SUMMARY
These clubs drew in their last clash but there appears to be a much wider gap between them this time around. After fading badly against the Sydney Swans in round one the Bombers showed great spirit and resilience to come from behind and hold off the Hawks last Sunday. Superbly led by Jobe Watson, the Bombers' midfield depth is improving with Travis Colyer and Zach Merrett supporting Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney, Dyson Heppell and Brendon Goddard, who celebrates his 250th game on Saturday. Carlton has been disappointing in the opening two rounds, relying too heavily on veteran Chris Judd. The Blues need to spread the workload to be competitive against their bitter rival.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 18, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2014, Carlton 14.6 (90) drew with 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
R11, 2013, Essendon 11.11 (77) d Carlton 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R21, 2012, Carlton 24.12 (156) d Essendon 8.12 (60) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
Carlton has struggled to take the ball inside 50 in 2015, averaging only 40.5 a game. Essendon has averaged 48 a match.
2. The Blues and Bombers have clashed 241 times and Carlton holds the advantage, winning 121 games to 114. There have been six draws.
3. In the first two rounds Carlton has struggled in the second half. The Blues were outscored by 20 points in round one against Richmond and by 56 points against West Coast in round two.
4. Mick Malthouse has coached against Essendon more than any other opposition team. In charge of the Bulldogs, Eagles, Magpies and Blues he has clashed with the Bombers 58 times for 25 wins. But he has not coached a victory yet against Essendon with Carlton.
5. The Bombers have amassed more disposals than their opposition in the first two rounds. In round one against the Sydney Swans the count was 374-339 and last Sunday against Hawthorn they won comfortably 435-376.
6. Bomber Cale Hooker, who kicked the match-winning goal against Hawthorn last Sunday, and fellow key defender Michael Hurley are ranked highly in their category of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Hooker has risen to No. 7 of the key defenders (376.4 points), just ahead of Hurley at No. 8 (376.3).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Mick Malthouse and everyone at Carlton. After starting strongly in both games the Blues have capitulated meekly to the Tigers and Eagles in successive weeks. They need to make a statement this Saturday and give their supporters some hope that 2015 will not be another wasted season.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 10 points
