Carlton will be hoping to record back-to-back victories for the first time under coach Brendon Bolton when it takes on the Bombers this Sunday afternoon at the MCG.
After a stirring win in the West against last year’s minor premiers Fremantle, the Blues will be hoping to continue their form into this weekend’s match.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton says last week’s win is one little step in reinforcing the Club is “on the right track”.
“We’ve got a fairly sound defensive action, there’s still a lot of improvement in it, but it’s sound, and to travel away and win against Freo shows that we’re really unified,” Bolton said.
With the Bombers suffering a heavy loss against Collingwood on ANZAC Day, Bolton is expecting Essendon to come out firing, resulting in a “physical” match between the traditional rivals.
“I think they’ve (Essendon) been competitive in quite a few games, like the games against Geelong and Melbourne, so we’re expecting a physical game,” Bolton said.
The two teams will not only be battling it out for the four premiership points, they’ll also be competing for the Madden Cup, named in honour of brothers Justin and Simon who played for Carlton and Essendon respectively.
Essendon claimed the cup last year in Round 3, defeating Carlton by 21 points in the two sides’ only meeting in 2015.
In that match Marc Murphy led the way with 30 disposals, while Irishman Ciaran Byrne made his AFL debut.
Essendon coach John Worsfold is looking forward to Sunday’s match at the ‘G, saying both teams will be looking to “release the shackles” and make it a great contest.
“They look like they’re very much on a clear pathway, I hear Brendon regularly speak about where they’re heading and I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be a strong leader for them,” Worsfold said.
“They were awesome in their four-quarter endeavour against Fremantle on the weekend and deserved that win.
“It’s not an easy thing to go over and win over there, we know they’ve got huge talent in their line-up so it’s going to be a massive challenge for us.”
This weekend’s match also marks Matthew Wright’s 100th AFL game, with the former Crow playing 94 at Adelaide and soon-to-be six at Carlton.
Carlton has been forced to make two changes to its side, with Dylan Buckley out with a calf and Charlie Curnow sidelined with illness. Into the team comes Nick Graham and Dennis Armfield for his first game of the season.
Essendon has recalled Ryan Crowley, Jonathan Simpkin and James Polkinghorne at the expense of Craig Bird, Conor McKenna and Martin Gleeson.
Carlton takes on Essendon this Sunday afternoon at the MCG, with the match kicking off at 3:20pm.
Don’t forget to collect your limited edition match-day hand-numbered poster from the Hyundai Engine Room. There are only 1,864 on offer, so make sure you get there early!
