game. Tuohy missed a set shot from 50. Gibbs somehow failed to reach the distance from 50.
Strange game with both teams dominating periods of the game. The Blues kicked six of the first seven goals of the match. The Bombers then kicked 10 of the next 11 goals and led by 30-points midway through the third quarter.
Carlton kicked 7 of the last 9 goals as they dominated the last quarter and a half.
Full credit to the Blues for fighting their way back into the game when they had nothing to play for.
Judd, McLean and Gibbs all good for the Blues, Gibbs and Judd with 15 clearances between them.
Some good signs for the Blues for next season, Matthew Watson showed something up forward with four goals. Docherty and Bell were impressive at different stages.
For the Bombers they would be relieved to sew up seventh spot and with their second quarter but still a lot of areas for improvement for next week’s final.
They lacked polish at times and still not consistent enough over four quarters. Paddy Ryder was terrific, hardly made a mistake and was influential both in the ruck and up forward.
Heppell finished well and Jobe Watson played his best game since returning from injury although he tired in the last quarter.
FINAL SCORE:
Carlton 14.6 (90)
Essendon 13.12 (90)
The Carlton Blues will finish an underwhelming by taking on their most intense rivals the Essendon Bombers at the MCG. Join us on The Roar for live scores and blog from 1:40pm AEST.
Only a set of extraordinary results would see the Bombers miss the finals, but their biggest concern would be dropping from seventh position to eighth spot on the ladder.
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If the Bombers lose this match and the Tigers upset the Swans, the Bombers will drop to eighth and an interstate final against either Power or the Dockers.
The Blues are coming off their worst loss of the season after last week’s 103-point loss to the Power. Prior to that game the Blues’ form had been on the up, with good wins against both the Roos and the Suns, and getting within six points of the Dockers and Cats.
Essendon suffered a big blow midweek with Jake Carlisle straining a hamstring. There must also be doubts on Brendon Goddard, who was limping at the end of last week’s game against the Suns and also whether Dyson Heppell will line up even though he has been selected.
The Bombers rank number one in the league in uncontested possessions and the Blues will need to apply far greater pressure on the Bombers than they did when these two teams last met back in Round 3. That day the Bombers amassed a season high 445 possessions, 130 more than the Blues.
This game will be won in the middle and Carlton will need to keep a close eye on Paddy Ryder, who has been in career best form. If Ryder can give his midfield first use of the ball the Blues backs may struggle to keep the Bombers under control.
Prediction
The Bombers have won four of their last five against the Blues and with a home final at stake they may have more incentive.
Essendon by 12 points.
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