CARLTON has suffered a double midfield blow ahead of Saturday night's clash with Essendon at Ikon Park, losing vice-captain Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay before the first bounce.

Hill was a late withdrawal an hour before the game due to a groin complaint, while McKay re-injured her adductor in the warm-up and will also miss.

Amelia Velardo and Lila Keck come into the side as their replacements.

The Bombers can secure a finals spot with a win, after Narrm forced its way into the eight earlier in the day.

The loss of ruck Steph Wales (knee) for the Bombers is a significant one, with the Bombers set to face a Carlton ruck contingent consisting of Breann Moody and Jess Good without a recognised ruck.

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The sides are fairly evenly matched through the midfield, but the Bombers usually get their hands to the footy first, which will likely see Carlton second to the ball and forced into defensive manoeuvres, rather than establishing the game on its own terms.

Even without their No.1 ruck, the Bombers have a stronger layer of experience and class across the ground, with players like Bonnie Toogood, Steph Cain, Georgia Nanscawen and Madison Prespakis ready to confirm a place in finals.

Carlton v Essendon at Ikon Park, 7.15pm AEDT

LATE CHANGES
Carlton: Mimi Hill (groin) replaced in selected side by Amelia Velardo; Abbie McKay (adductor) replaced in selected side by Lila Keck
Essendon: Nil