It’s US v Essendon as we take on our archrivals in our traditional heartland – Ikon Park.

After a promising performance against the Hawks last week in Tasmania, can the Blues back it up against a depleted Bombers line-up?

NAB Challenge Round 2

Carlton v Essendon

Sunday 28 February

Ikon Park, 2:05pm AEST

Head-to-head:

Played 242

Carlton 121

Essendon 115

Draws 6

Last time the sides met:

Round 3, 2015, MCG

Essendon 16.9 (105) d Carlton 11.18 (84)

Last time the sides met at Princes Park:

Round 10, 1992

Carlton 18.8 (116) d Essendon 7.22 (64)

Forecast for Sunday afternoon in Melbourne:

Partly cloudy with light winds – top of 24 degrees. 

Vale Colin Prosser

The Carlton players will wear black armbands on Sunday in memory of Colin Prosser.

Mr. Prosser, a former Secretary of the Carlton Football Club in 1955-’56 and one of this nation’s last surviving Rats of Tobruk, died in Caloundra recently at the age of 94.

Limited edition game-day poster:

The first 1,864 people through gates 4, 5 and 6 will receive a FREE hand-numbered limited edition game-day poster.

Anyone lucky enough to receive a poster numbered with a player’s corresponding guernsey number will notice it’s also been signed! (Eg: 9/1864 will be signed by Patrick Cripps).

Never fear if you miss out, as there are also 2,500 postcard versions to be given away.

The poster is proudly presented by Hyundai and illustrated by Carlton supporter Grange Wallis. For more information visit: www.grangewallis.com or tweet @grangewallis 

If you receive a poster be sure to let us know by uploading a photo to social media and tagging #BoundByBlue. 

Pre-match Bluezone experience:

Enter our ultimate Bluezone! Here’s your chance to hear from the coach, meet the players and Captain Carlton! VIP access starts at 11am. Members $15, non-members $20. Book by phone (1300 CARLTON) and enter through the main doors at Ikon Park.

Merchandise:

Want to wear what the team wears? The Carlton Shop is your one-stop-shop for our new 2016 Carlton merchandise including guernseys, scarves and polos. Visit our marquee at gate 5 or the Carlton Shop located at the main entrance of Ikon Park, both will be open from 11am.

Alternatively, you can also shop online.

Membership:

Let's break another record! Help the Blues reach 51,000 members before Round 1. Visit our membership team located at The Carlton Shop, or gates 4 and 5, and support the Old Dark Navy Blues. You can also head to: membership.carltonfc.com.au for more details or call 1300 CARLTON. 

Ticketing:

Carlton members can get into the game free by scanning their membership card at the gate, however this is subject to capacity, so make sure to get there early.

Ticket windows at gates 4, 5 and 6 will be open from 12pm.

You can also purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster by phoning 136 100 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.au for further information. 

Gate opening:

You can enter via gates 4, 5 and 6.

Gates open at 12pm. 

Disability access to the venue is through gate 5. 

Cheersquad allocation:

Legends Stand end, directly behind the goals (signage will erected to indicate which Bay).

Car parking:

Limited car parking will be available on the lawn surrounding Ikon Park (enter off Royal Parade).

Car park gates open at 10am and costs $4.00. Please note you must bring $4.00 in coins, machines will not accept notes or cards.

Street parking should not be restricted as it is a Sunday, but please make sure you abide by the street parking signage.

There will be limited disability parking available in the northern car park ($4.00 coin entry). 

Public transport:

Hop on the No. 19 tram that runs down Royal Parade, and get off at Walker Street (stop 16).

Broadcast:

Metro TV in VIC, TAS, NSW & ACT: Fox Footy (LIVE)
Metro TV in SA, QLD, NT & WA: Fox Footy (LIVE)
Melbourne Radio: 3AW, SEN
Adelaide Radio: FIVEaa
Regional Radio: Crocmedia

Follow the Blues on social media:

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