HEAD TO HEAD:

Played 243
Essendon 115
Carlton 122
Draws 6

LAST TIME WE MET:
The Blues got the best of us when we met earlier this year, running out with a 15-point victory in round 6. Courtenay Dempsey was important off the half-back line collecting 25-disposals, while Mitch Brown kicked two goals up forward. 

LAST FIVE TIMES:
R6, 2016, Carlton 10.12 (72) d Essendon 8.9 (57) at the MCG

R3, 2015, Essendon 16.9 (105) d Carlton 11.18 (84) at the MCG
R23, 2014, Carlton 14.6 (90) drew Essendon 13.12 (90) at the MCG
R3, 2014, Essendon 21.12 (138) d Carlton 8.9 (57) at the MCG
R22, 2013, Essendon 12.10 (82) d Carlton 9.22 (76) at the MCG

THIS TIME AROUND: 
It's the lat game of the season and there is nothing on the line except pride. Both teams have had seasons that they would rather forget and will be looking to finish off on a high note. 

See the full teams for both sides here.

KEY PLAYERS:

Zach Merrett has one more chance to impress the All-Australian selectors against the Blues. The youngster has been nothing short of amazing so far in 2016 averaging just under 30-disposals and six tackles per game. Merrett is key to our ability to move the ball forward, with his workrate at both ends of the ground just one of his many talents. Darcy Parish will also be looking for a solid performance to ensure that the Rising Star selectors are well aware of his talents. 

Our man in the midfield, Craig Bird, might get the job on Carlton's Patty Cripps. The young midfielder had another outstanding game against the Demons last week, collecting 33-disposals and laying five tackles to help the Blues to an important win. For Bird, it will be essential to deny Cripps the space that he often finds. 

Mitch Brown has been among our best over the last few weeks. His ability to play either forward or back has often been the saving grace and allowed Woosha to reconfigure match-ups throughout the game. Brown's read on the play has seen him take a staggering 42-marks in the last three weeks. 

THE HIGHLIGHTS:

Patrick Ambrose will play his 50th game for the Club this weekend. 

Don't miss a moment of the game! Get your tickets here. 

THE STATS:

ESSENDON

 

CARLTON

46

AVG. INSIDE 50S

50

47%

EFFICIENCY INSIDE 50

45%

41%

SCORING ACCURACY

45%

LIST PROFILE

13

UNDER 21

10

13

21-24

18

21

25-29

17

5

OVER 30

1

24.5

AVG. AGE

23.5

SEASON AVERAGES

205

KICKS

204

176

HANDBALLS

164

382

DISPOSALS

369

74%

DISP. EFFICIENCY

74%

132

CONT. POSSESSIONS

132

252

UC. POSSESSIONS

232

101

MARKS

90

65

INTERCEPT POSSESSIONS

64

67

TURN OVERS

66

33

CLEARANCES

35