Dennis Armfield - 6
The run-with player was moved on to Brent Stanton after half-time to limit the midfielder's influence. Brent Stanton was Essendon's best, but Armfield was far from disgraced. Collected 15 possessions in a decent September outing.

Eddie Betts - 8.5
Kicked eight goals in an unbelievable performance against the Bombers in round 18. Not at that standard on Sunday, but still provided plenty of headaches. Kicked a game-high four goals and laid five tackles. Enjoyed the roaring of 'Eddie' from the 90,000-plus crowd.

Andrew Carrazzo - 8.5
Was a late withdrawal last week against the Saints after suffering whiplash in a car crash. Showed no such sign of injury against the Bombers as he well and outpointed Essendon skipper Jobe Watson. Finished with 26 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances.

Marcus Davies - N/A*
Subbed on for Michael Jamison in the final quarter. Went down back and tried to soak up the atmosphere of his first final. Might be important down the track if Jamison concedes to his troublesome knee injury.

Nick Duigan - 6
The mature-age recruit gave too much latitude to Angus Monfries early but was employed more as the loose man in defence as the contest wore on. Did not have do too much given Carlton's midfield and forward line dominance.

David Ellard - 5
Brought back in to the side after being left out against the Saints the previous week. Spent plenty of time in the midfield and picked up 13 disposals and four clearances.

Jeffrey Garlett - 8
The pacy forward had a first quarter, and indeed a game, to remember. He kicked a goal from a set shot from a tough angle, and in the next forward foray took an outstretched mark on an acute angle. He was able to kick his second in a row, tucked up in the first row of the Southern Stand. Energised his team by laying four tackles and going inside 50 on seven occasions.

Bryce Gibbs - 8
A fan wearing Gibbs' No.4 guernsey shanked a shot at goal out on the full from the goalsquare as part of a pre-game competition at the 'G. The real Gibbs did not exhibit any of these characteristics, as he kicked three straight goals and collected 17 disposals. Hurt his AC joint in the last quarter. Was seen with his shoulder in a sling on the bench.

Lachie Henderson - 9
Has moved to defence in the absence of Jamison this year. Acted as the goalkeeper on one occasion as he dived full length to stifle an attempted goal by Travis Colyer that threatened to trickle over the goal line. Took a couple of goal-saving marks in one-on-one contests and comprehensively outplayed fellow emerging star Michael Hurley. Continues to blossom.

Michael Jamison - 6.5
Did not look at all hampered by the knee injury he has been battling since tearing his meniscus in round 14. Launched a huge bomb from a kick out that landed next to the centre circle in the first quarter.  Held his own in defence, before being giving the red vest as a precaution in the last quarter.

Aaron Joseph - 5
The confrontational tagger was full of niggle all day. Was rammed in to the advertising boarding by an opponent on the Southern wing that earned him a free kick. Only had eight possessions, but the work he does off the ball is invaluable for his team.

Chris Judd - 6
The stage was set for the superstar to explode after a couple of lean weeks following the birth of his son Oscar. Heath Hocking wore him like a glove for the bulk of the game, and the tagger can rejoice in the fact he took the points. He was able to springboard himself up for a massive pack mark in the third term and a one-step goal from 50m in the same quarter. However, he was generally well held throughout.

Jeremy Laidler - 7.5
Gave a strong performance in his first final after being lured away from Geelong at the start of the year. Spent the majority of his time matched up against Alwyn Davey and also helped kill the contest on a couple of occasions against the tall forwards. Had nine rebound 50s that were significant.

Marc Murphy - 9.5
The most influential player on the ground. Racked up 37 touches, eight inside 50s and five score assists. Laid a hugely important tackle on the slippery Davey that saved a goal in the first quarter. The highlight of his day was a sensational goal in the second quarter, finding himself in heavy traffic, Murphy managed to slip through a tiny gap and kick his side's 10th consecutive goal. Elevated himself to a new level

Setanta O'hAilpin - 6.5
Missed a golden opportunity to kick the Blues' first from 30m out, but made up for it, just, by sneakily playing on from the goalsquare and squeezing it through. Continues to baffle opponents and teammates alike with his improvised style. But his competiveness is important in the absence of Jarrad Waite.

Mitch Robinson - 8
A bundle of energy who matched up against elder statesmen Dustin Fletcher. Did not allow Fletcher any space whatsoever keeping him to just 13 touches. Also kicked a goal, but his courage in putting his head over the ball and his ferocious tackling lifted his teammates.

Heath Scotland - 7
An All Australian contender after a brilliant season. He was free-wheeling early on against Brent Stanton who was having a big influence. Moved back to a more defensive role and took a couple of intercepting marks that were pivotal. Finished with 27 possessions and seven tackles. Did not put a foot wrong.

Kade Simpson - 7.5
The ultra-consistent wingman kept racking up the numbers and providing important drive. Picked up 23 touches, went inside 50 on seven occasions and kicked a goal. His hard running was the catalyst in breaking the game open in the second quarter, and he continues to just get the job done.

Bret Thornton - 8
Much maligned by Carlton supporters, but this was one of his best games for the club. Brought back in to the side to add some height in the forward line. He repaid the faith with a couple of big pack marks in the second quarter, and a bombed goal from outside 50. Marked another skied ball in the third quarter for his second goal after out-manoeuvring David Myers.

Andrew Walker - 7.5
Took one of the marks of the millennium the last time these two teams played.  Found himself in plenty of space inside forward 50 in the first quarter as the Blues bulldozed through the Bombers' zone and the resultant goal pegged the margin back to five points when Essendon had their tails up. Added to his tally throughout the afternoon and finished with 20 disposals and three goals to be in Carlton's best.

Robert Warnock - 9
Had to shoulder the bulk of the ruck load after Matthew Kreuzer did not come up from his foot injury during the week. Outstanding game against the ruck duo of David Hille and Patrick Ryder. Gave his midfielders first use with some brilliant tap work. Critically important that he backs the performance up next week against West Coast imposing ruck duo. But can celebrate a tremendous day at the office against the Bombers.

Chris Yarran- 7
Again provided his electric run off half-back with eight rebounds 50s. But was unusually caught for holding the ball twice as he continually held on to the ball for too long. Had 22 possessions and eight rebound 50s, but missed two gettable shots at goal, ones that he would usually kick.

* Subbed on in the fourth quarter

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs