Defence

James Gwilt on Liam Jones

Michael Hartley on Levi Casboult

Matt Dea on Simon White

Midfield

Ryan Crowley on Marc Murphy

Ed Curnow on David Zaharakis

Forward

Sam Rowe on Joe Daniher

Jacob Weitering on Mitch Brown

Joe Daniher, Mitch Brown and Sam Grimley started as the key targets for Essendon in attack.

Ryan Crowley is running with Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow is running with David Zaharakis.

Carlton controlled the opening exchanges, leading the clearances (11-6) and the inside 50’s (13-8) throughout the first 20 minutes of the match.  During that time 65 per cent of possession was in Carlton’s attacking half.  It translated into a two goals to one advantage.

Blues defender Jacob Weitering left the field early in the second tem with a shoulder injury.

Essendon evened the territorial dominance in the second term, registering eight of the first 11 inside 50’s.  Despite this, the Dons only outscored the Blues by one point in this time.

At half time the Bombers trail by 15 points.  Adam Cooney is the leading ball winner with 18 possessions.