Essendon started with Matthew Leuenberger, Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson in the middle of the ground.
Jacob Weitering returned to the field for the Blues early in the second half.
In tough conditions, the prime movers for the Bombers coninued to win a lot of possession. Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and Jobe Watson had all passed the 20 disposal marks by early in the third term. But generating any system in the persistent rain was difficult.
The Blues held onto a slender lead throughout most of the second half and at the seven minute mark a goal to Ed Curnow had the margin out to ten points, a sizeable lead in the conditions.
The Bombers began to chance their arm late in the last term. Switches of play became more common but shots at goal remained difficult. The Dons had two shots midway through the quarter but both missed narrowly.
An inside 50 count of 60-37 Carlton's way was pivotal in the final result.