Essendon's 1984 side has established a commanding 25-point lead over the Bombers of 2000 after the latest round of match-ups. The 1984 players swept the floor last week with Shane Heard, Leon Baker and Merv Neagle accounting for Chris Heffernan, Joe Misiti and Blake Caracella respectively.
 
The closest of the latest match ups was that of Baker v Misiti – Baker just edging out Misiti in a very tight contest. The 2000 team has to fight back this week and needs Mark Mercuri, Scott Lucas and Justin Blumfield to do the business.

Click here to vote on this week’s match ups.

Below are some of the comments from fans on last week’s match ups.

“Heard would more likely have tagged Misiti. And still won. Leon Baker by a mile on his '84 GF form. Unstoppable. Close between Merv and Cara. Cara's ability to get out on his own would hurt, but Neags brilliance would just shade him,” John Sexton.

“I had to pick Misiti over Baker in the position of Centre. This is the position where you want an in-and-under handballing type player and Joe was exactly that. Baker was good and a great runner, but perhaps not as suited to this middle-of-the-ground pivotal position as Joe,” Patrick Clancy.

“Tough one in the middle - Joe has the ball getting points, but Baker has shown he was a game breaker with crucial goals when needed,” Russell Coleman.

“Not much in this. Joe just got so much of the ball and could kick a good goal. Shane and Merv get the nod, just - possibly a little more durable,” Ross Southernwood.

“Shane Heard took on and took out the best in his tagging role. He was the prototype for the Lings and Kirks of today. Leon Baker, the final quarter of the '84 GF says enough. Caracella's potent finishing skills around the goal give him the edge of Merv's aggression and run,” David Allen.

“Very hard match-ups. Heffernan got the nod over Heard because he was better defensively. Unfortunately never got to see enough of Baker and Neagle was quick, tough and a very long kick (plus Caracella ended up at Collingwood),” Robert Wilson.

 
“Heffernan had his best year in 2000 and was a more creative player. Potentially glittering career cruelled by injury. I suspect Heard would have the smarts to shut him down though. Sorry Joe, but Leon Baker is, simply, one of the best there has been. Should rank as one of the leagues great centremen and certainly craps all over that thug Williams What better site is there then Merv taking 2 or 3 bounces then banging it home from outside 50! With apologies to the three stars of 2000, I declare an '84 clean sweep this week!” Stephen McMahon.
 
“Heardy gets my vote, his running and ability to be in the right spot. Sheeds helped his game at half back. Bakes..THE NOMAD..sensational but,joey gets it for a better disposal. Mervyn Neagle.....Mr hard ball gets. I reckon he would dance rings around a skillfull. Cara......Neagle was Tuff,” William Owen.