CARLTON is keen to finish the season strongly and a win against arch rival Essendon would end a disappointing 2014 on a positive note. After encouraging form in the second half of the season, the Blues put in their worst performance for the year against Port Adelaide last week. The Bombers are in a buoyant mood after stitching up a finals spot with their victory over Gold Coast last Saturday and the return of senior coach James Hird from a one-year suspension. They hope to regain star midfielder Dyson Heppell after having surgery on a broken hand. After Essendon embarrassed Carlton in round three, the Blues will be desperate for revenge.
 


WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, August 30, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R4, 2012, Essendon 15.19 (109) d Carlton 11.13 (79) at the MCG

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THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bombers dominated the disposals (446-317), marks (150-77), scoring shots (33-17) and inside 50s (55-29) in the last encounter between these clubs. Jason Winderlich and Paul Chapman kicked as many goals between them as Carlton did for the game.

2. Essendon is ranked No. 1 in uncontested possessions, averaging 251 a game. Carlton’s style is in direct contrast, ranked 17th with an average of 205 a match.

3. Although the Bombers have won five more matches than the Blues this season, Carlton has averaged three more points a game than Essendon (85-82).

4. These clubs have met 61 times at the MCG and Essendon leads 34-24 with three draws. Carlton has lost six of seven games at the MCG this season and the Bombers have scored three wins from six matches at the ground.

5. Essendon is ranked second for disposals this season, averaging 386.4 a game. Carlton is 18th with an average of 341.7.

6. Sam Rowe has been one of the Blues’ big improvers this season and this is reflected in his rise in the Official AFL Player Ratings, climbing from 576 to 319 overall.

Prediction: Carlton by 5 points