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.
slane
Guest
Not fantastic.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
54,854 at the G today
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
MATCH REVIEW CARLTON 11.18.(84) ESSENDON 16.8. (104) ESSENDON win by 21 points. Major goal kickers for Essendon : Daniher, Howlett and Zaharakis 3. Chapman 2. Major goal kickers for Carlton : Everitt and Henderson 2. Best Players: Essendon : Watson (36 disposals), Stanton (29 disposals), Howlett (3 goals 5 tackles) :Carlton : Murphy (30 disposals) My prediction in the preview was Essendon by 21 points, I hope you all had a dollar on it with Ladbrokes!!! Essendon proved the better team most of the match. A seven goal second term saw them take a 27 point lead to half time. From there the game was effectively over but to Carlton's credit they fought it out in the last term as Essendon tired. Essendon were far more efficient with their ball use and the tall targets of Daniher and Carlisle were always a worry for Carlton's defence. Superbly led by Watson they moved the ball fluently and deserved to win by more. Carlton won the contested possessions by nearly double but butchered the ball going forward. Thre was a distinct lack of confidence in their method. One highlight or lowlight was the punch by Chris Yarran on Paul Chapman which should see him miss some footy. This is the first time in Carlton's history they have gone 0 from 3 three years in a row at the start of the season. They now face St Kilda on ANZAC DAY in New Zealand. Essendon will head to ANZAC DAY against Collingwood with great expectation. A thoroughly convincing win .
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
FULL TIME CARLTON 11.18(84) ESSENDON 16.9.(105) ESSENDON by 21 points
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL ESSENDON Howlett finally finishes the game for Essendon. CARLTON 11.18.(84) ESSENDON 16.8.(104) Q4 1.12'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL CARLTON Great goal from boundary by Ellard. Back to 14 points. Still time against them. CARLTON 11.18. (84) ESSENDON 15.8. (98) Q4 2.23'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Carlton are doing all the scoring but time is against them. CARLTON 10.18 (78) ESSENDON 15.8.(98) Q4 3.22'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Essendon are taking time off the clock as they tire. CARLTON 10.17. (77) ESSENDON 15.8.(98) Q4 5.36'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL CARLTON Everitt from outside fifty. Essendon are tired ad stopping. 22 point lead. CARLTON 10 15 (75) ESSENDON 15 7 (97) Q4 8'
Jack
Guest
The second we abandon game plan we win !
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL CARLTON Walker kicks the first back to back goals for Carlton. Lead is 29 points. CARLTON 9.14 (68) ESSENDON 15.7.(97) Q4 12'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL CARLTON Jones gets one against the flow. Essendon have still got this one won as the air has gone out of the game. CARLTON 8.14.(62) ESSENDON 15.7.(97) Q4 14'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL ESSENDON Watson kicks one! He is heading to best on ground. CARLTON 7.13.(55) ESSENDON 15.7.(97) Q4 16'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
INJURY NEWS Cooney subbed off with hamstring injury. CARLTON 7.13 (55) ESSENDON 14.7 (91) Q4 17'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
SUBS Ashby for Essendon and Byrne for Carlton are both into game.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Essendon lead by 6 goals but they haven't finished it yet. Leading golkickers to three qtr time are Daniher and Zaharakis with three. Watson and Stanton are the standouts on the field and continue to rack up possessions. Carlton's Bryce Gibbs would be their best. It is hard to see Carlton turning a poor day around but you never know.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
3 QUARTER TIME CARLTON 7.12.(54) ESSENDON 14.6 (90) Essendon lead by 36 points with goal on the siren.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL CARLTON Everitt gets a terrific goal. CARLTON 7.10 (52) ESSENDON 13.6.(84) Q3 1.18'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL ESSENDON Daniher joins Zaharakis with his third. The biggest lead of the day now at 38 points. CARLTON 6.10 (46) ESSENDON 13.6 (84) Q3 5'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL ESSENDON Zaharakis kicks his third! Another valuable goal for Essendon and it is out to 32 points. CARLTON 6.10. (46) ESSENDON 12.6.(78) Q3 5.42'