Essendon started with Matthew Leuenberger, Jobe Watson, Zach Merrett and Brendon Goddard in the middle of the ground.

In the Bombers backline, Michael Hurley is lining up on Jacob Weitering. Mark Baguley has the job on Matthew Wright who booted six goals in the first three games of the season.

Mitch Brown is on Jack Silvagni and Patrick Ambrose is playing on Levi Casboult. 

In the Dons forward half Joe Daniher is being opposed by Sam Rowe, Cale Hooker has Caleb Marchbank for company and Lachie Plowman is on Orazio Fantasia.

Dyson Heppell started in the forward 50 before moving onto the ball at the 14-minute mark of the opening term.

Carlton recorded six of the first eight inside 50’s but 14 minutes into the term the Dons led by five points.

The Bombers generated three goals from their first eight inside 50’s. At the same stage the Blues had generated one goal from 12 inside 50’s.

By early in the second term, the Blues had the edge in overall possessions (119-114) but Essendon were winning the contested ball (58-41).

Weitering left the field after a head clash with Hurley.  Hurley is ok and playing on.

Carlton kicked the opening two goals of the second quarter to re-take the lead, before a Brendon Goddard goal from outside 50 steadied the ship for the Bombers.

With heavy rain falling, this game is set to go down to the wire.