HEAD TO HEAD:

Played: 242

Essendon: 115 

Carlton: 121

Draw: 6

PAST FIVE TIMES:

ROUND 3, 2015, Essendon 16.9 (105) d Carlton 11.18 (84) at the MCG

ROUND 23, 2014, Carlton 14.6 (90) drew with Essendon 13.12 (90) at the MCG

ROUND 3, 2014, Essendon 21.12 (138) d Carlton 8.9 (57) at the MCG

ROUND 22, 2013, Essendon 12.10 (82) d Carlton 9.22 (76) at the MCG

ROUND 11, 2013, Essendon 11.11 (77) d Carlton 10.12 (72) at the MCG 

LAST TIME WE MET:

The traditional rivals didn’t hold anything back the last time we met, with tensions flaring over early in the game between two now former players in Paul Chapman and Chris Yarran. We were much too good for the Blues and ran out big winners, continuing our recent good streak against them. It was a great game for some of our veteran players with Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell all standing tall, while Joe Daniher got it done on the scoreboard with three goals.

Sunday’s game will be a completely different tale, however, with a new look Bombers hoping to come away with a win.

KEY PLAYERS:

Both Essendon and Carlton have struggled to hit the scoreboard this season, averaging the two of  lowest scores per game throughout the AFL. With Joe Daniher receiving the majority of the defenders attention, it will be an important game for Sam Grimley to make his mark. The tall kicked two late goals in last week’s game, but will need to fire early if the Bombers are to be a fighting chance. 

The game will likely be won in the middle, so it’ll be up to Matthew Leuenberger and the on ballers to heap the pressure on and win the clearances. After being closely guarded by the Collingwood taggers, our midfield group should be able to find a bit more space against the Blues - and should look to take maximum advantage of it. 

Adam Cooney’s link up and carry through the middle and into the forward line could prove to be the difference. The veteran is a classy player and can easily have a quick impact on the game. If he is able to get his hands on it early, there is every chance that he can blow the game wide open.