- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The Essendon Bombers will finally get a chance to let their football do the talking in 2016, as they gear up for their first NAB Challenge clash, against the Carlton Blues. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm AEDT.
It goes without saying that this offseason has been slightly traumatic for the Dons, but they have put up a unified front, and will be looking forward to finally just being able to play footy. With only four of their top up players named for this game, the Bombers will be looking to prove that they still have the talent required to win at AFL level.
For Carlton, 2015 was a season to forget. Managing only four wins saw them smacked with the wooden spoon at the end of the year. However, they looked half decent against the Hawks in their first NAB match-up, and Blues fans are already praising Brendan Bolton’s tactics. A win in this match is important for the Blues, as they are a club that has lost their winning culture in recent years.
As mentioned above, only four of the Bombers top-up players will suit up for this game, with Ryan Crowley, Sam Grimley, Jonathan Simpkin and Sam Michael all named. Big man Matthew Leuenberger will miss this match, as well as former Cats Mathew Stokes and James Kelly. Former Swan Craig Bird will get his first taste of Essendon football.
Carlton have named a depleted side for this clash, with Marc Murphy, Matthew Kreuzer, Patrick Cripps and Bryce Gibbs all set to miss. Andrew Walker will also not play.
Prediction
As always, it’s hard to predict a NAB Challenge game, with so many variables on offer. I’ll go with my gut and say that Essendon want this match more.
Bombers by 15
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm AEDT.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.