Carlton returns to the MCG this weekend where one of football’s greatest rivalries will be reignited as Blues take on the Bombers.

The Blues have made three changes with Brock McLean returning from a calf injury, while Dennis Armfield and Matthew Watson have earned a senior recall.

Captain Marc Murphy has been named to play after recovering from the concussion he suffered last weekend.

Nick Graham, Blaine Johnson and Nick Holman have all been omitted.

Meanwhile Essendon has also made three changes, with Dyson Heppell, Tom Bellchambers and Marty Gleeson coming into the side.

Jake Carlisle has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, while Ariel Steinberg and Orazio Fantasia have been omitted.


MATCH DETAILS

Carlton v Essendon
Round 23
Saturday 30 August
MCG, 1:45pm


HEAD-TO-HEAD (since 1897)

Carlton: 121
Essendon: 112
Draws: 5


PAST 3 RESULTS

Round 3 2014, MCG
Essendon 21.12 (138) d. 8.9 (57)

Carlton
Goals – Menzel 2, Ellard 2, Murphy, Tuohy, Henderson, Garlett
Disposals – Gibbs 27, Walker 27, Carrazzo 23

Essendon
Goals – Chapman 4, Stanton 3, Hardingham 3
Disposals – Merrett 35, Heppell 28, Hocking 28

Round 22 2013, MCG
Essendon 12.10 (82) d. Carlton 9.22 (76)

Carlton
Goals – Yarran 2, Menzel 2, Armfield, Gibbs, Betts, Henderson, Tuohy
Disposals – Simpson 33, Bell 24, Scotland 22, Murphy 22, Robinson 22

Essendon
Goals – Hurley 3, Watson 2, Crameri 2
Disposals – Goddard 27, Watson 27, Zaharakis 24

Round 11 2013, MCG
Essendon 11.11 (77) d. Carlton 10.12 (72)

Carlton
Goals – Waite 7, Betts, Murphy
Disposals – Murphy 31, Walker 28, Gibbs 26

Essendon
Goals – Melksham 3, Crameri, Hocking, Carlisle, Stanton, Hurley, Myers, Howlett, Kommer
Disposals – Heppell 28, Carlisle 23, Goddard 23, Zaharakis 23


INJURY LIST

Carlton
Cachia (Shoulder) Season
Ellard (Ankle) Season
Everitt (Knee) Season
Giles (Foot) Season
Henderson (Eye socket) Season
Robinson (Eye socket) Season
Walker (Knee) Season

Essendon
Browne (Knee) Season
Carlisle (Hamstring) 2 weeks
Fletcher (Finger) Season
Hams (Hip) Season
Kavanagh (Hamstring) 2 weeks
Kommer (Knee tendinities) Season
O’Brien (Thumb) Season
Pears (Heel) Season


HERITAGE GUERNSEY

Carlton's launched a new Heritage Guernsey, which will be worn by the players for this season's home games against Hawthorn, Essendon and Collingwood. It's been 150 years in the making  and you can get yours by visiting the Carlton Shop online: shop.carltonfc.com.au  


BLUES KICK FOR CANCER RESEARCH

For every goal Carlton kicks in Saturday’s clash with Essendon the Hyundai Help For Kids Foundation will donate $1000 to the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation.

The Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation raises funds for childhood cancer research. It was established in 2001 to fulfill the wishes of Steven Walter, who died at the age of 19 after an eight-year battle with cancer.


MERCHANDISE

Get all the latest official on-field Club exclusive gear at the Carlton Shop. Don’t miss out on all the latest Nike gear including track jackets, rain jackets, hoodies and polos, so that you can wear what the team wears.

Our merchandise marquee is located by Gate 5 by 11:45am. You can also access all the latest Club exclusive gear at the Carlton shop online at http://shop.carltonfc.com.au.

You can also purchase on-field and Club exclusive gear online at shop.carltonfc.com.au or by ringing the Carlton Shop during business hours on (03) 9389 6288.