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.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
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 50m. 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. 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. Thanks for joining us at theroar today, thrilling finish.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
A draw enough for the Bombers to ensure 7th spot and a final in Melbourne next week against North Melb.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
SIREN SOUNDS!!! It's a draw!!! Carl 14 6 90 Ess 13 12 90
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Gibbs' kick fails to make the distance....out of bounds next to behing post 15 secs left.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Gibbs marks on 50m....30 secs remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Tuohy misses to the left....scores tied. Carl 14 6 90 Ess 13 12 90 Q4 1m remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Tuohy marks 45m out. 2 mins remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Both teams look out on their feet. 4 mins remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
5 mins remaining Bombers by a point in a thriller!
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Goddard marks outside 50 , short pass to winderlich handball to Gleeson, from 45m he kicks a long goal!! Bombers back in front. Carl 14 5 89 Ess 13 12 90 Q4 8m remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Blues have kick 7 of the last 8 goals.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Gibbs long to full foward, Hurley fumbles. Wood picks it up and snaps a goal! Blues in front. Carl 14 4 88 Ess 12 11 83 Q4 11m remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Scrappy kick by McLean finds its way to MAtthew Watson 20m out. Kicks his fourth!! It's a one point ball game. Carl 13 4 82 Ess 12 11 83 Q4 12m remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Chapman at half forward marks. Finds Gleeson on 50. Gleeson long to the forward pocket .....marked by Goddard. Slots it through. Carl 12 4 76 Ess 12 11 83 Q4 16m remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
From a throw in in Carlton's forward 50 , McLean snaps for a .....GOAL!! Carl 12 4 76 Ess 11 11 77 Q4 19m remaining
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Final qtr under way....
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Armfield subbed off and Cripps in for the Blues.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Bombers seemed to be cruising in that quarter, but the last 10-15 the Blues led by Chris Judd worked themselves right back into it. Played all over the top of the Bombers late in that quarter. Bombers need to re-focus this quarter.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
THREE QUARTER TIME at the MCG and we have a game on our hands. Bombers by 7 points. Carl 11 4 70 Ess 11 11 77
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Fantasia subbed off and Gleeson in for the Bombers.