Preview: Essendon v Carlton
VENUE & TIME: MCG, Friday June 26, 7.40pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 229, Carlton 117, Essendon 108, 4 draws
LAST TIME: Essendon 17.14 (116) def Carlton 16.16 (112), Round 3, 2009 at the MCG
WALKING WOUNDED: Chris Judd required minor nose surgery after it was smashed against St Kilda in Round 12 but he was back training a few days later and will be fit to play. Key Blues defender Bret Thornton (hamstring) was a late withdrawal from the Round 12 clash and will need to pass a fitness test, as will Simon Wiggins (hamstring). Andrew Walker is close to returning from shoulder surgery.
The Bombers will continue to rely on Patrick Ryder in the ruck because Jason Laycock (foot) Scott Gumbleton (back) and David Hille (knee) won't be back soon. Half-forward Henry Slattery is recovering from a hamstring strain but is expected to miss another week.
FORM: This looms as a true blockbuster. Both teams are 6-6 and just inside the top eight so a win is vital to remain not only in contention for the finals but a serious threat for the top four. The Bombers had dropped three of their last four games heading into the mid-season break but kick-started their campaign by trampling Melbourne with hard-running and a ferocious attack on the footy after half-time. The Blues may have lost to the unbeaten Saints leading into the week off but the nine-point defeat clearly showed they are on the rise. The Blues gave up a five-goal start that night but showed composure to grind their way back into the contest.
WHO'S HOT: Former Cat Brent Prismall was in fine form against the Demons and has added to the Bombers' midfield depth. Jobe Watson continues to have a fine season, pocketing 28 touches against the Demons and becoming more proficient with his kicking and shots at goal. Scott Lucas has been a goal-kicking threat since returning to the side, booting four against the Crows and three against the Demons.
For the Blues, midfield gems Judd (27 possessions per week), Bryce Gibbs (26) and Marc Murphy (25) have enjoyed consistent seasons. Shaun Grigg has been an important inclusion.
WE THINK: We'll go with the Blues - but only just. These clubs were involved in another epic the last time they met when a desperate Ryder tackle on Murphy in the dying seconds when the young Blue surged towards goal sealed the result. Murphy and Gibbs were kept relatively quiet that night, but the absence of key midfielder Mark McVeigh (suspension) this time will hurt the Bombers. Matthew Lloyd drilled five goals last time in a return to form and has always thrived on playing the Blues. Counterpart Brendan Fevola kicked 4.7 and will be keen for redemption against a side he has traditionally done well against. Blues by 6 points.