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Can the Carlton Blues pick themselves up after two defeats and beat their traditional rivals, or will the Essendon Bombers continue on from their surprise victory over last year’s premiers? Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm (AEST).
Essendon continue to defy expectations that their ASADA scandal would affect their game-day performance. In fact don’t be surprised if they continue on all season and make the top four.
They welcome back Dustin Fletcher in place of ex-Saint James Gwilt in their only change to a settled line-up.
Key possession winners Dyson Heppell and Jobe Watson are feeding off the improved ruck work of Tom Bellchambers, while little-known Patrick Ambrose has also been impressive with his defensive pressure.
Carlton had the acid poured on them by captain Marc Murphy during the week, who is willing them to stand up and improve on their two first losses.
But while pundits are querying where the great club is at, and whether coach Mick Malthouse will last the season, expect the Carlton of old to come out breathing fire against their traditional rivals.
Carlton has made four changes to their side – Andrew Walker and youngster Patrick Cripps will be key inclusions, having lost Simon White and Troy Menzel to leg injuries.
Carlton’s key players have been few and far between this season, however Sam Docherty has done well off half back, while Bryce Gibbs and Chris Judd have tried hard in midfield and will have big match-ups with Watson and Heppell.
Prediction
These two clubs drew last year but I don’t expect it to be so close this time around. Carlton are not travelling well, and it doesn’t get any easier this week, with Essendon sure to be buoyed by their win over the Hawks.
Essendon by 21 points.
Can Carlton raise a yelp against a club where there is no love lost, or will Essendon rub further salt into the wounds at Princes Park? Join The Roar from 1:45pm for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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