A fast-finishing Essendon has suffered a narrow loss to Carlton in its JLT Community Series opener at Ikon Park on Thursday evening - 15.10 (100) to 14.7 (91).

The home side's win came as Essendon reduced the Blues' lead from 37 points early in the third term, to three points late in the final quarter, only to fall narrowly short of a dramatic comeback.

Patrick Cripps (33 disposals, two goals) led the way in his first official outing as Carlton's new skipper, while fellow youngsters Zac Fisher (26 disposals) and Paddy Dow (19 disposals) also produced impressive displays in what was a satisfying night for those in Carlton colours.

Together, the young group formed a formidable midfield partnership that overcame the test of their vastly more experienced Essendon counterparts.

The Bombers' side featured returning trio Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and Devon Smith, who all overcame respective summer injury setbacks, along with new addition Dylan Shiel.

The highly regarded recruit from Greater Western Sydney, who nearly landed at Ikon Park during the NAB AFL Trade Period, started forward but soon moved into the midfield where he finished with 15 classy disposals before spending the majority of the final term on the bench after copping a corkie to his knee.

Instead, it was young gun Andrew McGrath who inspired the late Essendon comeback, playing permanently through the midfield where he won 25 touches and kicked two goals.

His dash and ability to execute forward of centre were particularly impressive, with the former No.1 draft pick set for a larger onball stint in season 2019.

Heppell (hamstring), Merrett (ankle) and Smith (biceps) all played just a half, but got through unscathed in what was another promising step in their recoveries.

Joe Daniher was another on the comeback trail, returning from almost a year out of the game with debilitating problems with osteitis pubis.

However, despite kicking the game's first goal from a strong mark inside the opening minute, he struggled with the speed of the game and was withdrawn at three-quarter time.

Instead, the majority of the action was coming at the other end of the field.

Mitch McGovern, in his first official game as a Carlton player, took a number of nice grabs and kicked two goals in support of talented young duo Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

The Blues also unearthed another forward gem in rookie recruit and former VFL star Michael Gibbons, who looked lively alongside his far taller compatriots.

Gibbons kicked two goals with his first two kicks, before adding another from a clever crumbing opportunity as the Blues continued to extend their lead after half-time.

Alongside fellow small David Cuningham, who also finished with three majors for the evening, Carlton found an impressive forward mix to match a midfield group on the move.

CARLTON        5.4     7.6    12.10    15.10 (100)

ESSENDON     4.1     4.5      8.6         14.7 (91)

GOALS

Carlton: Gibbons 3, Cuningham 3, McGovern 2, Cripps 2, Lobbe, Dow, C.Curnow, J.Silvagni, McKay

Essendon: Brown 3, Stringer 3, McDonald-Tipungwuti 2, McGrath 2, Clarke, Baguley, Daniher, Laverde 

BEST

Carlton: Cripps, Fisher, Walsh, Weitering, Newman, Cuningham, Gibbons

Essendon: McGrath, Stringer, Brown, Ridley, Shiel, Hurley 

INJURIES

Carlton: Charlie Curnow (cramp)

Essendon: Dylan Shiel (knee), Tom Jok (concussion)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Meredith, Gianfagna, Mollison, Foot

Official crowd: 8215 at Ikon Park

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