Essendon welcomes back three players for the match against Carlton.
Patrick Ambrose, Josh Green and Ben Howlett return at the expense of Andrew McGrath (rested), James Kelly (rested) and Jayden Laverde.
The Blues recalled Dennis Armfield, Blaine Boekhorst, Jarrod Pickett and Billie Smedts. Harry McKay (toe), Simon White (knee), David Cuningham (ankle) and Tom Williamson (Illness) miss out.
Read Robert Shaw's match preview here.
Weather
Mostly dry with a top of 14. The chance of showers early in the morning and again later at night.
The History
R3, 2017, Carlton 7.15 (57) d Essendon 6.6 (42) at the MCG
R23, 2016, Essendon 15.13 (103) d Carlton 10.19 (79) at the MCG
R6, 2016, Carlton 10.12 (72) d Essendon 8.9 (57) at the MCG
R3, 2015, Essendon 16.9 (105) d Carlton 11.18 (84) at the MCG
R23, 2014, Carlton 14.6 (90) drew Essendon 13.12 (90) at the MCG
Sidenote
Essendon Legend Dustin Fletcher will do a lap of honour ahead of the match.
Fans will have the chance to thank the 400 game star for his contribution to the Club over his 23-year playing career when he’s driven around the MCG in the all-new Kia Stinger.
Fletcher is Our Comeback Hero for the match against the Blues and fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:45pm ahead of the tribute to the two-time premiership player.
The Teams
Essendon
In: Ben Howlett, Josh Green, Patrick Ambrose
Out: James Kelly (rested), Jayden Laverde, Andrew McGrath (rested)
B: Martin Gleeson, Michael Hartley, Mark Baguley
HB: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Michael Hurley, Conor McKenna
C: Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell, David Myers
HF: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Darcy Parish
F: Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher, James Stewart
R: Tom Bellchambers, David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson
I: Josh Green, Patrick Ambrose, Travis Colyer, Ben Howlett
E: Craig Bird, Kyle Langford, Matt Dea
Carlton
In: Dennis Armfield, Blaine Boekhorst, Jarrod Pickett, Billie Smedts
Out: Harry McKay (Toe), Simon White (Knee), David Cuningham (Ankle), Tom Williamson (Illness)
B: Kade Simpson, Liam Jones, Jacob Weitering
HB: Jack Silvagni, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman
C: Sam Kerridge, Bryce Gibbs, Dale Thomas
HF: Jed Lamb, Levi Casboult, Zac Fisher
F: Matthew Wright, Charlie Curnow, Sam Petrevski-Seton
R: Matthew Kreuzer, Sam Docherty, Marc Murphy
I: Dennis Armfield, Blaine Boekhorst, Jarrod Pickett, Billie Smedts
E: Kristian Jaksch, Rhys Palmer, Ciaran Sheehan
Key points
- The Bombers left out two defenders (Andrew McGrath and James Kelly), but only brought in one backman (Patrick Ambrose). So who will be added to the defensive mix? Brendon Goddard can play across half back as could David Myers or will Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti return to the area of the ground he made his name in last year?
- Ben Howlett has been in excellent form in the VFL where he has been averaging 25 possessions per match and eight tackles. It's those defensive qualities that could see him line up on Bryce Gibbs in the midfield or play a defensive role on Sam Docherty in the Dons forward half.
- The Blues could send Sam Kerridge to Zach Merrett. Kerridge has performed run-with roles in the past and in the adsence of Ed Curnow shapes as the man most likely to take on the 'tagging' role for the Blues.
