The eyes of the footy world will be firmly fixated on Essendon’s clash with Carlton on Sunday night.
Although the two clubs have enjoyed some good battles in recent years, the weekend’s clash is easily the most anticipated between the old rivals in over a decade, with the Bombers holding onto second spot on the ladder and the Blues surging into fifth after a win over Port Adelaide.
Here are some of the key points to note ahead of King’s Birthday Eve at the ‘G.
Old-fashioned blockbuster
The record home-and-away attendance between these two sides still sits at 91,571 from the round 20 clash in 2000.
At that stage, the Bombers were seeking a record 20th win in a row for the season and would go on to beat the Blues in both the regular season and a Preliminary Final en route to the flag.
You could make the argument that this Sunday is the most enticing Bombers-Blues fixture since that 2000 campaign – it’s the first time since round 11, 2013 that Essendon and Carlton have both been sitting inside the top eight ahead of a game between the two clubs.
Given the early sellout of the weekend’s game and the form guide for each club, there’s every chance we could see that crowd record broken.
‘McKay Bowl’
It’s difficult to ignore the anticipation of Ben McKay squaring off against identical twin Harry for the first time in their nine-year AFL careers.
After several setbacks and delays for their inaugural matchup due to ill-timed injuries and suspension, fans will be hopeful the twins can directly match up on one another at the opening bounce on Sunday.
With Jordan Ridley and Jayden Laverde each in good form, the way Essendon organises their defence against Carlton’s dangerous attacking options such as McKay and Charlie Curnow could prove critical in shaping the contest.
Importance of efficiency
A glance at the numbers from the tight loss to Gold Coast last week showed good results in several key areas for the Bombers with advantages in clearances, contested ball and inside 50’s, but it was ultimately some untidy finishing which prevented the side from snaring a road win.
The Dons will be keen to take their chances this time around, but if they bring similar intent around the contest as they’ve displayed over the last two months (a timeframe that’s seen them claim 26 points from a possible 32), they’ll be every chance.
Midfield battle
As always in the modern game, winning it from the centre is crucial.
With Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh performing in the middle of the park for the Blues, Essendon’s inclusion of Will Setterfield provides important grunt, while the on-ball brigade of Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell will be required in the clinches.
Freeze the ‘G
Essendon’s pre-game activation in support of Fight MND will host the four Daniher brothers (Terry, Anthony, Neale and Chris) in the middle of the MCG for a special call-to-arms to donate and support beating ‘the beast’, motor neurone disease.
On an already special night of footy, this moment is set to go well beyond the game.
