The Blues would take on our mid-1990s nemesis in the Bombers without captain Stephen Kernahan, 1994 Brownlow Medallist Greg Williams and 1995 surprise packet Brad Pearce, yet come away with the points.
In 1995, Essendon fans were still reminding us of the 1993 Grand Final (and others), but the Blues were out to shape a new chapter of our history in 1995 - a massive five-goal last quarter to almost double our score for the game was a testament to that.
The goals would come through Craig Bradley - a magnificent banana from 50m on the run - James Cook from a set shot near the boundary, a classic Adrian Gleeson roving goal, Dean Rice from a free 40m out and finally the sealer from Gleeson.
Fans might also remember Troy Bond missing from about 10m out prior to Gleeson nailing the sealer.
At selection, Carlton had welcomed back Dean Rice for his first game of the year after a season-ending knee injury in 1994 – his only game for Carlton in his debut year.
"Ricey" would be more than useful with 2 goals in a tight, behinds-dominated game. With Kernahan and Pearce absent, James Cook managed three goals in one of his final games at Carlton.
In midfield, the Blues were without Williams, but Brett Ratten and Fraser Brown would carry the load, with 28 and 25 possessions respectively.
Carlton would stay on top of the ladder on percentage from the rampaging Richmond.
This would be Carlton's first home-and-away victory over the Bombers since 1992 (and first since the 1993 finals campaign), with the 'Kernahan Game', grand final loss and two close losses in 1994 interspersed, which really saw the rivalry come to the fore.
This game is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the home-and-away rounds of the '90s.
Carlton 3. 5. (23) 4. 7. (31) 5. 10. (40) 10. 15. (75)
Essendon 2. 5. (17) 4. 7. (31) 6. 11. (47) 9. 13. (67)
Venue: MCG
Date: Saturday May 13, 1995
Crowd: 73,753
Goalkickers: J.Cook 3, D.Rice 2, A.Gleeson 2, C.Bradley 1, E.Spalding 1, M.Clape 1.
Best: A.Gleeson, F.Brown, B.Ratten, M.Sexton, C.Bradley, A.McKay, E.Spalding.
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil
Umpires: B.Allen, R.Sawers, P.Carey.
| B: | 32. Adrian Whitehead | 14. Michael Sexton | 35. Peter Dean |
| HB: | 5. Andrew McKay | 1. Stephen Silvagni | 39. Ang Christou |
| C: | 13. Mil Hanna | 20. Fraser Brown | 16. Scott Camporeale |
| HF: | 6. Matthew Clape | 11. Earl Spalding | 21. Craig Bradley (acting captain) |
| F: | 8. Troy Bond | 18. James Cook | 12. Adrian Gleeson |
| FOLL: | 44. Justin Madden | 43. Anthony Koutoufides | 7. Brett Ratten |
| Interchange: | 23. Dean Rice | 24. Matthew Allan | 10. Barry Mitchell |
| Coach: | David Parkin | ||
| In: | Rice | Mitchell | Cook |
| Out: | Kernahan (hamstring) | Williams (arm) | Pearce (injured) |
Article with thanks to Blueseum.org
